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A remedy for summer bored-itis!

July 13, 2010 By Amy @ Positively Splendid

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Create a fun lineup of puppets straight from a Picasso painting with your children this week!
 Let me show you how.

Let me preface this post by stating what is most likely the obvious: In a household with three children aged 4 and under, we eat a lot of macaroni and cheese. And I do mean a lot. That little box has helped me in a pinch more times than I care to enumerate.

I mentioned before when I shared these bubble wrap crocodiles about the fun kids’ craft book my mother-in-law gave me a while back. It is full of terrific ideas for little ones, and as I was thumbing through it recently looking for an indoor activity to entertain my older two monkeys, I was immediately drawn to some puppets calling for small cereal boxes as the base. (Think of the mini cereal boxes often served at hotel Continental breakfast bars.) The puppets were darling, and I really wanted to put some together, but who on earth wants to go out and spend far more per ounce for a product just because the packaging is cute? Not this mama! While I was prepping a box of mac & cheese last week, though, I had a sudden epiphany: why couldn’t I just use these boxes instead?

What a fun activity for little hands. You can tailor this craft to the age group you are targeting by doing more or less of the prep work before the hands-on time with your kiddos. I love the fact that this is one activity where a child’s imagination can really soar. And in addition to the fun of putting them together, these little guys are downright delightful to play with, too!

It probably goes without saying, but when opening the boxes you plan to use for this project, be very careful not to tear it up beyond repair! Open the flaps on one end instead of using the perforated pour spout many boxes provide. That way, you can simply apply a bit of hot glue to the open flaps to re-seal the box before you begin the project.

All set? Let’s get started!

You’ll need…
Empty macaroni and cheese boxes
Hot glue
Acrylic paint and foam brushes
Craft foam sheets
Markers
Scissors
Elmer’s glue
Googly eyes, feathers, and other various embellishments

Sanity-Saving, Plan-Ahead Tips for Busy Parents
The night before…
…gather all supplies and place in one location.
…locate your handy-dandy box of freezer paper. With painting/gluing projects like this one, it is a lifesaver in making for super easy cleanup!
…consider painting and cutting the boxes to have them at the ready if you are working with very small children.
…pre-cut various face shapes and features if your children are too small to do so themselves, or if the time you will have to complete the project will be somewhat limited.
Have fun!

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The hot glue, knife and scissors all required for this project should only be used by an adult. 
Craft safely!

Linking to…
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Amy @ Positively Splendid
Amy @ Positively Splendid

Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.

EVEN MORE GREAT IDEAS JUST FOR YOU!

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Filed Under: Kid-Friendly Projects, Tutorials Tagged With: Living green, Puppets, Upcycling

Previous Post: « Fabric Calla Lilies
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelli @ RTSM says

    July 13, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    Very cute! We have lots of mac n cheese boxes at our house too!

  2. Brenda says

    July 13, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    With opening a daycare soon, I am curious about the book your MIL gave you. I would love something like that to have around the house for craft time! Is it easy for us ‘non-crafty’ people? LOL!

  3. Sarah B. says

    July 14, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    Fantastic idea and great tutorial!!

  4. Ott, A. says

    July 14, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    Just wanted to let you know I gave you an award over on my blog today. I have been a fan of your blog ever since I started. congrats!!
    http://alattewithotta.blogspot.com/2010/07/awards-from-ott.html

  5. malia says

    July 15, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    thanks– i know my kiddos you love this! what would we do without googly eyes?

  6. Katherine marie says

    July 16, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    Fantastic! Fun! Wonderful!

  7. Holly says

    July 17, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Adorable and pretty irresistible!

  8. Erin says

    July 18, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    So totally adorable. We just made puppets this morning but I think I like your better! Thanks for sharing!!!

    http://www.makingmemorieswithyourkids.blogspot.com

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