Upcycling Beads and Charms

So here is my crafty invention for the week. (Although I'm sure someone has done it before and way better). I decorated a bead and a charm from an old necklace using my Cricut and some Mod Podge.

Let me just start by saying, I have never used Mod Podge before. This was my first attempt. I have been seeing so many crafts online using it, I had to buy some and try it out. I have all kinds of ideas to try, but let's start with one at a time.

First, I cut small designs out of paper(thin purple paper for the stars on the bead) or sticker paper(gold for the charm):

Then I stuck the cutouts to the bead and charm and applied the Mod Podge:

Very simple process. I think the results were... ok for my first time. You can't see the Mod Podge on the bead much, but there are some streaks on the charm. I think it was the type of brush I used. Next time, I would use a softer smoother brush.

I think you could do something similar to this with kids. The Mod Podge would have to be carefully supervised though. I am pretty sure it's toxic judging by the smell of it. Have the children get creative and see what they would want to decorate... a pet rock perhaps :)

What have you used Mod Podge for? Let me know what you think!

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Texture Sequencing Sticks

We are going to be starting our lesson on the 5 senses next week. Here is an activity I made that teaches sequencing while adding a sensory aspect by using materials with different textures.

These are very easy to make with the jumbo craft sticks and make sure you use a hot glue gun! (The number 6 is the rough side of velcro) There are many materials with different textures that I'm sure you can find just laying around your classroom. I like having the kids write down or draw pictures of their observations in the class science journal. Have them describe in detail how each one feels, compare the materials and see if they can figure out what each is made from (metal, plastic, etc.). Have fun!

Great Pinterest Activity Finds!

Here is something cool I found on Pinterest from Erin Farrell Photography's Blog. I am so going to do this for Dr. Suess's birthday this year with my preschool kiddos. It would be cool for sorting colors. I have never celebrated Dr. Suess's birthday in my class before, so it should be fun. Check out the other Dr. Suess things on this blog that she made for a birthday party. Some people go ALL OUT for birthday parties. I guess I am just not that motivated because that just seems a little excessive to me, but definitely love it all and might be willing to try pieces and parts of it!

Also found this one on Pinterest from Frugal Family Fun Blog. So easy, but I never would have thought of trying this!

HAPPY CREATING!!!

 I am participating in I can teach my Child's Show and Share Saturday Link-Up!