Marker Monday - Wiggle the Caterpillar

Today's craft was inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Begin by decorating a cardboard tube any way you want. It doesn't have to be a caterpillar, it could be an ant or butterfly (ooh wings would be cool!) or any wiggly critter that suits you. Then slide two pieces of ribbon, about three feet each, through the tube.

To wiggle your critter you will need a partner. Each of you need to hold a ribbon in each hand.

When you spread your hands apart the caterpillar will wiggle to your partner.

And then your partner can wiggle it back.

 Even toddlers like Yahoo can play with this. The boys helped model for pics by slowly wiggling the caterpillar down the ribbon but once I put my camera down they had the caterpillar shooting towards one another as fast as an Indy car!

Marker Monday - Toilet Paper Tube Jewelry

This winter I've found it hard to keep Yahoo occupied during the day. I like art projects but it's hard to find ones that are suitable for an almost 2 year old. But I was looking through some of my old art teaching stash the other day and found these ideas.

Toilet Paper Tube Bracelets

 Cut tube in strips

Paint the outside with glue. Okay, I helped a little with this.

Cover with glitter, paint, fabric, paper, etc and let dry.

I normally hate glitter but I'm glad we got it out because Yahoo loved it and kept asking for more.

If your little ones hands are too big for these bracelets cut one side and wrap around his/her wrist. Yahoo likes to put these on her ankles too.

Toilet Paper Tube Barrettes



Take the cut strips and cut one side to create a flat strip. Cut the strip into thirds (1 1/2" each) and use a hole punch to add two holes for the hair sticks. I used bamboo skewers I cut into 3" sections and sharpened with a pencil sharpener. You can always change the sizes depending on how much hair your girls have. Yahoo's hair is fairly fine so we kept them small.

For these we kept it simple - painted then added some stickers. I've always loved these kind of hair holders. And with a bit of imagination, and not a toddler who will destroy them, you could create something pretty fancy!

How have your kids stayed busy inside this winter?