DIY

Father’s Day Gift: DIY Salt Dough Hand & Footprint Keepsakes

June 7, 2013 by Natureal Mom Comments

This is a simple, cute, fun and inexpensive craft that makes a lovely keepsake.

For the dough, you will need a cup of flour, a cup of salt and 3/4 cup warm water.

Other items to keep handy ~ a large bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet and parchment paper.

To get started, mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead together. If the dough is too dry, add a splash of warm water and if it’s too sticky, add another pinch of flour. It might take some experimenting to get the right consistency but it’s pretty easy.

Next, flatten the dough on a hard surface using a rolling pin.

rolling pin

Sculpt the dough into your desired shape. Place the child’s hand or foot into the dough. You can use a straw to poke holes if you would like to hang this keepsake, or it can also be displayed on a bookshelf or used as a paperweight.

Carefully place the plaque on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in oven at 200°F for three hours.

print1

Once the keepsake is dry it can be painted with a non-toxic paint or it’s quite nice left as is. Write the child’s name and date on the back.

That’s it! Pretty easy, right? Dad’s & Grandad’s will love these adorable keepsakes ♥

Filed Under: Baby + Kids, Creativity + Play, Projects + Crafting Tagged With: craft, DIY, Father's Day, gifts, keepsake, picture tutorial, sensory play, toddler craft, tutorial

DIY Elderberry Syrup

January 24, 2013 by Natureal Mom Comments

This immune boosting botanical is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Elderberry syrup has a long history of use in traditional European medicine and is so highly regarded that it has been called the “medicine chest of country people.” Elderberry preparations are traditionally taken early enough to ward off a viral invasion from the start but can also be used as an effective treatment. This proven remedy is known to shorten the duration of colds to 3-4 days and is also effective against 10 different strains of the flu.

Several elderberry syrups are available at health food stores and online, but we recently started making our own using dried elderberries (we get our from Mountain Rose Herbs) which is easy to prepare and saves a lot of money. Not all varieties and parts of elderberries are edible, and even the edible kinds should never be eaten raw, so always check to make sure yours are safe for consumption before using freshly picked elderberries.

elderberry

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried elderberries
3 cups of filtered water
1 cup of raw honey (use local if possible)
Optional: 3 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, freshly grated ginger

Directions:

Place berries, water, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Smash the berries to release remaining juice and strain the mixture.
Allow liquid to cool and stir in honey after to preserve the enzymes.
Bottle syrup and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Helpful hint: Elderberry juice stains everything it touches, so wear an apron and cover your work surface with a dish towel you’re not too precious about.

Dosage:

Child: Administer 1 teaspoon per day for prevention or 1 teaspoon per waking hour at the onset of cold/flu-like symptoms. Not suitable for children under one year of age.

Adult: Administer on same schedule, however increase dosage to 1 tablespoon.

Recipe adapted from Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar

The information about the use of herbs and/or essential oils contained in this site is not meant to be a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before administering or taking herbal remedies, especially during pregnancy, when breastfeeding, or with children. To locate an experienced herbalist in your area, contact the American Herbalists Guild. To locate a licensed naturopath in your area, contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cold prevention, cold remedy, DIY, DIY elderberry syrup, elderberry, elderberry syrup, flu prevention, flu remedy, herbal remedy, home remedy, natural remedies, natural remedy

DIY Holiday Gnomes

December 8, 2012 by Natureal Mom Comments

This simple, affordable and fun project is sure to delight your little ones! Here is an easy tutorial on how to make these cute little holiday gnomes.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

You can either use wooden Peg People which come in different shapes and sizes or old-fashioned wooden clothespins. Peg People and Wooden Doll Pins can be found at your local craft store or there is a nice selection here and on Etsy. You will also need some pieces of Eco-fi felt, a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors. I chose three different colors of felt for Hanukkah. Red and green would be festive for Christmas or Kwansa

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

First, I made the little cloak by cutting a rectangular shaped piece of felt long enough to fit around the wooden body. I rolled it around the body and secured the edges together in the back using a hot glue gun.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Next, I made the little gnome hat by cutting a triangular shaped piece of felt, making sure it was just the right length to fit over the wooden head when glued together.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Using the hot glue gun, I glued the two sides together. Then I put just a dab of glue onto the inside of the hat and positioned it onto the gnomes head so that it was tilted slightly backward.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Isn’t he a cute little fellow? He’s ready to spin some dreidels and eat some latkes!

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Happy Winter Crafting!

Filed Under: Creativity + Play, Uncategorized Tagged With: crafting, creative play, DIY, felt crafts, gnomes, holiday, holiday decor, imaginative play, kid crafts, seasonal, Waldorf, winter

DIY Americana Wreath w Tea Stained Flag {Picture Tutorial}

October 12, 2012 by Natureal Mom 3 Comments

What better way to welcome Fall into our homes than with a handcrafted wreath?

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Inspired by a variety of beautiful wreaths, I incorporated elements from a few to make one of my own ~

A swag of country dried broom corn, wheat, tree berries, bakuli pods and raffia are surrounded by a swirl of burlap ribbon and accented with hand-painted barn stars and hand-sewn buttons.

A tea-stained American flag with red stitching detail adds old world charm and the finishing touch!

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Let’s get started!

Here is a list of materials you will need. Most of them can be found at your local craft store ~

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Natural grapevine wreath

A swag of assorted dried Fall items such as broom corn, bakuli pods, pip berries, wheat, etc.

American flag

6 Tea bags

Five-pointed paper mache barn star

Wooden appliqué barn stars

Non-toxic acrylic paints (I used shades of oxblood and metallic gold)

An eclectic mix of buttons

Burlap ribbon

Raffia/Indian corn husks

Jute twine

Bamboo skewer or popsicle stick

Needle and thread (to sew on buttons)

Sewing machine and red thread for flag (optional)

Hot glue gun and glue sticks to reattach flag (optional)

Paintbrush

Scissors

***

Preparation:

Sew border around flag with red thread (optional).

Steep 6 tea bags in a large bowl of water. Soak flag for 20-30 minutes to get desired amount of staining.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Remove and arrange as pictured to dry. This will give the flag a waved effect.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Paint stars and allow to dry.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Create two mini swags (trim, arrange, tie base with jute twine).

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Directions:

Using burlap ribbon, tie a loose knot around the bottom of the wreath.

Insert flag and swags into the knot and tighten.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Arrange remaining burlap ribbon in desired position.

Puncture the back of the paper mache barn star with a bamboo skewer or popsicle stick and insert into burlap ribbon.

Tuck applique stars under the twigs in different parts of the wreath.

Insert leftover dried pieces from the swags into the burlap ribbon.

Sew buttons onto the burlap ribbon.

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Hang & Enjoy!

♥

Filed Under: Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: Americana, autumn, country, country chic, craft, decor, DIY, fall, farmhouse, patriotic, picture tutorial, primitive, rustic, seasonal, tutorial, wreath

Review: Soft Star Shoes & Special Offer!

August 9, 2012 by Natureal Mom 2 Comments

We let our babe go barefoot whenever possible. When he does wear shoes, we put him in minimalist shoes like Soft Star which are specifically designed for natural foot movement and healthy foot development. The wider design allows plenty of room for toes to wiggle around and spread out and the low profile, slip resistant soles helps to minimize trips when little ones are getting the hang of walking and running.

We’re onto our third pair of super soft Vegan Hotcakes which have been great for indoors and warmth and his Laguna sandals have gotten some good use in the warmer weather. I wanted a good pair of closed toe shoes that will carry into into Autumn and Winter so I was really excited when Soft Star sent us a pair of classic Dorados to check out!

Even though I’m already a fan of Soft Star shoes, I always share my honest opinions, experiences and findings in my reviews and never accept money to review products or services. For more information, check out my review policy.

Aside from being adorable, he’s able to walk in the Dorados easily and comfortably. The velcro strap at the ankle makes them easy to get on and off and the closed toe protects his little piggies from sticks, sand and pebbles. We also received a pair of removable sheepskin innersoles that are supposed to keep feet warm in cooler weather and wick moisture away in hotter weather. It sounds counter intuitive but it’s been in the triple digits here and they do seem to keep his feet dry. I also love the nutmeg color with forest green strap and yellow star!

Of course I have to give Soft Star kudos for keeping it natureal:

No toxic chemicals, dyes, or pollutants in these kicks! Only natural materials are used including formaldehyde-free leathers.
Hands down, one of the most environmentally and socially responsible companies out there.
Each pair is handmade making them one of a few shoe manufacturers whose materials and production remain entirely in the US.

Also worth mentioning:

You can Design Your Own shoes choosing from different colors, materials (including 100% vegan options) and motifs.
A selection of soft and durable Waldorf and Montessori classroom shoes are available.
Returns or exchanges are accepted on shoes that are in like-new, saleable condition, even on DYO!

★★★

The Elves at Soft Star are kindly offering Natureal Mom readers 10% off a pair of Dorados (Lilac, Nutmeg or Ultra Blue) now through Sunday, 8/12/2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Be sure to enter code: natureal10 when checking out!

Filed Under: Products, Resources, Reviews + Giveaways Tagged With: DIY, eco, first shoe, first walker shoes, green, handmade shoes, minimal shoes, montessori, natural, non-toxic, nontoxic, review, soft soled shoes, toddler shoes, USA, vegan, Waldorf

DIY Pinecone Bird Feeders

July 29, 2012 by Natureal Mom 1 Comment

Old fashioned pinecone bird feeders are fun, easy to create and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand:

Pinecones
Nut butter (Omit if anyone has a nut sensitivity or allergy)
Ghee or butter
Finely chopped nuts, seeds & dried fruit

Steps:

Roll the pinecone in the mixture of nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
Hang it on your favorite tree or where the birds will find it.
Watch for feathered friends to visit!

To keep the birds coming back to your spot, keep the following tips from the National Audubon Society in mind:

Provide birds with a variety of quality seed.
Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing.
Give the feeder ample cover, preferably provided by native plants. Native plants also provide potential nesting sites and a source of natural food.

Filed Under: Creativity + Play, Inspiration, Projects + Crafting Tagged With: autumn, crafts, DIY, kid crafts

Fun Eco Project: DIY Terrariums

March 18, 2012 by Natureal Mom Comments

Terrariums are wonderful, magical environments. They are fun to make and are a great opportunity for children to learn how ecosystems work. Terrariums are essentially miniature ecosystems that can sustain themselves for long periods of time, very similar to that in the real world. The glass lid creates a continuous rain cycle: Moisture evaporates from the soil and plant leaves, water gathers on the top and sides of the jars, and then it returns to the moisture-loving plants. This was a fun and educational eco project that my niece and I did together to celebrate the early days of spring.

Items You Will Need:

* A glass jar and lid (apothecary jar, mason jar, candy jar, repurposed food jar, etc). Make sure the opening is large enough.

* Small stones, pebbles or aquarium rocks

* Activated charcoal (found at your local garden center)

* Potting soil

* Moss

* Small live plants – Select plants that have similar environmental needs. Slow growing, low light varieties work well.

* Decorative objects – I used a miniature gnome and mushroom toadstool to add character to my whimsical woodland-themed terrarium.

Instructions:

1. Find a good spot to assemble your terrarium – it can be a little messy.

2. Clean your jar well to prevent bacteria from growing and so you can see all the wonderful things growing inside.

3. Place a layer of pebbles on the bottom of the jar to allow for proper drainage.

4. Add a small layer of charcoal on top of the pebbles to filter the water and keep the soil fresh.

5. Add a layer of moss on top of the charcoal to keep the soil out of the drainage area.

6. Add a layer of soil deep enough for proper root growth.

7. Add your plant selections. Be sure to loosen up the roots a bit and pack the soil tightly around the plants.

8. Add the decorative objects to their new habitat.

9. Mist with water to dampen. Place the lid on.

10. Place your terrarium where it will receive indirect sunlight.

With a little care, terrariums can last many years. The plants will need to be trimmed occasionally to keep the balance of the ecosystem, but most maintenance will be to mist or slightly water the terrarium about once a month. A little condensation is ideal but be careful not to over water. If it is too wet, simply remove the lid and it will evaporate.

Enjoy!