Showing posts with label homemade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homemade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homemade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homemade. Show all posts

Make Edible Egg Coloring Dye to Use with Your Dudley Egg Spinner: Recipe

Replacement Edible Dye for Egg Coloring Kits

Make your own DIY Egg Coloring Dye with this Edible Egg Coloring Recipe. It is simple, quick, and works just as good! We have a Dudley Egg Spinner, but ran out of coloring dye. So, we made our own. Enjoy!


This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

Make Edible Egg Coloring Dye to Use with Your Dudley Egg Spinner: Recipe
Make Edible Egg Coloring Dye to Use with Your Dudley Egg Spinner: Recipe.

Easy Baklava Recipe with Inexpensive Ingredients

Easy Peanut Butter Baklava

Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from layers of phyllo dough and chopped nuts. It's a lot of work and can be quite costly, depending on the type of nuts chosen. This easy mock Baklava recipe allows you to make a baklava-inspired dessert more easily using inexpensive ingredients. If peanut allergies prohibit the use of peanut butter, other nut butters can be substituted. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

Easy Baklava Recipe with Inexpensive Ingredients
Easy Baklava Recipe with Inexpensive Ingredients.

Learn more about Baklava history.

Baklava Ingredients

   Syrup
       1/2 c. sugar
       1/4 c. honey
       1/2 c. water
       1 T lemon juice
       1 cinnamon stick
       2 whole cloves
       1/2 t vanilla

  Filling
       1/4 c. crunchy peanut butter
       1/4 c. butter
       1/4 c. chopped peanuts (opt.)
       1 t. ground cinnamon

1 carton flaky biscuits


Easy Peanut Butter Baklava Recipe
Easy Peanut Butter Baklava Recipe.

1.  Bake biscuits at 350 degrees F until no longer doughy but not golden brown.  If the tops get hard, you can just discard the top layer later.  Allow the biscuits to cool.  Leave the oven hot.
2.  While the biscuits are baking, start to prepare the syrup:
      a.  Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
      b.  Turn the stove to medium.  Stir until the sugar dissolves.
      c.  Continue to heat with occasional stirring until the syrup reaches 225 degrees F, or until the syrup thickens.
      d.  Remove the syrup from the heat.
3.  Prepare the filling:
      a.  Melt the butter in a small bowl in a microwave at low power.
      b.  Stir in the peanut butter, cinnamon, and extra peanuts, if desired.
4.  Prepare the baklava:
      a. Lightly grease a small baking dish.  I used a 6" x 6" square dish.
      b.  Peel about half of the biscuits into layers.  Cut them in half if using a square dish.
      c.  Put a layer of biscuits in the bottom of the pan.  Be sure to fill up the edges of the pan so the syrup doesn't pool at the edges later.
      d.  Spread a thin layer of filling on top of the biscuits.
      e.  Continue to alternate biscuit layers and filling until the filling is consumed, layering more biscuits if needed.  End with a layer of biscuits.  I did not use the whole container.
      f.  Pour the syrup on the baklava.
5.   Bake in 350 degrees F oven for 10 minutes.
6.  Allow the baklava to cool completely.  ut the baklava into desired shapes.


Recommended:


Don't want to make it? Buy Baklava*















ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)


Homemade Potato Chips Microwave Oven

Recipe for How to Make Potato Chips in the Microwave

Have you always wanted to make your own Potato Chips? Potato chips are extremely over-priced. Everyone knows that! So, how do you make potato chips in the microwave at home? This recipe for homemade potato chips is healthier, fresher, and cheaper than store bought. So, how many potato chips can you get from just one potato? Let's find out. Enjoy!


Homemade Potato Chips Microwave Oven
Homemade Potato Chips Microwave Oven.

If you've ever made fried potatoes, you know it is tempting to turn them into chips, but how does that work? Fried Potatoes are often greasy, slimy, and squishy. Baking potatoes dries them out, but they still aren't chips. If you want to make chips at home, the microwave is your best friend.

How to Make Potato Chips in the Microwave
How to Make Potato Chips in the Microwave.

We found a recipe at AllRecipes.com, but tweaked it to make our own version of homemade potato chips.



Homemade Potato Chips Recipe Microwave

1. Slice 1 potato very thin. We use a Pampered Chef Chip Slicer on the thinnest setting.

Make Potato Chips Microwave Potatoe Potatoes
Slice potatoes very thin.

2. Soak the potato slices in salt water for about 10 minutes.

Making homemade potato chips recipe.
Soak potaotes in salt water.

3. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on a microwave safe plate.

Spray with cooking oil.
4. Coat the slices with vegetable oil spray.

5. Microwave the potato slices until golden and crispy. Our microwave requires about 7 minutes. Start with 5 minutes until you figure out what your microwave requires. Also, thicker slices will take longer.

Make microwave potato chips at home.
Make microwave potato chips at home.

6. Carefully remove the plate. It will be hot. Once it has cooled slightly, you can peel off the potato chips.

7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 until all the potato slices are cooked.


We got about half of a regular sized bag of chips from one potato! Plus they are healthier since they are not fried. You can dress them up with toppings like ranch dressing, shredded cheese, barbecue sauce, sour cream dip- whatever your heart desires... maybe some chocolate dip? Ketchup works too!


Try it with a Sprial Sliced Potato.




Recommended:

Pampered Chef Sprial Chip Slicer*

Applesauce Like Grandma Used to Make

Scoops Appetizer Ideas

Easy Tuna Salad Ring











ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)


Grandma's Homemade Applesauce: Life is Good in the Kitchen, The Heart of the Home

Miss Old-Fashioned, Homemade Applesauce like Grandma Used to Make?

When I think about childhood memories, my mind often wanders to the kitchen. The Food Network has a program dedicated to life in the kitchen, "The Kitchen" features host, Katie Lee, surrounded by beautiful LG Electronics. The Kitchen is fully equipped with LG Appliances from the Refrigerator and the Ovens to the Microwave and the LG Cook-top. It is the perfect place to make Grandma's homemade applesauce. Enjoy!


This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*


Grandma's Homemade Applesauce Recipe: Life is Good in the Kitchen, The Heart of the Home
My grandparents and the cousins circa 1975.
Grandma's Homemade Applesauce traditionally made by my Aunt Verna.

I remember peeling and coring apples on an old appliance that attached to the kitchen table. After we used the apple-corer-peeler, everything went into what could have just as easily been a torture device, but somehow we weren't frightened by it. 

We begged to have a go at peeling the apple and then placing the pieces in the apple grinder. As an adult, I realize it is far less complicated to grab a knife and just peel my apple. The grinder we used is now obsolete, but these memories have stuck with me. Recently, my mother reminded me that my grandparents moved from the family homestead when I was just 9 years old. Funny, those times in Grandma's kitchen feel like yesterday.

We'd go to an orchard or a friend's house and pick our own apples and then bring them back to make "Grandma's Homemade Applesauce." Grandma's kitchen was tiny and crowded with Grandma, my mother, three aunts, and all the little cousins running in and out the backdoor. The table took up all of the free space in the kitchen with just a small, one person width around the perimeter. It didn't matter. No one seemed to notice. It was good to be so close to each other, working together to create something to share with the entire family. Each time, we ate the applesauce, we'd remember this day. I love the homemade applesauce to this day, but we no longer make it this way.

If I'm lucky, my aunt will share some of her special sauce with me. My kids like it, but they have no idea why it tastes so good to me. Memories are made in the kitchen. Life is good in the kitchen. We all need to spend more time around the table, getting to know each other, learning new skills, and enjoying the heart of the home.

I'm sharing Grandma's Homemade Applesauce Recipe and process, so you can make your own kitchen memories. I want you to experience how good life is in the kitchen.


Old-Fashioned Homemade Freezer Applesauce


6-8 Tart Apples, washed, peeled, and quartered. (Red & Golden Delicious work well-

or your favorite, just know that some apples are softer and/or sweeter than others)

Freezer Bags

1 Tbs. Lemon Juice

1 Tbs. Butter

1 Cinnamon Stick or 1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 Tbs. to 1/2 C. Water

1/4 C. Sugar per Pound.

In large sauce pan, begin with 1 Tbs. Water, Apples, Cinnamon, and Lemon Juice. Depending on your apples you will use more or less water. Many apples don't need any water added at all. Bring to a boil and then cover and cook over low heat until desired consistency. Some people prefer chunky applesauce, so for that the cook time is less.

Stir in butter and sugar to taste, if desired.

Grandma used a food mill to strain the applesauce. You can use a blender, food processor, or leave them as they are.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Spoon into freezer bags leaving 1/2 - 1" head space.

Flatten and stack to freeze.

Applesauce is good for at least 1 year frozen and 2 weeks once thawed and opened.

Tell us your kitchen story at Mom ConfessionsLG Home Appliances are your partner in creating memorable cooking experiences and “Life’s Good” moments in the kitchen.


*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LG. The opinions and text are all mine.


Recommended:


Make Your Own Storybook Block Puzzle: Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse_Little Golden Books

Learn How to Make a Storybook Puzzle from Old Blocks

In this addition of, Things to Make at Home, we recycle children's books. Your kids' story books can grow up with them. Use those old foam baby blocks and worn out Little Golden Books to make a fun puzzle for the kids. The pages trim to fit a 3x3 block pattern. Enjoy!


How to make a storybook block puzzle

Recycle old books into puzzles and toys for children.

Use glue to adhere the pages to the aligned blocks.
Let dry completely- up to an hour.
Trust me, patience is not only a virtue but a requirement.
If you don't wait for it to dry, it will turn into a disaster.

When the first page is dry, take an Exact-o knife and cut through the block seams.







Cutting through the paper.

Once row is separated flip it, and align again.

Repeat until all side are covered. 
Don't worry if the paper edges aren't even.











Things to Make at Home

Trim the paper edges after each paste.


story block 6 sided puzzle

Completed Story Block.


Turn you old books into 6 sided puzzles

Blocks are ready to Modge Podge, let set, and play!

Some blocks stuck to the board and ripped, but this is easily repaired in the final step with the Modge Podge. Even if some of the image is removed, it still makes a nice picture. If you're stuck on perfection you can take an extra step and cut the squares out before pasting to the blocks. If you cut them out individually, make them slightly smaller than the face of the block. This leaves a nice outline around each image and gives the puzzle a more professional feel when complete.


Recommended Reading:

Recycle Scrabble Games

Recycle Plastic Bottles

Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons*











ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)



7 Homemade Christmas Ornament Craft Ideas

Heirloom Ornaments and Decorations from our Family Tree

Our tree has lots of beautiful ornaments, expensive ones, antique family heirlooms, and decorations celebrating the kids' first Christmas. The best Christmas ornaments are those we make ourselves. They don't have to be embarrassing! These homemade ornaments are craft projects you can do as a family, and they will last for years to come. Enjoy!


This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

7 easy homemade handmade Christmas Ornament Decorations for the Tree



Fimo Clay is easier than salt dough, and it lasts longer than play dough. Many craft stores carry it. Just open, create, and insert hole in top with a straw. Voila! Quick, simple, holiday ornaments or package tie-ons.


7 Homemade Christmas Ornament Craft Ideas
One year, my niece made everyone beautiful 
homemade gift ornaments from Fimo clay.

Legend of the Christmas Tree Cardinal Decoration.
Christmas Tree Cardinal Legend.


The cardinal is considered the Christmas bird and is a reminder to Christians of their faith in Christ. This one is an old family heirloom, but you can make a homemade no-sew new one with felt and tacky glue. Cut two layers of the cardinal, stuff with scrap fabric or tissue paper, glue the seams together, and use Sharpies to draw the features.

Ever since I can remember, we've had a cardinal near the top of our tree.


Winter Snowflake Crochet Craft for Tree Ornament.
Handmade Winter Snowflake Crochet Craft for Tree Ornament.


Crochet a beautiful snowflake like my Grandmother did, then paint it with a glue/water solution or Modge Podge. You can also use Fabric Starch. Make a solution, place snowflake into bag, pour in liquid starch. Find How to DIY here.


Old-fashioned cookie cutters make awesome Christmas Tree ornaments.
Old-fashioned cookie cutters make awesome 
Christmas Tree ornaments. Just insert a ribbon.

Ski Craft for Kids
Homemade Craft Stick Snow Ski Ornament Craft.
Perfect After-school or Scout project.

My Mother and Aunt used to make an ornament for all the cousins every Christmas. My Aunt made lots of crafts in 4-H programs. This one is a favorite that stood the test of time. 

Just paint two craft sticks with acrylic paint, hot glue them in the mid-point forming an "x", apply fake snow or white glitter paint to each end, and decorate with a bow. Holiday Snow Ski Ornament is a great Christmas craft idea for kids.




Christmas Tree Craft Stick Fridge Magnet or Holiday Puppet.
Homemade Christmas Tree Craft Stick Fridge Magnet or Holiday Puppet.

Get preschoolers and elementary kids crafting with this simple holiday decoration. I cut out two of various holiday shapes: Triangles, Circles, Stars. Then, place a popsicle stick between the layers and glue the edges together. 

Collect old advertiser fridge magnets, cut them up and repurpose them. You can attach to the back with tacky glue or glue between the layers to hide the magnet. 


A red triangle and pink circle make a great Santa Face. Let the littles decorate the ornaments with glitter, star stickers, and pipecleaners. Place low on fridge and let the little use them to make a holiday puppet show or give as gifts to the Grandparents!  :-)




Homemade Christmas Decoration Fridge Magnet
Homemade Christmas Decoration Fridge Magnet.

DIY Handmade Paper Pulp Heart Christmas Tree Craft Ornament
DIY Handmade Paper Pulp Heart Christmas Tree Craft Ornament.

Here is a fun link explaining how to make these ornaments or plantable paper seed cards. Great gift idea! My high school Art teacher (the spark of my creativity) gave these as gifts one year. 


Recommended Reading:

Christmas Party Games 

Heirloom Ornament Ideas for Tree

Little Christmas Decorations to Knit and Crochet*







ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)


Jake's Art - Homeschool Weaving Lesson - Make your own Loom - DIY Arts and Crafts

How to make a loom for weaving scrap fiber: A Homeschool Art Lesson

Jake's Journey in Art goes under the sea in this DIY weaving Homeschool Art Lesson we learned to Renew. Enjoy!


How to weave for elementary make your own loom
Our loom has both warp and weft framework to better illustrate 
the concept to young children.

To weave a textile, threads (or scrap fabric) are woven on a frame called a loom. The first vertical threads on the loom are called warp threads. Threads that are woven horizontally in and out of the warp threads are called weft threads.



Cut notches in the cardboard frame to keep yarn in place.

Recycle a piece of cardboard from a cereal box or a foam tray to make your loom. You might also like Native American Paper Bag Dress

Cut small notches into the top and bottom of your cardboard(ours are about 1/2", but 1" works well). Make them about 1/2" inch apart. Alex Toys has a great PDF on weaving here.




Spongebob Fabric for Toddler bed tent.

Warp your loom with yarn or string by taking the thread and taping one end to the back middle of your board.  Now, starting with your first notch on the left, begin wrapping through each top and bottom notch without skipping a notch until you get to the right side of the board.  Only the warp frame is required.

Now your are ready to weave your weft. Cut or tear scraps of fabric into strips. Your strips of fabric should be about 1" thick and at least 12"  long. You will need about 20 strips. 




The cat enjoyed the tearing of fabric strips so much 
he needed a nap after playing with them.

For extra ease for smaller children, we added a weft frame as well. Now the scraps of fabric can be pulled through the little squares for guidance. Pull your scrap fabric under the first warp, over the next, and so on. The yarn guide will help younger children see any mistakes made.

When you have completed your weaving tie off all scraps in groups of two at the edges of your cardboard loom, then you can cut your your thread/yarn framework.




How to make a loom - Elementary Weaving Lesson Scrap Fibers Make your own
Spongebob has his eye on you.

This is an easy way to get littles started in weaving. It is also helpful to cut a piece of cardboard about 1" by 3" with a notch in the end. Attach your scrap fabric by inserting it in the notch and use as a tool to weave the fabric through the loom, this is called a shuttle.




Alex Toys Native American Bead Loom Kit for weaving bracelets.

Once you advance your skills, you can weave many beautiful projects. Alex Toys has a Native American Loom for weaving bracelets.  It is a professional quality loom that makes incredibly authentic bracelets.  We are working on our patterns and will share them soon.



Kid's room cartoon character theme (that way we don't have to worry about matching or new fads).Check out the automobile sun visor we used as a headboard. 
It is simply nailed to the wall.

Jake loved the idea of using his toddler tent cover as scrap fabric for this project. We renewed an item that was dear to his heart. It had been ripped from rowdy play and was no good as a tent, but we saved it anyway in hopes to repair it or transform it into a pillow or some other creative endeavor. The SpongeBob fabric was the perfect accent for his room. 



Yep, we need a hanging stick, but the kids love it.  
Use favorite t-shirts, pillow cases, or doll clothes for your scrap fiber.

To display your beautiful work of art weave a "weft" stick horizontally through the top row and hang on a wall.  Jake loved his creation and couldn't wait for the stick. He wanted to see how it looked right away, so we hung it by a nail. A little droopy, yes, but he loves it.

Did he love the process?  Not so much.  Much patience is a necessary requirement of weaving. So, Mommy made the loom, got it started and Jake weaved the inner pieces to gain an understanding of the process.  Mommy tied and cut it off making sure Jake watched and understood. This is somewhat time consuming, but the end results are worth it.


Mayhem saw the weaving on his wall and wanted it for her room. Score! This project journey ended on a very happy note.   



Recommended Reading:


Learning How to Weave*

Party Time: SpongeBob SquarePants*






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)


How to Make Clay: Air Dry Clay, Homemade Clay Recipes for Home School Art Project

How to make clay is simple: Here are some recipes.

We've been crafting with Air-Dry clay. We purchased a clay kit and then we also made our own clay at home. It can be used with a Potter's wheel or shaped into free forms for home school art projects. Enjoy!

How to Make Clay: Air Dry Clay and Homemade Clay Recipe Home School Art Project
Air dry clay pig and diy homemade clay recipes.


Attach pieces by adding a little water to each piece. This is Jake's Pig (From Jake's Journey in Art). He enjoyed playing with the clay just enough to complete the assignment.



Alextoys.com sells boxes of air dry clay refills perfect 
for your animal  sculptures.

Clay is wonderful for Sensory play. In the homemade recipe below, just add some scented oils like vanilla or cinnamon.  TOUCH, SMELL, TASTE (I don't recommend it), SEE- hmm... When it dries you can gently tap it onto the table for SOUND encompassing all senses or get CREATIVE and make a rattle/maraca or a base for a drum just stretch tissue paper over the top and attach with a large rubber band.


Mayhem made many animals and embellished each one.



 Get your Air Dry Clay Refill Pack  by Alex Toys.


The baubles in the photos above came with the air dry clay refill for the pottery wheel from Alex Toys.



How to make Homemade Clay Recipe:


Click here for how to make clay without cream of tar tar


Easy/recommended for preschool and early elementary


1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tsp cream of tartar
 ¼ cup salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil
food coloring (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized pot. Decide on a color  for the clay. Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly. The dough will eventually become difficult to stir, and it will stick to the spoon. At this point, dump the dough onto wax paper. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes, and then knead it until it is smooth. Store the dough in a plastic container or a plastic bag when not in use. Refrigerate the clay when not in use.


Homemade Clay can be painted and it will last for years to come. Make cute Holiday Gifts: Think napkin rings, 3D wall hangings, necklace medallions, trivets, and pretty catch-all bowls.


Looking for Toddler or Preschooler Activities? 

Try this:  Sensory Dough playtime Activities.

Recommended Reading:

Craft a Minecraft Marshmallow Pig

Happy Pig Day! *

If You Give a Pig a Pancake*






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)