Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that ‘handmade’ is the new must have designer label? 

 

I have never, ever, considered myself to be crafty, in fact, when I’ve had reason to walk into a fabric or craft supply store I expect to hear sirens go off and a big flashing arrow pointing at me, a loud voice booming over the P.A system. “You don’t belong here!” So, you can imagine my surprise when, as I hit my stride on this motherhood gig, I discover I quite like a wee bit of ‘do it yourself’ in my spare time!

 

Feeling very thrifty and Martha Stewart-esque, and, with a rather unhealthy addiction to Pinterest, I’m embarking on creating a veritable smorgasbord of fun for my son by making our own versions of popular (and often expensive!) kids craft products. Not only is the process of seeking out ‘recipes’ and the supplies needed to make them enjoyable, but I know exactly what is going into the hands of my toddler, (and, let’s face it, more often than not, his mouth!), with the added bonus of not spending a fortune on overly packaged, probably toxic, ready made options.

 

 

       1 cup plain flour (sadly, gluten free flour doesn’t produce a good, strong dough.)

       1 cup water

       ½ cup of salt (in theory, it’s to stop them eating it!)

       1 Tablespoon cooking oil

       2 teaspoons of cream of tartar

       (I like to add a drop or two of yummy essential oils to add to the experience!)

      

       Mix all ingredients in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Keep turning mixture 

       To centre – don’t worry about lumps. It’s cooked when the mixture forms a stringy

       mass. Keep in an airtight container (it will keep for longer if refrigerated.)

 

 

Slime:  this recipe comes from Pinky McKay – “Toddler Tactics”

“A soothing treat best enjoyed outdoors! As a wonderful, gooey, tactile experience, plonk the slime into a baby bath and let your toddler squeeze, squelch and ooze!”

 

1 cup Lux soap flakes

3 cups hot water

Powder paint or food colouring

 

Mix the soap flakes and hot water. Stir vigorously until the soap has dissolved then leave the mixture to set overnight.

Finger Paint: Another recipe from Pinky McKay for some messy, outdoor fun!

 

1 cup cornflour

2 tablespoons sugar

3 cups cold water

Food colouring

 

In a saucepan, mix the cornflour and sugar together then add the cold water. Stir over low heat until the mixture is well blended. Divide the mixture into three or four parts and add a different colour to each. Empty baby food jars are ideal storage vessels for the paint.

 

 

Bath Crayons: (from www.kiboomu.com). After my recent bath time struggles, I’m up for trying anything to get my toddler into the bath! These have been a hit!

 

  

Footpath Chalk: (from www.ohmyhandmade.com). We spend literally hours outside drawing all sorts of designs onto our paved backyard. This tutorial creates HUGE pieces of chalk in vibrant colours, and is simple enough for the kids to help. A school holiday must have activity!