SusieHomemaker

Materials Needed

• Fabric Scraps- the smaller the hands, the smaller the bag!  I find that a 4" by 3" bag is a good size.  To make this size use a scrap of 8½" by 3½" so you'll have a ¼" seam on the sides you sew.  Burlap is a neat fabric to use for these and it gives the kids a neat texture to hold while using them.
• Thread and Needle- there are children friendly needles and they're okay to use on burlap.  You'll need a heavy duty thread.
• Dried Beans and/or Rice

Fold the fabric in half across shortways, matching up the corners.  Cut a piece of thread at least a foot long and thread it onto the needle. Pull the thread through the needle eye and then tie the 2 ends together.  Make sure you have the fabric wrong side out when you begin, you'll be turning it out later.  Starting one one long side at the fold with a ¼" seam allowance, use a simple backstich every ¼ to ½ inch to enclose pouch.  Continue around sides, leaving a gap in the last side big enough to turn the fabric right side out and fill ¾ of the way full with beans, making sure to leave some room for them to move around so the bag won't pop open when thrown.  Fold the rough edges over and sew bag shut using same technique as before on the outside of bag. 

Materials Needed

• ½ C Dishwashing Detergent
• 4½ C Water
• 4 Tbsp Glycerin (available at local pharmacy)
• Container with lid (to keep bubbles in)
• Food coloring (optional)

After measuring out materials, GENTLY stir ingredients together.  If a foam forms, skim off.  Simply find different items (wire coat hangers, straws, previously used bubble sticks and some kitchen utensils work well) to make bubbles with and have fun. 

Materials Needed

• 2 C Flour
• 1 C Salt
• Water(amounts will vary depending on altitude, temperature, humidity, and how "gooey" you want the playdough to be...use your best judgement!!)
• Oil(optional, if you don't want to harden...scented makes it even better)
• Food Coloring(optional)

Mix flour, salt and water in bowl.  Add a small amount of oil and food coloring if desired.  Use gloves if you add food coloring or scented oil to keep hands from turning into smelly, colored messes!!  Knead into dough and enjoy!!

Materials Needed

• 1½ C Ground Cinnamon
• 1 C Applesauce
• 1/3 C White School Glue
• Wax Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Cutters
• Straw
• Non-stick cooling rack (you can use a regular cooling rack covered with wax paper)
• Ribbon

Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and glue in bowl.  Remove and knead until it turns into a firm clay.  Let stand 30 minutes, it is best when used at room temperature.  You may need to dust your rolling pin and surface with cinnamon before rolling flat on wax paper.  Roll until about 1/8" thick.  Use cutters to create desired shapes.  Use straw to poke hole in top of ornament.  Place on cooling rack and let stand at least 5 days to dry, turning at least twice day to ensure even, flat drying.  Hang with ribbor to decorate tree or packages.  Use paints or other misc. materials to decorate if desired.

Materials Needed

• 2 C Epsom Salts
• 1 C Sea, Rock or Coarse Salts
• Food Coloring
• ¼ teaspoon Glycerin
• Essential/Scented Oil
• Clean, dry jars with cork or metal (screw-on) lid

Use this recipe on a day with low humidity to prevent salt from absorbing moisture in the air.  In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, combine salts.  Add a couple of drops of food coloring and mix well.  Add glycerin and oil (4 or 5 drops), and mix well.  Spoon salts into jars and close tightly.  Make tags or labels listing the scent and instructions for use (1/3 to ½ C in the bath).