Not So Crafty Momma

Shape Turkey Craft

It’s hard to believe, but the end of November is almost here! We don’t celebrate the history behind Thanksgiving, but my toddler is obsessed with turkey related crafts and activities this year! Today, I want to share an easy craft that is perfect for kids from one to four with slight modifications based on age and ability level!

Materials Used

Construct Paper
Glue
Scissors
A Pencil, Marker, or Crayon

We sat down at the table and I asked my daughter to name three shapes. After that, I wrote the shapes she named on a piece of paper. Next, I cut out the shapes. I also cut out the shape of feathers in multiple colors. If your little one doesn’t know their shapes yet, you can just pick some out! If your child can use scissors, they can cut the shapes themselves!

After the prep work was done, I read each shape name to my daughter and she got to work making her shape turkeys!

Sara’s shirt is from our shop! Check it out here!

My daughter insisted her turkeys needed eyes, but that step is completely optional!

If you liked this craft, please share it with a friend!

November 22, 2020November 22, 2020

PatriciaLeave a comment

Five Reasons open Ended Art Is Beneficial For Preschoolers

In our house, often we use art as a learning tool. Sometimes, I plan out an art project with specific educational goals in mind, but I also often set up open ended art projects. Today, I want to share five reasons why open ended art time is important!

Open Ended Art Encourages Creativity

Children learn new skills so much more easily than adults do. By giving them random art supplies and leaving the end results up to them, you are helping them develop creativity that will last a lifetime!

Open Ended Art Encourages Self Exploration

We keep a wide variety of construction paper, including paper that represents a variety of skin tones, on hand. It is always interesting to watch my daughter explore the art supplies we have and turn them into something that is meaningful to her.

Open-Ended Art Gives Children A Risk-free Way To Get Comfortable Trying New Things

Trying new things can be scary! Engaging in open ended activities often can help children cope better when uncertain situations come up.

Early Exposure To Art Can Make Children Better Students

Children who routinely engage in art and other creative activities are statistically better students.

Open Ended Art Helps Improve Fine Motor Skills

Painting, gluing, cutting, and drawing all help with fine motor skills!

Art is just as important as play in young children. The freedom allowed during open ended art time is super beneficial to little ones! I’d love to hear from you! Is open ended art a learning tool in your house? What are your favorite materials to present to your child?

November 15, 2020November 15, 2020

PatriciaLeave a comment

Easy Air Fryer Recipes

You can make fast and easy meals and side dishes with these family friendly air fryer recipes! Foods made in the air fryer are healthier and really yummy!

This is a hearty meal in the air fryer that you can have ready in 30 minutes. Serve these Air Fryer Kielbasa and Potatoes up with some crusty bread and butter, a side salad, or vegetable, and you’ve got a great balanced meal that will have them coming back for seconds.

Everyone loves baked potatoes, but they can take an hour to cook. Not in the air fryer. You can make them in HALF the time!

Air fryer potatoes have never been easier with this potato wedges recipe! Only 15 minutes are needed to take a simple russet potato into something special. So crispy and delicious. Dip these potatoes in ketchup or your favorite sauces!

Calling all bacon lovers! This air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp is loaded with flavor and makes a special appetizer, dinner or snack option!

Looking for a healthy appetizer for your next get-together? These Air Fryer Burger Bites will be the hit of the party for kids and grown ups alike, and they’re Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and Low Carb!

Make these delicious and simple pizza bagels in the air fryer! This is a great dinner time solution for the family.

These Vegan Cheesy Potato Wedges are a perfect snack when your family is craving something cheesy and comforting. The potatoes are air-fried so they’re a much healthier choice than regular fried potatoes.

This Popcorn Tofu is the perfect snack for the whole family. It’s a tasty option for a healthy dinner because no oil is used when air frying or baking the tofu. Kids love trying all kinds of dipping sauces with these.

If you enjoyed this small collection of recipes, please share it with a friend!

November 8, 2020November 8, 2020

PatriciaLeave a comment

Ten Terrific Muffin Recipes

The weather is getting cooler in our area and we are spending more time indoors. One of our favorite cold weather activities is baking! Today, we want to share some amazing muffin recipes!

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins are easy and moist. They make great snacks!

Panera Pumpkin Muffins are an easy copycat recipe. They are moist with a crumb topping.

These whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffins are a better for you version of a favorite recipe.

These light and fluffy blueberry muffins are a delicious way to start the day.

These Healthy Toddler Banana Oat Muffins are quick, nutritious, and customizable!

These Healthy Raspberry Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins are made with whole wheat! They are flavorful but healthy!

These healthy banana carrot muffins are a delicious breakfast treat that even your toddler will love!

These healthy gluten-free applesauce muffins are easy and quick to make!

These healthy Gluten-Free Banana Sunflower Mini Muffins are so quick to bake! They’re also vegan, and naturally sweet.

These easy cherry muffins make for a quick and delicious breakfast.

We hope these recipes gave you some fall baking inspiration! If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with a friend!

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

Patricia16 Comments

Fall Book List

In our house, we love everything fall and Halloween! Today, we want to share a short list of books that are perfect to read in October and November!

**This post contains affiliate links. We may get a small commission, at no additional charge to you, for purchases made from our links. All opinions are our own.**

We’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite children’s book to read during October or November?

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

PatriciaLeave a comment

Fall Wreath

Fall is in full swing and the leaves are so pretty this year! Today, I want to share an easy fall craft that will get you and your little one out of the house to enjoy the fall foliage!

**This post contains affiliate links. We may get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, for purchases made from our links. All opinions are our own.**

Materials Used

Paper Plate
Scissors
Leaves
Glue
A Small Strip of Wax Paper

We started by going out to hunt of leaves that had fallen in our yard. You can go to a local park or really any safe location to find your leaves!

After we found our leaves, we put them on a paper towel and let them dry for several hours. After they were dry, I cut out the center of the paper plate.

Next, I helped my toddler glue the leaves onto the paper plate ring!

After the glue dried, I turned it over and taped on a tiny piece of wax paper. Ribbon would have worked better, but I couldn’t find any! The finished product is a cute little fall wreath!