No-Sew {Disney} T-Shirts

My three boys went to Disney, and two of their cousins came with us.  So... with five boys {six and under} going to Disney, I knew they needed matching shirts.  Matching shirts look adorable, they let other people know that you are a group, and they make it easier to keep track of everyone.  Clever and cute!  :-)

I have yet to figure out how to use my sewing machine, so I knew the shirts had to be "no sew".  I headed to Walmart, and I picked up some Heat n Bond (iron on adhesive), some $5 t-shirts, and some matching fabric scraps.

First, I used a Mickey Silhouette (from one of the boy's coloring books) as a template.  I traced the shape onto the Heat n Bond and cut it out.

Then, I used the same template to cut the shape out of the fabric.

From there, I just followed the instructions on the package.  

The shirts turned out really sweet, and the boys were thrilled, but I did find they weren't very durable (i.e. They didn't survive washing.)  It may have been "user error", but to be safe, if you want them to last more than a day, you might want to try sewing them on.  

(Or... as suggested by one of my readers... seal the edges with fabric paint.  Such a great idea!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

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Tooth Taxis {out of old film canisters}

Here's an easy and inexpensive idea I got my from sister {who teaches Grade One} -- a "Tooth Taxi" made out of an old film canister. 

My oldest son has just started loosing teeth, and it is serious business to a six year old.  A lost tooth could be a total catastrophe!

So... why not use a cute sticker to turn a regular film canister into a tooth taxi?  This is a perfect way to get a tiny tooth home safely.  :-)

I even made a bunch and sent them to my son's First Grade Teacher to have "on hand" for her students.

So clever.  Thanks for the idea, little sister!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disney Craft {Personalized Autograph Books}

We went to Disney World for March break, and we decided to treat the boys to a "Breakfast with the Characters".  So... when I saw some adorable autograph books at Craftomaniac, I knew I had to do a version for my boys {and their cousins who came with us}.

I don't have a fancy craft cutter, so I tried to keep things simple. 

Here's what I did: 

1)  I downloaded a Mickey Mouse silhouette and traced it onto a piece of cardstock.  I also cut a two squares of cardstock (one for the front cover and one for the back cover) and a letter (initial) in a contrasting color.

2)  I taped the silhouettes and letters in place (using double sided tape) and had the front and back covers laminated at a business supply store.

3)  I cut about 15 pieces of blank paper (for each book) and used a hole punch to put holes in the tops of the pages and the covers.  Then, I secured everything in place with key rings.

4)  Finally, I added some cute ribbon so the boys could hang the books around their necks.

The personalized books were a huge success, and the boys had a great time getting autographs from all their new Disney friends.  :-)

I think Mickey liked them too.  :-)

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

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Dollar Store Easter Garland

Here is another quick and easy Easter projects to do with the kids.... a Dollar Store Easter Garland.  It's the perfect Easter craft for toddlers and preschoolers... but older kids will love it too.

Just get some foam eggs from the dollar store, some glue, and whatever embellishments you have lying around in your craft drawer.

Then, let the kids decorate the eggs however they want.

When the glue has had a chance to dry completely, string the eggs together to form a garland.  Easy and totally cute!  :-)

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.

Easter Napkin Rings {made from paper towel tubes}

If you are hosting Easter dinner this year, you are going to love this little project... Easter napkin rings made from empty paper towel tubes. It's a wonderful way to get kids involved in Easter preparations.

Wouldn't your little one be proud to set the table with something they created?  Here is how easy they are to make:

First, cut paper toilet paper tube into 1 ½” rings, and have the kids paint them. 

Then, decorate with any embellishments you choose.  We used stickers from the dollar store to keep things simple.

To finish, cover the rings with Modge Podge or glue.  (This will make them stiff and keep the stickers in place.) 

Add an Easter napkin and you are ready for guests! 

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.

Sing with Me

Lately, I have been reading a lot about the importance of music to the cognitive development of children.  It has been proven to help children with coordination, learning to read, and self-esteem.  I couldn't agree more.

My oldest two rocking out before the youngest "band member" was born

Music has always been a big part of the lives my my boys.  Despite the fact that I can't carry a tune to save my life {seriously!}, we are always singing, listening to music, and dancing around the kitchen.  {And in case you are wondering... my dancing is not very good either.  lol}

I don't think it matters what you listen to, but in case you are looking for musical inspiration, I thought I would share a few of our favorites here (in no particular order):

1)  Disney Music - We have a great Disney compilation CD, but the music from the Lion King is our favorite.  These songs are always catchy and fun to sing along with.

2)  Music by Kathy Reid-Naiman - You may not know the name, but her songs are great.  If you want to add a few new songs to your iPod, look her up on iTunes.  We really like:  "It's a Beautiful Day", "The Truck Song", and "Sleeping Bunnies".

3)  Raffi - I am partial to Raffi because I grew up listening to him, but my boys like him too.  The funny/silly scenarios in "Down by the Bay" always manage to bring a smile to their little faces, and "I Wonder if I am Growing" always brings a tear to my eye.  :-)

4)  Personalized CDs - We have a couple of different versions of these "put your child's name in the songs" CDs, and my boys still enjoy them.  I also think they make good baby gifts.

5)  Sesame Street - We have the "Sesame Street Platinum" CD.  It is a great CD with lots of songs that moms and dads will remember from their childhood.  Who doesn't love "Rubber Ducky" and "C is for Cookie"???

We also love: Sharon, Lois and Bram, our Kindermusik CD, The Wiggles and many more.

I hope you feel inspired to sing and dance.  Don't worry if you aren't very good... your kids won't care.  :-)

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Dr. Seuss Inspired Fun

In this house, we love Dr. Seuss.  The combination of rhyming and silliness is simply irresistible.  So, a couple of days ago, we gathered up some of our favorite books and had some Dr. Seuss inspired fun!

THE CRAFT:  We started out by making some "Cat in the Hat" hats.  To make the hats:  

1)  Cut a circle out of the center of a paper plate.

2)  Tape the ends of two pieces of card stock together.  Then, have the kids color stripes onto the paper.

3)  Tape the ends of the paper together (to form a cylinder), and attach it to the paper plate with tape.


THE SNACK:  For a snack, we made these simple "green eggs" {from "Green Eggs and Ham"}.

To make the eggs:

1)  Melt white chocolate chips in a bowl.  (1-2 minutes in the microwave on 50% power)

2)  Use a squeeze bottle filled with white chocolate to make an "egg" shape onto a sheet of wax paper.

3)  Give the wax paper a gentle shake to smooth out the chocolate, add a green Smartie, and allow to cool completely.  (Special thanks to Little Warriors for the snack time inspiration.)

THE LUNCH:  For lunch we had "Grinch" juice (milk with green food coloring) and "One Fish Two Fish" Sandwiches.

We had a great day reading, crafting and eating.  Thank you, Dr.Seuss!  :-)

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS - Find more Dr.Seuss crafts, activities, and snack ideas here.