Making Apple and Potato Stamps

Apple and Potato stamps are an easy way to have fun and create some beautiful art. This project requires relatively few supplies, but will require supervision for younger children.

You will need:
Fresh apples and/or large potatoes (each apple or potato will make two stamps)
Knife
Pen
Paint
Plate
Clean-up Supplies

Start by washing your potatoes and apples well. The first part of this project is the creation of the stamps, which requires the use of a sharp knife. It is important for younger children to be well supervised at this point, it may even be a good idea for an adult to do the steps that involve using a knife.

Step one is to cut the apples and potatoes in half. Make sure the cuts are nice and clean, as any mistakes will be apparent when the apple and potato halves are used as stamps. At this point you can leave the apples halves whole and use them just as apple shaped stamps. You can also use the halves to create more complex stamps.

In order to create a more complex stamp, you start by drawing the outline of the shape into the center of the apple or potato half. Once the outline is clearly drawn in, use the knife to cut the outline into the apple or potato, the cut should be about a quarter of an inch deep. After the outline is cut, carefully carve away the outer edge of the apple or potato away from the outline cut. Make these cuts from the outside in, until you reach the cut of the outline. You will want to cut away about a quarter inch of the apple or potato, leaving just the shape that you drew into the apple or potato as a stamp.

When your stamp is made, pour a small layer of paint into a plate. Spread the paint throughout the base of the plate. You can dip the stamp or apple half into the layer of paint, or you can use a paint brush to apply the paint to the stamp. Then, place the stamp paint side down onto the object you are decorating.

You can use these stamps to decorate clothing, create pictures or anything else that could use some decoration and absorbs paint. When you are planning your project, make sure that you decide what type of object you want to decorate and also make sure you have the correct type of paint for that object.

How to Give Tie Dye a Try

Tie Dying is a great way to spend a day. You have the opportunity to be creative and create a truly unique piece of art. Even better than having a one of a kind piece of art, this is a piece of art that you can wear. When you are preparing to tie dye, you first have to choose what you want to create.  You can make t-shirts, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillow cases and more.

Learn How to Make Sugared Flowers - Yes you can eat them!

Summertime is a great opportunity to practice some new flower crafts. It's amazing how many different crafts use fresh flowers. You can press flowers, but if you have access to edible flowers, you can enjoy a much sweeter flower craft. Sugaring flowers is a simple, delicious, and fun way to preserve and enjoy edible flowers. Once you have perfected your skills, you can use them to decorate delicious cakes and other food items.

Secret Writing

If you have more than one kid in the car, have one child close their eyes and put out their hand.  The other child uses their finger to trace a letter on the palm of the out-turned hand.  Try to guess the letter, then trade places.  If the kids are good at guessing, they can try spelling out whole words. 

The License Plate Game

This classic game is a staple of all road trips, and it has a few variations.  The easiest version is to ask kids to look for letters of the alphabet, one letter at a time.  They can get the letters from road signs, billboards, and, of course, license plates.  When someone finds “A,” everyone moves on to “B” and so forth.  License plates come in handy for tricky letters like Q, X, and Z! 

How to Play Artist, Model, Clay

This game requires three players and some open space.  One player is designated as the Artist, one as the Model, and one as the Clay.  The artist should close their eyes (or blindfold themselves with a bandana).  The Model then strikes a pose, something that puts their body in an unusual shape. 

Canoeing with Kids

If you’re ready to explore nature with your kids, canoeing is a great way to get started.  With everyone happily floating in the canoe, you don’t have to worry about tired feet or weary little legs.  With just a few tips, you and your family can be out on the water in no time.

What to Pack
Bring along sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, a towel or two, jackets, hats with brims, and sunglasses.  If you’re renting your canoe, you’ll be provided with paddles and life jackets.  Ask if you can take out a few extra life jackets to use as seat cushions.

How to Start
Pick a canoeing spot with flat water or very slow-moving river water.  If the day is too windy, skip it—it won’t be a pleasant experience for anyone.  Before you start, put your child in their life jacket (or PDF).  Be sure you have one that’s designed for a child of his/her weight (check the tag on the inside collar).  A child’s PDF should have a floatation collar that will support the head and a crotch strap.  Be sure to size the jacket correctly; if it’s too tight or too loose, it’ll bother your child during the whole trip.

Decide how long to make your trip.  Small kids do best with outings that are an hour or less.  If you really want to take a longer trip, see if there’s a stopping place halfway where everyone can get out and run around.

Getting In
If your child is very small (under three), seat them at the bow, with an adult right behind them.  That way someone can see the child at all times and help keep them involved in what’s going on.  Older kids can sit in the middle of the canoe.  If your kids are older, ask the canoe rental facility if they have any kid-sized paddles.  Even if your little one winds up paddling backwards, they’ll have a good time feeling like they’re helping.
As you get in, keep your body low and step directly onto the centerline of the canoe.  Use your hands to steady yourself along the gunwales (at the sides).  Get one adult settled before you let the kids enter, one at a time.  The last person in is the final adult.  The person in the rear will be responsible for steering and powering the canoe, so this is where you should place the strongest paddler.

On the Water
Do your best to keep things interesting.  Paddle close to shore, where there’s more to look at.  Point out birds and wildlife.  Notice the way drops trickle off the paddle and leave a pattern in the water.  Under supervision, let your child trail his/her hand in the water.  Notice the clouds, the sound of bird song, and sticks or other things in the water.  The more often you go canoeing, the longer your trips can be.  This is a great way for a family to travel!