I can’t imagine life without music. Crank up your own tunes with these great and frugal musical instrument tutorials!
Today on Maker Camp: Making Plucky Musical Projects
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Author Archives: thewritegirlforthejob
The World’s Top 10 Best DIY Swimming Pools
The power of creativity is awesome. Try looking at something ordinary in a new way. Who knows what you’ll come up with!
Indoor S’more Recipes
S’more image courtesy of FlickrCC 76454756 at N00/2987530248.
It’s like a rite of summer passage: Having get-togethers, building a fire and making S’mores. But building a fire isn’t always possible. Below are indoor recipes that will squelch anyone’s craving for a real S’more without lighting a match.
S’mores in the Oven
You’ll need:
Graham Crackers
Chocolate Bars
Marshmallows
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay cracker squares on a cookie sheet. Place 1 marshmallow on each cracker. Bake approximately 6 minutes or until marshmallow is softened. Pull sheet out of oven, add chocolate squares and top with another graham cracker.
S’more Trifle
1 Dark Chocolate Cake Mix
1 Box Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 Large Container of Marshmallow Cream (Like Fluff)
1 Cup Crushed Graham Crackers
1 bag Milk Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chips
1 Large Whipped Cream Tub
Chocolate Bars
1) Make the cake and pudding following their box directions.
2) As the pudding is setting in the fridge, slice the cake into small cubes (1-2 inches) and break up your chocolate bars into small pieces.
3) In a large bowl, work in layers by placing cake cubes on bottom, marshmallow cream on top of cubes, add a layer of pudding, crushed crackers, chocolate bar pieces, and whipped cream. Repeat, except you’ll alternate the chocolate bar pieces with chips. Top off the last layer with the rest of the chocolate chips/bar leftovers.
If you have a favorite indoor S’more recipe you’d like to add, please feel free to shoot me an email. Thanks – have a great summer!
When the Temp Rises: Build Yourself a Water Park
Make your own with PVC piping. Water park image courtesy of Flickr at 82027065@N00/ 172746497
With the impending heat wave at hand, not everyone will have the luxury of air conditioning or even a swimming pool. Instead of sweating it out, why not cool down in your own mini water park?
You’d be surprised how a little PVC piping can go a long way. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and lightweight too. Discontinuity and Carl Morris have two easy PVC pipe projects called Kidswash, and Kidswash 2, at Instructables.
If you have a hill in your yard, use it to your advantage. Lay out a sheet of plastic going down the hill, add a sprinkler to wet the plastic and watch the kids slip, slide and dive into action.
Water balloons can be fun, but the mess afterwards can hamper your spirits. Try making Sponge Balls, instead – with directions from Clay Chip at Instructables.
To add to your water zone, buy a snap-up kiddie pool (8 foot in diameter or larger). Even the 24” in depth ones will allow an adult to lay on an air mattress and float – without touching the bottom or sides.
Most of the ideas listed cost less than a commercial water park ticket. Yet, it has the priceless convenience of staying at home. Whatever water feature you decide to add, always be safe. Never leave children unattended – even with just a bucket of water. So stay cool – stay safe – and take lots of pictures.
An Ice Cream Social of a Different Kind
Image: Anyone Want Ice Cream courtesy of Flickr20826826@N00/115681904
Looking for another reason to throw a summer party but don’t like to barbecue? Try an ice cream social of a different kind.
Ice cream socials have been the staple of community get-togethers since the invention of ice cream. They usually have a few flavors and toppings to please most people. To make your social a one-of-a kind memorable event, follow these suggestions: Continue reading
Summer Prop Planning has Begun!
Jack and Zero need some prop friends. Which ones would you choose? Image courtesy of Marciniak Photography.
The beginning of summer is the opportune time to plan prop projects for Halloween. It gives a haunter the time and space to be more creative and allows for mishaps to be corrected. It allows for any reconstructions or cosmetic work to be completed in leisure – rather than a few panicked weeks.
Since I made Jack Skellington and his dog Zero last year, I’ve been contemplating what other characters to add. Jack’s girlfriend Sally, is at the top on my list. But how I will make her, is still up in the air.
The Easiest: Continue reading
Quick Last Minute Red, White and Blue Recipe Delights
Image called Caaake, courtesy of FlickrCC 12818386@N00/7560097470.
Flag Cake (pictured right)
Bake a cake following package directions, top with either white frosting or whipped cream (the kind in the tub) and add berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc.) to represent stars and stripes.
Patriotic Cupcakes
Bake cupcakes according to package, top with white frosting or whipped cream (tub kind) and cut red string licorice strips to fit for stripes and add a blueberry or blue M & M for the star.
Red, White and Blue Parfaits or Trifle
Buy 2 pound cakes and cut them into cubes. Place one layer of cubed cake on the bottom of a trifle bowl or clear plastic cups. Add a layer of whipped cream (the kind in a tub) and add a layer of berries. Repeat, alternating red or blue-colored berries.
Homemade Love for Mother’s Day
A crochet necklace is a simple idea, but can hold a lot of meaning for a mom. Image courtesy of FlickrCC The Connected One N07@616490624/8536261.
As a mom, I have had the pleasure and honor of receiving many gifts that were store bought. Yet, the most priceless gifts I’ve ever been given were the ones that were made from the heart – homemade. These are the gifts I will tuck away and cherish when my house is empty of their laughter and their presence.
So here’s a few easy, inexpensive ideas that may help add to your mom’s treasure chest of memories:
Easy Crochet Jewelry
Find a small stone from your childhood or one that has significance such as quartz where many believe there are fields of energy associated with it. Follow the directions from Scribd for crocheting around a stone and make a necklace like the one pictured above. Other crochet necklaces and projects can be found at Instructables.
Memories From Your Perspective Continue reading
Every kid needs a space for creating. If you lack space at home, check out the article’s other options and let the creating begin!
I’m all for recycling. If you’re looking to rid yourself of those old tires in the garage, maybe one of these ideas will catch your eye.