ML Interest Tag: supply-store

12 Benefits of Upcycling for Parents

by Gabby Cullen

Taking care of our planet is the job of everyone, and that’s why we are totally on board when it comes up upcycling. From reusing old clothing and plastic bottles, to saving money and serving as a role model, there are plenty of upcycle ideas that benefit parents. Keep reading to see our top 12 reasons why everyone benefits from a little repurposing.

You can express yourself creatively.

Bernard Hermant via Unsplash

Whether you love a swipe of a paintbrush, feel handy with a hacksaw or just enjoy a little blood, sweat and tears, upcycling can bring about a huge sense of accomplishment and joy when you express yourself creatively. When you want to feel full of purpose outside the role of being a parent, upcycling projects can help put your mind to good use, all while saving the planet at the same time.

You're being a great role model.

iStock

Taking care of our planet starts with us, and our little ones will follow suit. Recycling, being mindful of food waste and only buying what's necessary are all ways to show our kiddos how to take care of our resources.

It’ll keep you out of the art supply store.

Debby Hudson via Unsplash

If your kid goes through art supplies like she's on fire, using materials you might otherwise throw out helps keep costs down (think: corks as stamps, toothbrushes as paintbrushes and TP rolls for just about anything).

 

You’ll be able to explain the “junk” in the garage.

iStock

“Oh that? No, it’s not an old rusty wagon without wheels or a bottom; it’s an upcycling project in progress.” Basically, your hoarding habit just went way up on the coolness scale.

Those tiny concert tees bought pre-kid take on a whole new meaning.

Delia Creates

Don’t give up on your tiny tees. Make them into an uber-cool tote, instead. You’ll be the hippest mom at the farmers market.

Kermit would approve.

Little Bin for Little Hands

It's not easy being green. Do you ever wonder how much recycling actually gets... recycled? Repurpose stuff headed for the bin and you won't have to hope it ends up in the right place.

It’s a great way to get rid of the plastic bags under the sink.

Carolina Pez via Unsplash

Maybe, one day you’ll remember to drop all those bags in the recycling container at the store. Or, you could just use them in an awesome upcycling project. Gorgeous mini planters, anyone?

It forces kids to think outside of the box.

Mike Fox via Unsplash

Give kiddos different and new materials; wait and see what happens. In a flash, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls and old jeans might become a miniature city complete with roads and cars. There’s no end to the creativity!

Empty wine bottles look nicer as candle votives.

Or a chandelier, or a vase, or even a bird feeder. There are tons of creative uses for those bottles (besides pouring a second glass), so drink up! Psst! Save the corks for reason #2.

Your home will have history.

Wooden Earth Ltd

Whether you use old crib bumpers to make a quilt for your first born’s big girl bed, or if the dining room table was made from the scrap wood from your grandfather’s barn—it’s a story you’ll share for years.

You’ll save major cash.

Burst by Shopify

Need building blocks on the quick? Skip Target and try juice cartons filled with sand as an alternative. Want to give the play room an update? Make pillow cushions out of old pajamas. Upcycle, and save cash—plain and simple.

You’ll be the cool parent on trend.

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

You’ve giggled with other parents about your neighbor and his upcycled messenger back (gum wrappers, seriously?) but the movement is going mainstream—so why not lead the eco-friendly, playground pack?

—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

15 Creative Upcycled Crafts for Kids

25 Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste That Are Actually Doable for Families

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Brands You’ll Feel Good Investing In

 

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Celebrate Good Times! D.C.’s Best Shops for Your DIY Kids Party

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

If you’re planning a birthday bash for your little one, whether it’s the 1st or the 5th, there are plenty of great shops around the DC area that offer a wide selection of party-making materials–from invitations to decorations, kids activity/craft supplies, creative baking supplies, favor materials and more. Here’s what we found in our hunt for the best shops.

Photo: Kids Birthday Parties via Flickr

Party Mania
The DMV is jam packed with independently owned party stores, but this is one of the best. Loaded to the brim with great party items, this is where to head if your wee one has their heart set on a pop culture favorite, such as Dora or Nemo. These discount party stores offer themed basic party sets (plates, cups, napkins, etc.) as well as matching favors, balloons and even piñatas. Also, there are plenty of generic items in every possible color so you can mix and match with themed items to save a few dollars.

4910 Cordell Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
301-907-0750
Online: mypartymania.com

Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Del Ray Variety
If you swing by this Alexandria hub, be prepared. If you shop with your kiddos, they are bound to find dozens of different things that they can’t live without (you will, too). Variety stores like this provide super choices for unique toys, such as small barnyard animals, wooden tea sets, kites, and wonderful gifts to create cool favor bags. There are also many good supplies for a party craft project.

Del Ray Variety
203 E Custis Ave.(Alexandria, Va)
844-378-9209
Online: delrayvariety.com

Photo: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store via Facebook

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store
Shops that once were solely focused on fabrics mostly have branched out fully into craft stores as well. These materials are excellent for DIY parties for little ones. Many of these stores, including this one, also allow you to throw your party right in their shop, with craft projects lead by their great staff.

Multiple locations
888-739-4120
Online: joann.com

Photo: The Dandelion Patch via Facebook

Dandelion Patch
The Dandelion Patch offers a personalized experience for discovering the finer details of party planning, providing guests with a wide assortment of customizable materials and accessories–from unique invitations to signs to sweet touches around the table.

1663 Wisconsin Ave., NW (Georgetown)
202-333-8803
Online: thedandelionpatch.com

Photo: Just Paper and Tea via Facebook

Just Paper & Tea
This is a little gem of a place and has unique little gifts, including mini tea tins in assorted flavors, which make perfect little favors for a tea party birthday (hint-hint). More than that, helpful staff will help pick out the coolest fabric kites, gorgeous invitations, a wide array of special papers, ribbon and more. Heads up on strollers, be prepared to leave them outside of this very small space.

3232 P St., NW (Georgetown)
202-333-9141
Online: justpaperandtea.com

Do you have a favorite party supply store? Tell us where it is in the Comments section below.

–Kristina Messner

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How to Make Your Own No Sew Quiet Book

by Jenn Andrlik

What baby and toddler toy is quiet, educational, portable and can be crafted by you? A DIY quiet book filled with sensory experiences. It’ll keep your tot busy whether you need a minute at home or are trying to keep calm waiting at a restaurant or the doctor’s office. With just a few materials and a hot glue gun (that means no sewing required folks!), you can make an ABC-themed quiet book for your little one by following our simple step-by-step instructions.

Materials

Lots of colorful felt
Sensory materials such as paper, ribbon, yarn, fabric (optional)
Fabric scissors (or sharp scissors)
Hot glue gun and glue
Hole punch
Binder rings (you can find these at your local office supply store)
Imagination

How to Make the Quiet Book

1. Start by making the book’s pages. We decided to create an alphabet-themed quiet book. Each page shows something that starts with the corresponding letter. For this theme, you’ll need 15 pages including the front and back covers, using both sides of the felt so the book won’t be too bulky. You can make the book as big or as small as you want – our example measures 5 1/2 inches x 9 inches.

2. Punch holes on one side of each of the pages. We used four holes on each page, but depending on the size of your book this can, and should be adjusted. This is where the binder clips will go through to hold the book together.

3. Lay out your book. Once you’ve decided on a theme, start laying out the pages you want to create and thinking about what will go on each one. We started by cutting out all of the letters of the alphabet, then we made a list of what we wanted to use to illustrate each one. Next, we planned out what color felt we wanted to use for each page. For example: We didn’t want to use a red page for “A” because we were going to create a red apple. You want your illustrations to stand out.

4. Cut out your pictures from felt and the other materials you’re using. You can make them as simple or as intricate as you want. Some examples: E for envelope (which actually opens so babies can put things in it), J for jeans (we actually used denim to make the pants), P for paper bag (we used a real paper bag for the crinkly effect), and R for ribbon (we tied ribbon together for this illustration instead of using felt).

Note: Think about sensory play when you are putting together your pages. Don’t just use one type of material, explore what other materials you can use like crinkly paper, soft yarn, or fabrics. It will enhance the book and the experience for your child.

5. Glue items to the pages. Once you’ve decided where everything should go in your book and made all of your elements, you can start gluing them onto the pages with a hot glue gun.

6. Put the book together. Place the pages in the order you want them and slip the binder clips through the holes you punched in step 2.

7. To finish, add a title to the front cover. We cut out letters from felt that spell out “My Quiet Book” but you can do whatever you want – add your child’s name or another picture you’ve made, for example. The possibilities are endless. Half the fun of this book is that it is personalized for your child and one of a kind.

Have you tried making a quiet book for your baby? What makes yours special?

–Jenn Andrlik

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Tinkertopia: The Alternative Art Supply Store You Need to Know

by Allison Sutcliffe

The rain that we all secretly crave has returned and parents know what that means. Indoor play spaces, engage! If you’re looking for a new space to explore this fall, add Tinkertopia—an alternative art supply store in Tacoma—to your rain-refuge list. It’s a maker’s paradise not to be missed by tiny tinkerers, future inventors and creative crafters of all ages. It’s tinkerific!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

A Reimagined Creative Space
From the moment you walk through the doors at Tinkertopia, you get the distinct feeling that you’ve never been in a store quite like it before. More than an art studio, different from an artist supply store, it’s the exact space one would imagine if Fred Sanford and Geppetto designed a workshop over drinks. Owners Darcy and R.R. call it a Creative Reuse Center, or an alternative art supply store. And they pretty much nailed it on the head, because Tinkertopia is to creative spaces what Nirvana and Pearl Jam were to mainstream music, an original alternative.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Once the initial sensory-awe subsides, take a look around and be amazed again. Because everything in the store has been saved from the landfill. It’s a bonanza of scraps, cast offs, irregulars, overstocks, seconds and more, looking for a new home, and Darcy and R.R. are kind of like their realtors. You never know what you’re going to find on any given day, but typically stocked items often include snow shoe frames, beads, cosmic ray shields, storm trooper masks, bottle caps, crayons, slideshow wheels, and kiln clips.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Curiosity piqued yet? Families can interact with this hip space in four different ways: shop the store, drop-in at the maker space, take a workshop, or book a party. Read on for the deets on each.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Buckets, Bins and Barrels of Fun
At the corner of Repurpose & Upcycle is the Tinkertopia shop itself. The walls are lined with buckets, bins, and oversized barrels where families can shop for craft supplies to use at home. Choose from a small ($6.95), large ($9.95) or humungous ($19.95) size bag and start filling. Anything that fits is fair game. Sorting and exploring the different bins is half the fun for little artists. It’s like having a hundred sensory tables all in one space. Oh the different textures, colors and sizes! Just be careful of the few bins that house objects with sharp or irregular edges (don’t worry, they’re marked).

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Shoppers will also find individually priced items that are rare or one-of-a-kind, as well as some pre-packed DIY kits full of handpicked creative odds and ends. They bear cute names like “Grandpa’s Junk Drawer,” “Ol’ Gran’s Sewing Basket,” and “DIY Puppet Theater.” Prices on these kits range from around $5-$10 and they make killer presents for creative kiddos. Think birthday or stocking stuffer!

 photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Drop-In Times
For $7, mini makers get 90 minutes to create a masterpiece or invent the next big thing in the Make & Take Tinker Space. Drop in any time the store is open and workshops aren’t scheduled to take full advantage of this creative area. Little designers will find buckets and bins filled with intriguing odds and ends that they can use for their project. And to put it all together, there’s sure to be just the right tool, too. Some are simple like glue or string, but others might require a little more supervision, like the sewing machines, drills, saws and die cuts that line the Tinker Tool wall.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

In this space, kids are their own creative masters. It’s up to them to invent or make something from the bits and pieces around them. But if they get stuck or need some inspiration, Ms. Darcy is there with helpful suggestions and some guidance on the many tools in the space. And parents, you can sit on the sidelines and marvel at the things your mini me creates or join in the process! If you’re wondering about the best time to drop in, we suggest weekday mornings, when you won’t typically find a crowd.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

Workshops
Tinkertopia hosts a variety of workshops, for both kids and adults, scheduled each month. Unlike the drop-in time, workshops are directed; participants work toward a common final product, adding their own touches as they go. In the past, tiny tinkerers have created Mini Altoid Traveling Dioramas, board games and cork action figures. On the horizon are upcoming holiday-themed classes if you’re looking to craft hand-made gifts, cards or just find a great activity over winter break. If you’re interested in attending a workshop, be sure to register in advance, as workshops max out around 10 people and fill up quickly. The cost is usually between $10-$15 for each two-hour workshop.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

A Tinkerific Birthday Bash
The Tinker Space is also available for your little inventor’s next birthday bash. Party packages ($150) include a two-hour weekend time slot that starts with cake and presents and ends with 60-90 minutes of guided tinker time for up to 10 kids with Ms. Darcy. When clean up is done, each partygoer can fill a small tinker bag with goodies so they can continue their creative journey at home. The best part? These parties don’t have to be just for kids. Got a mom’s (or dad’s) group that needs a night out? Or a baby shower coming up? Remember, parents like to tinker too!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

Make A Day of It
Besides being a powerhouse of creativity, Tinkertopia also boasts a great location. The Washington State History Museum is right across the street, the Tacoma Children’s Museum is just a few blocks away, and The Museum of Glass is just a quick walk over the most colorful bridge in the state. Plus, everything else families need to make it a day is close at hand, too. Restaurants and cheap parking line Pacific Ave. between eye-catching shops that are worth exploring. The fact that all this is walkable is just icing on the cake!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

Tinkertopia
1914 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, Wa 98402
253-778-6539
Online: tinkertopia.com or on Facebook
Hours: Tues.–Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Do you plan on creating something cool at Tinkertopia? Tell us about your experience below.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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How to Make a Gingerbread House…From Scratch

by writerredtri

Crafting and cooking may be two of the messiest things you can do with your kids, but when it comes to making a gingerbread house it’s totally worth it. Bree from Baked Bree (and mom of three) shares with us her tips and tricks to simplify the gingerbread house building and decorating experience.

I really like making gingerbread houses with my children, but I feel that I must tell you a few things first to prepare you.

1.  It will make a giant mess, over the course of a few days.
2.  Your children will eat more candy in one sitting than they probably will eat in a month.  3.  It will be so much fun that it will be totally worth having dried royal icing all over your house and hyper children.

The first thing that I am going to recommend if this is your first gingerbread house is to start small.  I have made many houses before, but this year we invited a friend over to make a house with us and I wanted it to be really fun and not stressful.  I found this cute little elf cottage pattern at Simply Recipes (there are some good tips in this article as well).  It is the perfect size for children and beginners.  There are tons of patterns out there on the ol’ Interweb so take a peek around and find something that you like.  I really like the train from Family Fun and have made it a few times.  It is also good for beginners.

When you make your dough, it needs to chill for at least 4 hours, better yet, overnight.  Print out your pattern.  I use card stock so that the pieces are sturdier.  Roll out the dough fairly thick and lay the pattern pieces on top.  I like to cut out my pieces using a pizza cutter.  Put them on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake them.  Leave them on the cookie sheet until they are completely cool.  I made 4 houses, so I did this 4 times.  Make sure that you have all of your pieces cut out.  Double check.  Nothing is worse than trying to assemble a house and realizing that you forgot to cut out one side of the house.  I should mention that I used 2 batches of gingerbread for these 4 houses.  I had just enough.  I would make 3 batches if I were doing this again.  I would have liked to have made people also.

In a perfect and completely organized world, you would let these sit overnight.  You want them to be really solid for building.

Now you need some glue.  Otherwise known as royal icing.  Use whatever recipe you like, but I like this one:

4 cups sifted powdered sugar

2 Tablespoons meringue powder

5-7 Tablespoons water

Sift the sugar and meringue powder into the bowl of an electric mixer.  Add 5 Tablespoons of water.  Use the paddle and mix on medium for about 7 to 10 minutes.  You want this to be fairly thick.  It is going to be what holds the house together.  If you need to, add a bit more water.  Drops at a time.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but it is amazing how royal icing can go from so close to runny in a matter of seconds.  Go slowly.  Put the icing in a piping bag fitted with a round tip.  I used an Ateco #10, it was the perfect size for assembling the house.  Royal icing will last overnight as long as it is in an airtight container.  However, it will not last if it is in a piping bag overnight.  The water will start to separate and it will run.  So at the end of the day, pipe whatever is left in the piping bag into the container and start with a fresh piping bag the next day.

Get yourself something to make the house on.  I like these 10-inch cake rounds that I got at a bakery supply store.  Michaels has them too.  I have also used wood.  They need to be sturdy as the house can get pretty heavy.  I like to start with a right angle.  Usually the back piece and one of the sides.  I pipe the bottom and put the piece down on it.  Then I pipe the seams.  Let it rest for a few minutes and start to harden before you move on.  I use something (like this little milk jug) to prop them while the dry.  Do the other side and let that rest.  Add the front. I was making 4 houses, so by the time I got back to the first one, it was set enough to move on.  This part is really important as it will make life so much easier when you are decorating.  It will not fall apart and the kids will not be freaking out that the roof has caved in.

Let the base dry for a bit before you add the roof.  I piped a little scallop on the bottom because it looks cute, but it also adds a bit of structure and stability to the house.  When you are ready to add the roof, pipe icing around the edges of one side.  Place your cookie piece on the icing and keep for hand on it for a minute or two.  You really want it to stick.  The roof is always the hardest part for me.  When the one side is hard, add the other side.

Your house should be put together.  I do this the day before I am going to decorate it.  I know that we are now on Day 3 of gingerbread house making, but I did warn you that it would take a few days.  If you do not have the time to let it sit, it is not the end of the world.  Just be more careful about handling it.

Now for the most fun part, decorating.  Do yourself a favor and buy a disposable tablecloth to go over your work area.  Have everything set out and ready to go.  The piping bags had an Ateco #3 tip on them.  We had M&Ms, licorice, Dots, Starlite Mints, gummy bears, sprinkles, coconut, ice cream cones, all kinds of fun stuff.  I like to formulate a plan before I start, but the kids just go town.

Any tips or tricks about how to make an awesome gingerbread house you’d like to share with our readers? 

Be sure to check out more from our friend Bree at Baked Bree.  

Also, for more fun kids craft projects visit our Carefree Crafting page HERE

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