How To Color Dye Pasta Noodles For Kids Crafts

Have you ever color-dyed dry pasta? It is surprisingly easy and inexpensive to do and requires very few supplies. Dyed pasta can be used in many different ways like: 

• in sensory bins 
• included in a busy bag activity
• used in an art project 
• use to help teach colors
• counting & math activities

Since pasta comes in many different shapes the options for their use once color dyed are endless! My kids have used dyed pasta in art projects and even on homemade cards. 

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How To Color Dye Pasta Noodles

Supplies needed:

• 16 oz. box of dry pasta noodles (here is a variety pack I used)
• zip lock bags
• food coloring
• rubbing alcohol
• baking sheet
• paper towel

Step-by-step instructions:

1.  Divide the dry pasta noodles evenly into zip lock bags.The quantity of bags depends on how many colors you want to make.
2. Add about 1 tablespoon (eyeball it!) of rubbing alcohol and 10-15 drops of food coloring into each bag. Zip the bags closed and gently shake the bag to mix the color making sure all the noodles are evenly coated. Then let the noodles sit in the bag for about 10 minutes.
3. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and pour the colored pasta onto the paper towels. Let the noodles dry completely before letting your children play with them.

Obviously, the pasta noodles are no longer edible since they are coated in food coloring and rubbing alcohol! The rubbing alcohol smell will dissipate after a little while after you have poured them out of the zip lock bag. 

As with all small objects please make sure to supervise your little ones while they are playing with the colored noodles - they can be a choking hazard! 

Fun Projects To Make With Color Dyed Pasta

Here are some great ideas for your kids to try with this new batch of color dyed pasta noodles

Noodle Jewelry 

via: sunshinewhispers.com

Custom jewelry every child loves to make. String hollow-shaped pasta onto a piece of yarn or embroidery floss then tie off the ends to make a necklace or bracelet. 

Pasta Butterfly Card 

via: craftymorning.com

Let your child make a homemade greeting card for any occasion. Glue color-dyed bowtie pasta to the front of a blank card. With a marker add antenna and small dashed lines to show the butterfly flight pattern. 

Color Sorting Activity  

This is a great activity to help with fine motor skills for young children. Combine multi-colored pasta into a large bowl. Provide your youngster with an empty muffin tin and have them sort the pasta into the muffin wells separating them by color. Once they are done help them count how many pieces of each color they sorted.

Pasta Garland 

via: allthingspinkandpretty.com

Kick-off the holiday season with this great holiday craft activity to do with your children. Cut a long piece of yarn and then use holiday-themed colored pasta  (red & green for Christmas or red & pink for Valentine's Day) and string them onto the yarn. Wrap the pasta garland around your Christmas tree or drape across the front of a fireplace mantel.

Colorful Rainbow Pasta Art

via: learncreatelove.com

Let your kids make something pretty to hang on their bedroom wall! On a sturdy piece of cardstock lightly draw one arch of a rainbow to use as a guide. With craft glue (or hot glue) spread a dab of glue along one side of the pasta and stick it to the cardstock on the pencil-drawn arch. Using the same color pasta continue adding pieces of pasta until the arch is completely covered. Add a second arch under the first arch of pasta with a new color. Continue adding new colored arches until you are satisfied with your rainbow. 

Color Dyed Pasta Mosiac

via: buggyandbuddy.com

This is a great art project to do with a variety of color-dyed pasta shapes. Use stiff cardboard and cut out a large simple shape like a heart or a circle. Spread craft glue thickly over the surface of the cardboard shape. Place a variety of colored pasta into the glue completely covering the cardboard. Once the mosaic is dry hot glue a small piece of ribbon to the back and hang it up to display. 

How To Store Color Dyed Pasta

It is best to store your color-dyed pasta in a large zip-lock bag or air -tight container. If it becomes crushed and broken just toss it out and make a new batch! 

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Don't forget to PIN this post for later! Also, I appreciate your comments and can't wait to hear what projects and activities you used your color-dyed pasta to make. For more great DIY projects make sure to follow me here too!

10 Stylish Beach Coverups For A Fashionable Mom

Keep cool and sunburn-free with a stylish beach coverup this summer. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my disclaimer page. 

You Don't Need To Sacrifice Style

The busy days of summer don't seem to slow down for us moms as we chase toddlers around by the pool or beach making sure they are safely supervised, well-fed, and properly protected from harmful UV rays. 

With all of the focus on our children's well being it is easy to forget about ourselves and what our own needs are. I don't know about you but I find it pretty easy to focus all of my attention on my children when it comes to making sure they are regularly applying sunscreen on a sunny summer day only to find I forgot to put it on myself until it is too late. 

If this has ever happened to you don't worry I've got a great simple solution to help reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays that any busy mom can do. My secret - a stylish beach coverup! I'm pretty particular about what coverup I wear - it can't be too tight, it has to be light so I don't overheat, it should cover areas that easily get sunburned like my shoulders, back, and upper arms and, of course, a coverup must look great! 

These great-looking functional beach coverups don't sacrifice protection over style but instead, look amazing while protecting your skin. I highly recommend using sunscreen every time you go outside to protect your skin but in case you forgot to reapply regularly make sure you wear your beach coverup.  Here are 10 fashionable beach coverups perfect for a busy mom.

10 Stylish Beach Coverups For A Busy Mom 

1. Women's Swimsuit Beach Coverup Shirt

2. Harhay Womens' Summer Swimsuit Bikini Beachwear 

3. Women's Crochet Tassel Coverup

4. Wander Agio Beach Button Up Beach Coverup

5. Dokotoo Kimono Coverup

6. Pom Pom Trim Kaftan Chiffon Beach Coverup

7. Striped Turkish Kaftan Coverup 

8. Catalina Beach-Coverup Dress

9. Summer Maxi Dress Coverup

10. Black Striped Turn-Down Collar Tunic Coverup

Bonus!! Another stylish beach coverup for the fashionista mama!

#11 Loose Tassel Holiday T-shirt Coverup

You don't have to sacrifice fashion for safety instead be prepared this summer and protect your skin with some SPF and a stylish beach coverup! 

Do you need a new swimsuit this season? Here are 13 modest and totally cool swimsuits you will look amazing wearing this summer on the beach or at the pool!

Totally Cool & Modest Swimsuits To Wear This Summer

5 Easy Spring Gardening Projects For Kids

Experts say playing in the dirt is good for kids because it can strengthen their immune systems.  Spring is the perfect time to introduce your child to gardening and let them get their hands in the dirt. These fun gardening crafts will encourage your child to step away from their electronics and have some fun outside. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my disclaimer page. Thanks!

Gardening is a great way to teach your child patience while helping them learn how to take care of when they are planting. Fostering a good work ethic and a sense of responsibility are lifelong skills you can start teaching as you grow a garden of any size. 

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5 DIY Spring Gardening Projects For Kids

Creating something special to put in a garden can really get your kids (and you) excited about gardening. I've gathered 5 awesome projects your kids can do with you to spark their love of gardening and the great outdoors.

01. Seed Bombs  

tutorial HERE

Not only do these make fun craft projects but your child could give them away to friends or family as gifts. Making seed bombs is so much fun but what is even more fun is watching them grow after you plant your seed bomb.  Follow these instructions to make your own Wild Flower Seed Bombs 

02. Mini-Greenhouse 

follow here for the tutorial

The last day for risk of frost is different for everyone depending on where you live so starting a garden indoors is just as much fun as planting one outside. Your kids will love filling up old cardboard egg cartons with potting soil, poking a hole in the center, and sewing a few seeds in each hole. Encourage your child to water regularly and keep a gardening journal to record what happens. Find the complete instructions on how to make your own mini greenhouse here.

03. Painted Brick Paver  

tutorial HERE

Let your kids help you plan this year's garden. One way to get them involved is to let them paint their own brick paver that once dry and sealed can go in the garden to help make a clear path for walking through it. Check out the How To Make A Painted Brick Paver tutorial I posted to make your own.

04. Fairy Garden 

via: Meatloaf and Melodrama

A great way to encourage your child to love spending time outside is to help them create their own fairy garden. Let them pick out several different types of flowers from your local nursery then help them plant the flowers in a large container. Once the plants are planted go on a short nature walk collecting sticks, stones, pinecones, and acorns to add to their fairy garden. They can even add a small tin can or plastic cup as a fairy house. Let your child's imagination run wild with ways to create a special fairy habitat. 

05. Custom Seed Markers

via: Happy Money Saver

When your garden first starts to come alive do you ever find yourself wondering if that little green plant is a weed or an actual plant? Take the guesswork out by making seed markers labeled with the type of seeds you planted. There are lots of great ways to make your own DIY seed markers for example: 

• popsicle sticks labeled with marker and sealed 

• a tin can lid attached to a dowel rod with a picture of the plant modge podged and sealed to the front

• large plastic spoons with the type of plant written on the spoon face

Even if all you have is a small container to plant in or a big plot of land, gardening is tons of fun for kids and adults. Go play in the dirt with your kids and have fun growing something together!

15 Easy DIY American Flag Crafts

15 DIY American Flag Crafts to Show Off Your Patriotic Spirit

This post is brought to you in partnership with Zulily. While I may have been compensated, as always, all opinions are my own.

Are you are looking for a great way to show your patriotic spirit this year but aren’t sure how? There are so many great DIY US Flag craft projects you could make that will solve this problem. No matter your skill level, you can create an amazing stars and stripes project to proudly display for all to see. 

No need to search on your own for cool US flag crafts because I’ve gathered up 15 of the best American flag crafts to share with you today. Guess what? Many of these projects you can do with your kids or even incorporate them into your homeschooling art lessons. 

Five Fun Facts About The American Flag 

The American flag is an important symbol of freedom for all Americans with a rich and fascinating history. Show off how smart you are to your friends and family this summer with these interesting flag facts from The National Flag Foundation.

1. The US flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes; 7 red and 6 white stripes in an alternating manner. The thirteen stripes represent the original 13 colonies. 

2. The top left side of the flag consists of 50 white five-point stars on a blue field. The fifty stars represent the current 50 States.

3. Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross is credited with making the first US flag.

4. Five American flags have been taken to the moon (Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17). Neil Armstrong’s mission is the most famous display of the US flag on the moon.

5. From 1777 when the original design of the US Flag was adopted until the current day there have been 27 different versions of the American Flag. The current version of the flag was designed by a 17-year-old high school student. 

Easy DIY US Flag Craft Ideas You Can Make

Now that you know a little more about the American Flag you are all ready to start picking out your favorite flag craft project to get started on. 

American Flag Paper Crafts

 

via: Non Toy Gifts

01. Paper Plate American Flag Craft - Here is the perfect craft for you to do with your preschool or young elementary age child. Using simple everyday household supplies and a little paint your child will end up with a wonderful American flag themed project they can show to everyone. Follow the complete tutorial at NonToyGifts.com

 

via: Lightbulbs and Laughter

02. Paper Chain American Flag - We all love making paper chains at Christmas time to count down the days until December 25. This American flag craft uses the paper chain concept but turns it into a cool US flag. Change the size of your paper chain flag by altering the size of the paper loops!

via: Crafting Jeannie

03. Printable American Flag Craft - This fun craft is great for a group to do together. Print off the free printable, paint the stripes and glue on the stars to finish off your flag. Thanks to Jeannie at CraftingJeannie you can make this flag today.

via: craft corner diy

04. Paper Mosiac American Flag - Small torn pieces of red and white paper are glued into the 13 stripes on the US flag onto a stiff piece of cardboard. The blue pieces are glued on next into a rectangular shape in the top left corner. Complete instructions to make this fun flag can be found at CraftCornerDIY.com.

American Flag Woodworking Crafts

05. Wooden American Flag Craft - This is a great DIY US flag craft that you can display indoors or outdoors! A simple woodworking project for the beginner but still enjoyable to make for someone with experience, the COMPLETE tutorial can be found on The Find by Zulily.

via: A Pumpkin and a Princess

06. Popsicle Stick Flag - If you didn't get a chance to make a popsicle stick flag as a kid now is your chance! These make great drink coasters on your table but first, you should seal them with a water-based spray sealer. Find the full tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.

via: Redhead Can Decorate

07. America Flag Candle Log - You have probably already seen these cool log centerpieces with small votive candles along the length of them but this candle log is painted with the American flag stars and stripes. Placed in the middle of your dining table or on a coffee table with the candles lit makes for the perfect centerpiece. Check out how to make your own at the Redhead Can Decorate.

via: Crafty Morning

08. DIY Wood Pallet American Flag - wood pallets are easy to find and many times free! This large American flag by Crafty Morning was made from a wood pallet and I think it turned out amazing.

American Flag Sewing Crafts

via: The Crafting Chicks

09. US Flag Pillow - changing out accessories when decorating for the holidays is lots of fun. These cute flag day pillows from via: The Crafting Chicks are so cute and patriotic. All you need are basic sewing skills to make your own.

via: Make it and Love it

10. 4th of July Shirt - Whether you make one shirt for yourself or deck your whole family out in these adorable 4th of July shirts from Make It and Love It everyone is sure to enjoy wearing them. Ruffle the stripes for your girls and leave them flat for your little boys to add a little flair to each one.

American Flag Home Decor Projects

via: Scratch and Stitch

11. Rags & Ribbons Flag - Here is a super simple way to make a flag that you can hang inside or outside. I love how the strips of ribbon flutter in the wind. Find the full tutorial at Scratch and Stitch.

via: Crafts For All Seasons

12. Patriotic Tin Can Luminaries - Upcycle your recyclable tin cans into these painted luminaries. Painted in strips of red, white, and blue with small holes punched into a pattern these tin cans look amazing in the evening with a votive candle lit inside. Check out the how-to instructions at Crafts For All Seasons.

via: Addicted 2 DIY

13. 4th of July Mason Jars - Everyone loves Mason jars. They are so useful and can be painted to match any decor in your home. These painted mason jars in red, white, and blue are super patriotic. Pop in a votive candle, light it and place it on your picnic table for a festive party. Find the full tutorial at Addicted 2 DIY.

The Frugal Navy Wife

14. Farmhouse Patriotic Rag Wreath - Patriotic pops of color on this DIY wreath are a fantastic way to celebrate Memorial Day or the 4th of July this year. No sewing required to make this fabric wreath. Find the full tutorial at The Frugal Navy Wife.

via: Top Inspired

15. American Flag Brick Centerpiece - Strategically stacked bricks on an outdoor patio make for a beautiful US flag. Dry brush painted to give it that rustic look makes it look a little more rustic too. This idea was found at Top Inspired.

Remember to Pin these great craft project ideas too or follow me on Pinterest to see more craft projects like these.

Getting ready for a holiday should include some fun crafts. Be proud of what you made! Many of these crafts make great gifts too so make a few extra to give away to your friends and family.