5 Cold Weather Indoor Craft Ideas to Keep your Kids Occupied

Hello everyone! We survived #SeattleSnowmageddon2019 and eventually were able to dig ourselves out of our garage and driveway. It was a doozy of a snow storm, but we had everything we needed to stay warm and keep our tummies way more full than usual for a week (stress eating during an emergency is a real thing).

What I keep hearing from my friends, is while many had enough food to eat, and were lucky enough to have power, they didn't have enough to keep their kids occupied. The stress on parents this past week multiplied as fast as the snowflakes fell and it got me thinking, it might be nice to create a post with activities for kids to do during the cold, and sometimes unexpectedly stormy, winter weather.

I pulled a few of my favorites from the archives that I thought you might like. While being housebound wasn't very fun and cabin fever set in rather quickly, I'm hoping these crafty ideas for cold weather will come in handy for you or your kiddos so no one goes too stark raving mad.

Indoor Craft Ideas for Kids during Cold, Winter Weather

(*affiliate links included in this post. See disclosure below)

Make an Ink Blot T-shirt

Ink blot t-shirts -an easy, cool, indoor kids activity © ShannonSews

All you need is a blank t-shirt, a piece of cardboard (old cereal box works perfectly), and some fabric paint. This link is to an ink blot t-shirt making party I had at school and the kids LOVED it! They wore their t-shirts for years after.

Keep some fabric paint on hand and, in a pinch, you can use an old shirt that has a stain on it that you can cover up with a paint design.





SUPPLY LIST:
FolkArt Brush on Fabric Paint Beginner Set
Gildan Kids' Ultra Cotton Youth T-Shirt, 2-Pack
Youth Cardboard Shirt Form (or just use the cardboard from a cereal box)

Faux water color painting

Faux water color projects for kids © ShannonSews

This craft is SO easy if you have some washable markers and small paint brushes on hand (I used Crayola Washable Markers). If you have access to the internet and a printer, you can print out free coloring pages, clip art or even draw something yourself in a pinch. And it's more fun than just using the regular old kid set of water colors.

This link will take you to my step-by-step instructions (+ a video!) on how to keep anyone occupied for hours (I know, you'll count yourself lucky if your kids focus on this for 20 minutes) but I swear they and you will love it. Even if they knock the water glass over.

SUPPLY LIST:
Crayola Washable Markers
Kids Paint Brushes
White Cardstock
Clip Art (google to find free-bees)
Computer & Printer (or just let them paint their own designs)

Sew easy bean bags or rice bags

Kid friendly sewing- beanbags / rice bags © ShannonSews

I know, the point is not to give your kids ammunition while you're stuck inside the house, but think of all the fun they could have throwing bean bags at targets, downstairs - away from you.

Create a target by cutting out a hole in a box or draw a target and tape it to a box. It can't get more easy than that on a cold, indoor, winter day.

However, for this project you really do need a sewing machine, although, you could use strips of stitch witchery and a hot iron to bind the fabric together, but a sewing machine is the best route. Follow the link to the full tutorial. They are just squares, so even a new little sewer may not have too much trouble with this. I made these as sewing weights, but you follow the same instructions for bean bags the kids can toss and toss and toss - just hopefully not at you or each other.

SUPPLY LIST:
Cotton fabric squares - cut them yourself or buy pre-cut 5" cotton squares
Sewing Machine and thread OR stitch witchery and a hot iron (optional, this method not shown on tutorial)
Dry beans or rice
Old Cardboard box for target practice
Scissors to cut out target hole

Make Paper Roses

Easy paper roses - kid projects for rainy days © ShannonSews

This is a really fun activity for kids that know their way around a pair of scissors and can roll up a strip of paper. And if you don't want to get involved in the making, just let one of your older kids help, that you trust with a hot glue gun. I didn't mean that as a joke.

I made this red rose out of 2 pieces of scrapbook paper, and if I can make it, trust me, you can - or even your elementary school aged child can. This link takes you to another blog's tutorial, who showed it much better than I could. They even embellish their flowers with glitter, but this post is about lowering your stress, not heightening it.

SUPPLY LIST:
Colored Cardstock
Scissors
Hot glue gun

Make Your Own Soothing Lavender Water

Lavender water recipe even for kids © ShannonSews

Did you know they make something called Lavender pillow spray to calm and soothe before bed? Maybe if your kids make this lavender water it will make them really relaxed and they will want to go to bed. What a marvelous idea for a housebound snowy, cold or wintry day, don't you think?

You will need a few ingredients on hand like distilled water, though I'm guessing regular tap water would work in a pinch, Essential Lavender Oil, Witch Hazel (or a pinch of rubbing alcohol instead), a measuring cup & spoon, funnel and empty spray bottle.

Since many people have these items in their house already, it could be an easy go-to project...OR for us crafty types who keep a rainy day activities bin, you're set.



SUPPLY LIST:
Distilled water
Essential Lavender Oil
Witch Hazel (ethyl alcohol, isopropyl or vodka) *acts as an emulsifier & helps spray dry faster
Measuring cup & spoon
Funnel
Spray Bottles




I'd love to hear your cold weather stuck-indoors activity ideas for kids! Share in the comments below! And good luck through the rest of the winter. The groundhog may have been wrong?


*This post contains product links, added for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon.com. 

Ink Blot Baby Clothing: unique onesies for squeezy babies

I love this little boy.

That face!

Those eyes!

Those rolls!

My darling nephew Drake is sporting his own personal, one-of-a-kind Ink Blot Onesie, made just for him. 

His mom picked out the fabric paint color. My hands swirled out the design.

And it just so happened, the design came out like a motorcycle riding dude. Looks like this little boy may love to ride motorcycles like his daddy. 

*See how the "biker dude" was made

Spring is on the horizon, and soon mommies everywhere will be pulling out there little short-sleeved onesies.

Who can resist a chubby baby in a cute little onesie? Sigh. 

Looking for a unique baby shower gift?

Ink Blot Onesies make the perfect baby shower gift for a new mom. You can choose from pre-made one-of-a-kind designs or request to have it personally made just for you by choosing your own paint colors. Irresistibly cute for your baby or someone else's baby with deliciously nommy thighs.

Ink Blot Onesie Design Kits are also a really fun baby shower activity. After the party is over, she'll have loads to choose from!

I was so spoiled this weekend. Drake came to visit. He's the sweetest little guy ever! Auntie loves you!xo

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

{HUGE SALE} Great gifts for the holidays!

Hi friends! Sorry I kind of disappeared for a month. Every day I wanted to catch up, but you know how that goes...do I fill you in on the last month's happs or just call it good and start from today?! That's why my journal has been empty for hmmm....about 15 years?!

Anywho, lets jump in head first with today.

Enter HOLIDAY SHOPPING 

Yes, it's that time of year again. How'd it get here so fast??

If you're looking for some great deals on holiday gifts, check out my etsy shop. I just put the majority of my inventory on a huge 40% off sale! Woohoo! Baby bibs and burp cloth sets, Ink Blot Bibs, Onesies and T-shirts, Pillows and Pillow cases.

Happy Shopping!

Sending my love and happy thoughts to everyone on the east coast!!

P.S. In case you don't know, Nov. 1st - Dec. 16th 2012 (excludes 11/22-11/26), Target stores nationwide will price match Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BabiesRUs.com, ToysRUs.com and BestBuy.com. You have to check out at customer service and tell them which retailer you are price matching & they will look it up online right there at the counter. You don't need to print anything. PLUS, if you buy something at Target and find a cheaper price from one of these retailers later, you can take in your receipt for a price adjustment. Amazing! Great money saving tip from TheKrazyCouponLady.com.

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

New Ink Blot T-shirts in the shop

I couldn't resist making a few more Ink Blot T-shirts for my shop. A couple for adults and a handful for kids.

I'm always anxious to see how each paint "splatter" will turn out and love to hear what people see in each design.

Here's my 2 cents.

This one I call the Cave Man

(size Adult Medium)

Available here

This one's a flying frog, wingspan out.
(size Young Adult XL or Adult M-L)
Available here

I can't be the only one who sees a wittow mouse, now am I? Clear as day.

(size Child M)
Available here

Creature with electricity shooting out the sides. Clearly.
(size Child M)
Available here

Wings of angels

(size Adult Small)

Available here

It's all about imagination people! 
You should have heard all the ideas the kids came up with as they saw each shirt when we did our 50 ink blot t-shirts project at school! I learned a thing or two about what real imagination is!

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

Colorful Baby Onesies

My Ink blot Baby Onesies have been so popular, I decided to put a few more in the shop. Instead of the black designs like I did more recently, I decided to do layered color. Aren't they cheerful?

This one reminds me of Cherries. I like the combination of deep pink and Indian turquoise.

The swirls of this one reminds me of the pumpkin vines as they magically swirled to become Cinderella's carriage. I think the lavender and Indian turquoise compliment each other. Soft and sweet.

I can't help but immediately see a court jester in this one. Or the face of a clown? Whatever it is, this deep pink and lamp black design makes me think "happy".

This one is tricky. I see either frogs or colorful caterpillars. The ocean blue and lamp black make a nice combination.

It's funny how a design can jump right out at you. At first this light and dark purple design reminded me of little purple pansies. But all-at-once I saw the face of a smiling teddy bear. Do you see it too? Now that's all I see when I look at it - no more pansies.

Each of these "abstract art" painted Onesies are now in my shop. The feedback I've received is that they make really fun and unique baby gifts. Hope they make someone (or someone's baby!) happy too. ♥

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

Ink Blot T-shirt Party! 50 kids:50 shirts

Want a totally unique party idea? 

Have an ink blot t-shirt making party!

Coolest thing since sliced bread.

I decided to take on a group of 50 kids for some ink-blot t-shirt making madness and it was a smashing success!

What's more rewarding, than making something super cool and being able to show it off ?! The kids were so excited to make them and even more exited to wear them.





Everyone's done tie-dye, but have you tried Ink blot t-shirt design? 
It's the newest, coolest way to design your own t-shirts. And it's easy enough for any age.  Like really easy. Anyone who can drip paint and fold something in half is eligible. See what I mean?

Here's a little demo.
Hard to believe such cool designs come from something so simple.

Okay, back to my crazy ink blot partaay!
We started off with our supplies. If you're interested in making it really easy on yourself? You can purchase pre-made Ink Blot T-shirt Design Kits from my etsy shop (sorry, no longer available).

Here's a bit of what we started with:

• White t-shirts
• Fabric Paint
• Pre-folded {recyclable} cereal boxes (to use as cardboard inserts)

T-shirts all stuffed and ready to go.

Kids ready to go.

Let the paint squeezing begin!

Then fold

Big reveals

Oooooh.....ahhhhhhh

The kids had lots of fun discussing what they saw in each of the designs.

Robots? Animals? Insects? Space aliens?

You name it. They saw it.

T-shirts laying out to dry. We had quite a line up starting.

And just in case you're a sucker for before and after's like me?
Here you go:

• Learned new skills
• Created fun memories
• Beamed with pride over their newly designed t-shirts they made all themselves
• An activity well worth doing

Proudly showing off their creations

{Protecting the kiddos privacy by "blotting" out their faces.}

They're smiling. I promise!

Great activity idea for:
Birthday parties, school activities, summer camps, fundraisers, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, family reunions, sweet 16 parties, or just rainy day activities!

Ink Blot T-shirt Design Kits were previously available for purchase, complete with tips and detailed instructions at SSorensenDesigns.etsy.com


{WATCH} to see how fun an ink blot party can be!




Want more Ink blot t-shirt (and baby onesie's) posts? 
Click: Ink Blot Designs 

Happy Ink Blotting!

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

---

Linked to:
Mop it up Mondays
http://www.iheartnaptime.net, http://www.flamingotoes.com, http://sewcando.blogspot.com, http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com, http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com, http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com, http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/ http://www.notjustahousewife.net/ http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/  http://todayscreativeblog.net/ http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/ http://www.craftyconfessions.com/  http://www.diybydesign.blogspot.com/ http://www.733blog.com/, http://www.sew-much-ado.com/, http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/, http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/, http://www.creationsbykara.com/, http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/, http://www.rolleduppretty.com/, http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/