Author: Parent Living

INGREDIENTS 2 Packages Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding Red, Yellow, Blue and Green Food Coloring 6 Disposable Plastic Pastry Bags (or one and wash out bag between colors) Clear Plastic Cups  DIRECTIONS Prepare vanilla pudding as directed on box. Separate into six bowls for mixing. Add desired amount of food coloring into each bowl to create all six colors of the rainbow and mix well. Transfer pudding into pastry bags. Pipe pudding into clear cups in rainbow order. For an extra little treat, try hiding chocolate gold coins at the “end of the rainbow” for your children to discover!

You NeedCeramic or china cup and saucer18-inch length of ribbon, cord or fabricSuper glue gelBird seedRuler DirectionsUse super glue gel to glue the side of the cup opposite the handle to the center of the saucer. Hold in place as needed and let dry. (Follow the package instructions for applying and letting the glue dry.)Thread the length of ribbon, cord, or fabric through the handle of the cup. Knot the ends together about 2 inches from the ends to form a loop.Hang the birdfeeder on a branch within view of a window and sprinkle birdseed on the saucer and inside the cup.This cup-and-saucer bird feeder is not only a fun craft to make with your children, but it’s also a great snack for the birds that come visit your home. 

MATERIALS 1-quart covered container Yellow adhesive-backed paper (such as shelf paper or Contact paper) Permanent markers Scissors Colored paper or card stock Pens or pencils Circle template or 2- to 3-inch round lids Optional: joke book  INSTRUCTIONS Use a pen or pencil to draw 2-3 circles on the yellow adhesive-backed paper. Use permanent markers to turn the circles on yellow paper into laughing, silly emoji faces. Also write the words “Joke Jar” on the yellow paper. Cut out the circles and cut around the words. Decorate the covered container by peeling and sticking the adhesive-backed words and emojis to the container’s sides and lid. Cut the colored paper or card stock into pieces that are 2-3 inches square. Write jokes on the paper squares, fold them in half to hide the jokes, and place them in the jar. Place the jar on your dinner table or in an area where your family gathers. Take turns drawing a paper out of the jar and reading the jokes aloud.

INGREDIENTS 1 Package Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Egg-shaped candies of your choice Waxed Paper A tasty, yet simple snack inspired by nature!DIRECTIONS Melt chocolate chips in bowl in the microwave. Stir noodles into melted chocolate. Set desired amount on waxed paper and use your hands to form nest shapes with a hollow space for eggs. Place a few eggs in the center of each nest. Let dry.Note:  Chocolate may set quickly.  Reheat if  chocolate becomes difficult to work with.  

INGREDIENTS 1 stick (1/2 c.) butter, softened ½ c. granulated sugar ½ c. cocoa powder ¼ c. packed brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 egg whites 1 c. flour ½ tsp. baking soda 1 c. dark chocolate mint M&M’s Thin, crisp, minty, chocolate cookie brittle . . . a delicious mix between a thin mint and a brownie. DIRECTIONS Combine butter, sugars, cocoa powder and vanilla and  mix until smooth. Stir in egg whites until mixed completely. Add flour and baking soda; mix until thoroughly combined. Stir in most of the M&M’s, reserving some for top. Cover a large jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray and spread dough as thinly as possible  (should cover all or most of a 16×12 inch pan). Press additional M&M’s into dough. Bake at 375 degrees for 14 min. Cool on pan; break or cut into irregular pieces. 

MATERIALS Apple Barrel® Colors - 2 oz.: white, black, bright yellow Apple Barrel Colors - 8 oz.: pink parfait Folkart® Brush Sets - Stencil Brush Set, Short Handle Plaid® Stencils - Value Packs - Letter Stencils 1-1/2” Old School Plaid Brush Sets - Flats & Rounds Other suppliesLarge clay pot and saucer INSTRUCTIONS Paint clay pot and saucer with Pink Parfait. Let dry. Squeeze white paint onto paper plate and dip child’s finger into paint. Press fingerprint in a circle pattern to create  white flowers as shown. Let dry. Squeeze bright yellow onto plate and dip child’s thumb into paint. Press thumb in center of flowers as shown. Let dry. Stencil “I Love U” with black as shown. Let dry. Paint rim of pot with white, let dry.Most of the materials for these crafts  can be easily ordered at Plaidonline.com.  Spend less time driving around looking for  craft supplies and more time crafting!