Fireflies and Family: Girl Scouts

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Where Did December Go?

Oh, how often I thought of ideas to post during the Christmas season...but the act of actually DOING the crafts and activities took precedence over POSTING about them. Ah, well...the best laid plans. My family and I did enjoy the holidays, and we hope that yours did, too.

My daughter had two elves visiting her this year, sending reports back to Santa about her behavior. Harriet and Lizzie Beth managed to get into occasional trouble themselves whenever they were treated

to sweets, but it was all in good fun.

My daughter danced in "The Nutcracker" for the first time this year, so that kept our weekends hopping, getting to performances. It was a wonderful experience. I favorite performance was at a retirement home. The residents were so excited that the girls were there, and fascinated with their costumes.

Our Girl Scout Brownie troop went caroling at a retirement home, and handed out candy canes and cards. Don't know who had more fun, the residents or the girls. Guess it's a toss-up!

We made LOTS of jars to Christmas cookie mix for teachers, coaches, the postman and friends. Everyone seemed extra-excited that there were M&M's involved. I've been wanting to do mix jars for the holidays for years, but this is the first time I actually got my assembly line up and running. Glad that I made the effort, because they certainly brought smiles!

White chocolate-covered Oreos, with candy corn noses and icing eyes and smiles. Need I say more? This plate was empty in NO time!

We change up our mantle decorations each year, so I made a felt "icicle" scarf and brightened it with a bit of spray mount and LOTS of glitter. But my favorite addition this time around was the apothecary jars. They're just so cheerful. Now, convincing my daughter that they were for DECORATION ONLY for a couple of weeks was another matter!

At the beginning of the holidays, I read about a new book titled "365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life", by John Kralik. I pre-orderd it through Amazon, and it has finally arrived. (It was only released a couple of days after Christmas.) The thought behind the book is the difference it can make in your and others lives by simply expressing gratitude for the small and big things in your life. I decided that's a worthwhile (if a bit imposing) resolution to add to my list for this year. One note a day...to someone...anyone...to say thanks. The postman, a kind store clerk, one of your former teachers, a friend, the list goes on. And I can honestly say that I've stuck with this resolution so far! HURRAY! O.K., O.K., I know it's only January 2nd, so that only means two nots so far....but, hey! Take pride in small victories right?

So let's take on this new year and do wonderful, creative, fun things, and spread the love. I'll be turning 50 in a couple of weeks so I'm especially determined to make this year a contagiously joyous one.

Wishing you and your loved ones a fun-filled, exciting,
safe and happy 2011!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Gift Idea Easy Enough for Kids to Make

Since my Brownie troop is working on their sewing try-it and the holidays are approaching, I thought I would have them make something warm and cozy to keep or give as a gift. Fleece scarves! And luckily, many of the local fabric stores have been having sales on fleece...just watch for the ads.

Supplies:

2 colors of fleece, 2 yards each (this was enough to make about 11 scarves)

thread

sharp scissors

sewing machine

Cut the fleece in 6 inch strips, the full width of the fabric. Pair and layer one of each color, and sew a single line down the center of each pair. It's already starting to look cozy!

After reviewing scissor safety with the kids have them make cuts on both sides of the scarf, ALMOST to the center line of stitching. Remind them not to snip THROUGH the stitching. My group cut little strips about the width of one or two of their fingers and they looked great.

It takes just a bit of time (about 30 minutes if you're singing and telling jokes during the process) and patience, but they loved the results (and got very creative with different ways to wear them!).

10 girls + 20 busy hands=10 great scarves and a happy leader!

Join in the fun at:

Monday, November 1, 2010

Rudolph Rings in the Season

I saw these cute little reindeer ornaments at a recent craft show and knew immediately that my Brownie troop would LOVE to make the lil' critters!

The project is easy enough for a six-year-old (with the possibility of a bit of antler assistance). My troop is made up of eight-year-olds, so I know they'll be able to dive right in!

Supplies:
Mini terracotta pots
brown acrylic paint
brown pipe cleaners
jingle bells (small enough to fit inside the pots)

wiggly eyes

red pom poms (nose)

festive ribbon (for hanger)

craft glue (or glue gun for older crafters)

Step 1: First I wiped off the pot with a damp towel to remove any manufacturing residue, and then gave it a light coat of brown paint.

Step 2: Loop a pipe cleaner through the bell, to the halfway mark of the pipe cleaner, and twist a couple of times.

Step 3: Thread both ends of the p.c. upward through the hole in the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Make small, outward bends in the p.c. to keep it from slipping back through the hole. I found that a dab of glue on each side helped to keep the p.c. from "flopping over". Antlers that stand up are so much cuter!

Steps 5 & 6: Glue on the eyes and nose.

Step 7: Bend the antlers into little points (luckily, perfection isn't
required).

Step 8: Fold a small length of ribbon in half, knot the ends together, and thread the loop upward through the pot hole.

Once the glue is dried, Rudolph is ready to hang.

I admit that I couldn't resist after this project was "finished"...and I drew little lashes on with a Sharpie. Definitely an improvement.

I hope that you have the chance to try this with the kids in your life...or just make a few for yourself.

I'm linking up to the fun at: