Just Me Being Crafty:)

So far, this summer, I've tried to think of some fun things to do at home with my children. With the heat the way it is outside, we can only do so much outdoors! I've tried to think of a few fun "art/crafts/projects" to do after nap time. So far we've made our own playdough. A little trick, if you're interested, is to add some extracts to the playdough. I added some lemon extract to our purple playdough and it smelled yummy!

We have made edible playdough in the past. This is good, too. It's a little expensive because you have to use powdered milk (why is this so pricey???? Even the Wal-Mart brand!) and honey, but the end result is fun that kids can even eat.

Something that I have always enjoyed making with kids is homemade butter. (I like to do fun activities involving food!!) I learned to make this when I taught preschool and our class would make some every year we discussed "farms". This is SO easy to make and it's actually really good! Try it and wow your family with your skills.

1. Start with a clean, small container. I used a large baby food jar, since I have many availaible, lately. I have also used a small food storage container in the past.

2. Pour some whipping cream in the container and add a pinch of salt. Don't fill the cream to the top of the container. It looks like it is in this picture for some reason, but it's not.



3. Close the lid tightly and shake that thing like crazy! When we did it, we all took turns shaking. Now, this part takes a long time and requires a lot of HARD shaking. Once the kids are done (which will be after a few seconds), you take over and just shake it! You'll start making some weird faces....I tend to do an overbite, where my top teeth clench my lower lip.

4. After a few minutes of shaking the container, you'll see the mixture get lumpy and then solid, while turning a slight yellowish color. It's ready! You'll see some excess liquid. I like to pour this out. What you're left with is actual butter that you made!!! You can leave it in the jar or....

...you can take out your favorite cookie cutters and make the butter into fun, little molds!

Either way, you can serve your new creation at dinner and your husband will think he's married to a true Ma Ingalls. LOVE her!

This week's fun activities at our home will include finger painting with pudding and making our Father's Day cupcakes. I found a CUTE idea that looks easy. I'll post next week! If you have any fun craft ideas for me, please let me know. I am running out of ideas and it's only mid-June....a few more months to go!