Creative Family Fun

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Terri Thompson

Valentine Matisse Inspired Collage

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Have you seen examples of Henri Matisse’s cut paper collages?

They’re fun and whimsical. And, they’re easy to imitate.

We decided to do a Valentine version in red and pink. We each made a Matisse inspired collage, perfect to display in February.

Create beautiful Valentine artwork with this fun Matisse inspired collage that's perfect for Valentine's day but can be adapted for any time of the year.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

This open-ended art project is fun for kids of all ages. And, it’s low on mess! The messiest part was cleaning up our paper scraps.

Supplies Needed:

White paper
Pink and red construction paper
Glue stick
Scissors

How to make a Valentine Matisse inspired collage

Before we began our project, we took a look at some collage examples from Matisse.

Here’s some great information on Matisse written for kids from the Tate Galleries art museums in London.

Once we looked at examples and got some ideas, it was time to start.

Matisse painted the paper that he used for his collages, but we skipped that step and just used red and pink construction paper. You can certainly do this, but it does take more time.

There really is no “right” way to do this project. You can cut out all your shapes at once and arrange on the paper. Or do each shape individually. We did a combination of both.

Since this project was for Valentine’s Day, we included a few heart cut-outs to go along with all of our other shapes.

We cut and arranged. And, once everything was perfect, we glued it all down.

And in the end, we had some awesome collages that we inspired by Matisse. We did our own take and each collage reflected our personalities. Isn’t that the best?

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How to adapt this for younger kids

This art project was perfect for my elementary-aged kids, but you can certainly do this with younger kids.

If your kids are comfortable with scissors (or are working on scissor skills) have them cut various shapes from your pink and red paper. Then, they can arrange them on paper and glue it all down.

If your kids are too young to do the cutting, you can prep this project by cutting the shapes and then let your child do the arranging and gluing.

This Valentine Matisse inspired collage is a great activity choice for a group of mixed age kids!

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You may also like one of these Valentine activities:

Silly Heart Puppets

Paper Plate Valentine Bear Craft

Valentine Watercolor Resist Painting

Cotton Ball Heart Painting from Sunshine Whispers

Our recommended art supplies:

The supplies we used for this Valentine art project are ones that we like to keep on hand. We use them all the time! If you want to stock up on supplies, here are some that I recommend:

Do you want to do more activities with your kids?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Paper Plate Multiplication Practice Activity

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We’ve now entered the world of multiplication facts with my youngest daughter. And, even though it’s my second time around this block, I’m still looking for new and fun ways to help her practice.

I think I found a winner with this Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They’re fun, colorful, and perhaps most importantly, my daughter loves them.

Awesome!

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Supplies Needed:

2 paper plates (for each set of multiplication facts)
Craft Paint
Scissors
Glue
Black marker

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

How to make your Paper Plate Multiplication Activity

Grab your craft paint and completely paint the top of one of your paper plates. Set aside and let it dry.

Note: If you’re short on time, this step of the process can be skipped. I love the color and think it makes the activity much more fun and colorful. But, you can certainly leave both of your plates white.

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

Once your paint is dry, flip your plate over and divide the edge into 13 sections. (For 2 x 0 all the way through to 2 x 12)

Use your scissors and cut each section from the edge of the plate to the first dividing line.

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

Flip your plate back over and write your multiplication facts on your cut sections.

Write one math fact per section. Start with your times zero fact and write your facts in order all around the circle.

In the center of your plate write a number representing which set of multiplication facts are on your plate.

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

Next, take your 2nd plate and apply glue to the center section. Place your colorful plate on top of the second plate and glue them together. Press down for awhile and let dry before your continue.

Note: Do not apply glue to the textured edge section of your plate! You need your edges to remain separate.

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

Once your glue is dry, flip up each of your sections and write the answer underneath.

That’s it! Your paper plate multiplication practice wheel is ready to use!

Fun ways to use your Paper Plate Multiplication Practice Tools

The easiest way to use this (and my daughter’s favorite) is to pick it up and use it to quiz your self on multiplication facts. You can check yourself by peeking under the flap.

These are also great to use with with pairs. One child can use their paper plates to quiz their partner.

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

These multiplication facts are so easy to take on the go. If you’re short on time and need to take some school work with you to sports practice, a waiting room, the backseat of the car, etc., just grab one of your multiplication paper plates. There are no small parts to lose.

How would you use one of these paper plate multiplication facts?

Have fun practicing your multiplication facts with this simple Paper Plate Multiplication Activity. They're easy to make and make times tables fun.

You may also like one of these math activities:

Three Digit Addition with Playing Cards

Practice Multiplication with Jelly Bean Arrays

Hands-On Perimeter Activity: Perimeter Lab

Multiplication Checkers at Teach Beside Me

Our Favorite Math Resources

One of our favorite ways to practice math at home is with a fun game. Here are some awesome math games that I know you’ll love!

Do more activities with your kids:

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Chinese Rattle Drum Craft

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Do you know what a Chinese rattle drum is?

The rattle drum is a traditional Chinese toy that’s often found at festivals.

I’ve always found that one of the best ways to teach my kids about another culture is by doing a craft. So we decided to make our own version of a Chinese rattle drum craft.

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

This kids craft version is fun to make and opens the door to discussions about Chinese culture and Chinese New Year. Keep reading and I’ll tell you how we made it.

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

Supplies Needed:

Heavy cardboard (from a shipping box)
Scissors
Lid (we used a sour cream container lid)
Red construction paper
Wood beads
Gold paint pen or permanent marker
Glue
String
Large craft stick

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

How to make your Chinese Rattle Drum craft:

To start, I used the plastic sour cream lid to trace three circles.

I traced one on the cardboard and two on the red construction paper.

Then we cut them out. The cardboard is hard to cut, so an adult may want to tackle this part of the project.

Chinese Rattle Drum

While I was cutting the cardboard, my preschooler decided to decorate the red circles with the gold paint pen.

We talked about a few Chinese designs she could draw and she opted to decorate her drum with gold coins. They were joined later with a few friendly dragon faces.

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

After I cut out the cardboard circle, I poked a hole in each side. We needed the holes to tie our beads to the drum

Meanwhile, my preschooler colored our beads with the gold pen.

Once our decorating was finished, we glued a red circle to each side of the cardboard.

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

The, we took the string and tied it through the two holes in the side. (Note: We found using a needle made this step much easier.)

We then tied a bead to each string making sure your strings are short enough that your beads will hit your circles.

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

To finish off our drum, we glued a large craft stick to the back of our drum. We happened to have a red craft stick, but any color will do.

I also added a dot of glue to each knot. Without the glue, we had problems with our knots coming untied while we played with the drum. Once we added the glue, our knots have stayed strong.

To play the drum, hold it by the stick and rotate your drum back and forth. The bead will swing up and hit your drum. Then, grab your sister (or brother or friend) and go dancing through the house!

Make a fun craft for Chinese New Year or any time you're learning about China when you make this Chinese Rattle Drum craft for kids.

You may also like one of these China crafts and Activities:

Straw Painting and Paper Lanterns

Chinese Character Printmaking Project

35+ China Activities for Kids

10 Books About China and Chinese New Year at No Time for Flashcards

Our favorite crafting resources

You probably already have most of the resources you need to make this fun Chinese rattle drum craft at home. But, if not, here are a few of our recommended products:

Would you like to do more activities with your kids?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers

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We love to make crafts for Valentine’s day! Do you?

Here are some fun Valentine crafts for preschoolers that will be perfect for your little ones.

These ideas are fun and open-ended and allow your kids to get creative. They’ll be so proud of their finished products! And you’ll love to display them all over the house.

Keep reading for these fun ideas.

Your kids will love creating for Valentine's Day with this selection of Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers that are so much fun to make.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Fun Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers

Your kids will love creating for Valentine's Day with this selection of Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers that are so much fun to make.

Below you’ll find a lot of fun Valentine crafts from collages to puppets to fun gifts to give. Or, maybe you want to make a wiggly armed heart.

No matter what you choose, your kids will have so much fun.

Grab some supplies and let’s get started! You won’t need anything complicated and you probably already have most of the supplies you need. You can even find some of the supplies in the recycle bin.

I can’t wait to have some fun with these Valentine ideas!

Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers

The best, most cutest Valentine crafts for preschoolers

Heart Collage Valentines Cards

Turn a simple collage into a pretty heart card.

Silly Heart Puppet Valentine Craft

Make and then play with these awesome Silly Heart Puppets.

Coffee Filter Valentine Heart Suncatcher

Decorate your windows with these beautiful heart suncatchers.

Stained Glass Window Valentines

Send a beautiful stained-glass window Valentine to your family and friends.

Dip-Dyed Valentine Banner

Make a banner with pretty dip-dyed heart doilies.

Heart-Stamped Valentines

Photo Credit: creativefamilyfun.net

Use cardboard tube stamps to make a pretty Valentine card.

Valentine's Day Heart Craft for Kids - The Resourceful Mama

Photo Credit: www.theresourcefulmama.com

Creative a fun and silly wiggly-armed heart person.

Love Bug Name Craft for Preschoolers

Photo Credit: fromabcstoacts.com

Practice your name with this fun love bug craft.

Popsicle Stick Valentine Frames

Photo Credit: www.craftymorning.com

Use these awesome Valentine frames to display your handprint.

Conversation Heart Photo Frame

Photo Credit: preschoolinspirations.com

Make fun frames with conversation hearts for a fun gift for friends and family.

Super Fun Craft Stick Love Bugs!

Photo Credit: www.sunshinewhispers.com

These simple love bugs are fun to make and fun to play with.

Tin Foil Heart Valentine's Day Craft

Photo Credit: iheartcraftythings.com

Make beautiful hearts using tin foil as your canvas.

Homemade Valentine Cards Using Celery as a Rose Stamp

Photo Credit: crystalandcomp.com

Use celery to make roses to decorate your Valentine cards.

Hole-Punched Heart Craft

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Decorate with these fun fine motor Valentine craft.

Easy Mosaic Heart Craft

Photo Credit: www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Create mosaics to make a beautiful heart craft.

Salt Dough Hearts

Photo Credit: www.thebestideasforkids.com

These salt dough hearts would make a wonderful Valentine's gift.

Simple Kid Made Owl Valentines

Photo Credit: www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Hoot! Hoot! Who wouldn't love the cute cardboard tube Valentine owls.

Did you see an idea that you like? Which of these fun Valentine crafts for preschoolers do you want to try?

It’s too hard to decide on just one. You may have to make a few!

Your kids will love creating for Valentine's Day with this selection of Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers that are so much fun to make.

You may also like one of these Valentine activities:

Valentine Nonstandard Measurement Activity

Valentine Sensory Bags for Toddlers

Recycled Valentine Crafts for Kids

Fun Valentine Math Activities

Our favorite Valentine craft resources:

In order to have fun creating our crafts, we like to have resources on hand.

From simple construction paper and glue to more fun Valentine’s items like heart stickers.

Here are some things we recommend keeping on hand for a successful Valentine craft session:

Do you want to do more activities with your kids?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Fun Hockey Activities for Kids

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Do you kids love hockey? Are they on the edge of their seats, cheering loudly, and begging to stay up until the end of the game?

If so, they’ll love this fun collection of hockey activities with everything from crafts, games, and learning activities.

These ideas make great boredom busters. Save these ideas for those days when you’re stuck inside because of bad weather.

Grab a few supplies, gather the fan club, and get ready to have some fun!

Are your kids crazy about hockey? Here are some great hockey activities that will get them moving, learning, and creating.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Hockey Games:

Play Tabletop Hockey. Find out how to make this simple tabletop game at Little Bins for Little Hands.

Play Marshmallow Hockey. Your kids will love this fun boredom buster from Lovely Commotion. You’ll love how easy it is to set it up.

CD Air Hockey. Finally, something fun to do with all your old cd’s! Set up this fun game from Busy Toddler to keep you little toddler busy.

Create a Mini Hockey Rink. You can use this tiny ice rink from Playtivities for all sorts of fun games.

Play Balloon Hockey. This game from Creative Connections for Kids is a fun thing to play when the kids are stuck inside.

Play Pompom Hockey. This game from Learning 4 Kids is a great way to get your kids moving inside.

Hockey Science Projects:

Do Hockey Science. Find out what will slide the best on ice and expore friction with our hockey science project here.

Table Hockey With Eggs. Experiment with friction with this fun STEM activity from A Little Pinch of Perfect.

Hockey Crafts:

Make a Cardboard Hockey Stick. Use recycled cardboard and a few other simple supplies to make our fun Cardboard Hockey Stick craft.

Make a Tabletop Hockey Rink. Your kids will have fun making and playing with this fun hockey rink from Handmade Charlotte.

Make Mini Hockey Sticks. Today’s Parent shows you how to take simple craft sticks and turn them into mini hockey sticks.

Hockey Learning Activities:

Gross Motor Phonics Hockey Game. Learn with movement with this fun driveway hockey game from Learn Play Imagine.

Print out the Hockey Printable Pack. Every Star is Different has created a fun printable pack for tots and preschoolers. Plus, she shows you so many fun ways to use them.

Play Name Hockey. Help you kids learn their name (or work on the alphabet) with this fun indoor hockey game from How Wee Learn.

Learn and have fun with Color Ice Hockey. This fun game from Teach Preschool is a great way to help your kids learn their colors.

Play Number Hockey. Learn your numbers with this fun set-up from Toddler Approved. SCORE!

Are you as in love with all these hockey activities for kids as I am? I’m not sure which ones I love the best.

Which of these hockey activities for kids are you going to try?

Are your kids crazy about hockey? Here are some great hockey activities that will get them moving, learning, and creating.

You may also like one of these fun kids activities:

Christmas Science – Grow the Grinch’s Heart

Hot Chocolate Science

Color Mixing Lab STEAM Activity

Fun Number Line Activities for Kids

Hockey resources I love:

In addition to these fun hockey activities, you little hockey fans would have fun with one of these great toys:

Are you looking for more kids activities?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.