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Showing posts sorted by date for query cards. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query cards. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we are honoring the Indigenous People of Massachusetts with a Tribal Nations Puzzle

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this puzzle as a gift from the maker. All opinions are my own.

As I sit and think about Thanksgiving I remember the history we have been taught and much of the history I have learned. With my parents on Cape Cod I drive through Plymouth, Massachusetts every year on my way to and from Thanksgiving dinner. I think about the friendships that were made between the Wampanoag People and the Pilgrims and how the white colonists truly treated the Natives who helped them survive the first year. It saddens me that we are taught such a different story about what Thanksgiving means. To me this is a day to give thanks for the blessings we have and to gather with loved ones and be thankful for the time with them. This is especially true for my family this year since it may be one of the last ones that my father will be truly present as his Alzheimer's is getting much worse. 

Origami: Fun Facts, Product Reviews & Craft Round-Up

Disclosure: I was sent these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are on our third week of exploring Japan for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. If you missed our first two weeks we did new picture books to learn about Japan and crafts from Japan. Today we are taking a look at the ancient art of Japanese origami. I thought I would start with some fun facts since I shared a bit about the history of origami a few years ago. 

Japanese Arts, Crafts and their Makers

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This month is Asian Pacific Heritage Month and to celebrate it we are looking at Japan all month long for Multicultural Mondays. Last week we started with two picture books including one on the creation myth in Japan. Today we are going to look at the crafts and craftsmen/women of Japan as well as a round-up of Japanese-inspired crafts and artists. To begin this post I am sharing a new book that is being released tomorrow (May 12, 2020). It is Craftland Japan by Uwe Röttgen and Katharina Zetti.

Kid Made Mother's Day Card Ideas with Round-Up


Can you believe Mother's Day is only a week away? This year with remote learning going on the kids are not getting help from their teachers to make cards and gifts. That means it falls on the kids and the dads. Steve brought up the idea of shopping for Mother's Day cards with Hazel and whether it was safe. I reminded him that most of our stores here are closed and will be until after Mother's Day. I suggested they go to our local Walgreen's but when push came to shove Hazel did not want to go out. She has been home since this has started except for our walks when it is nice out, a trip to her school for her yearbook picture, a trip to a good friend's house who is also social distancing but we needed to exchange things with one another and trips to her grandmother's house with Steve. I went to Walgreen's and picked up a couple of cards for her grandmothers. She was afraid one of them would not like getting a homemade card. I found it hard to believe but figured it was worth getting cards for her to give them. She can make one for me. Then I got to thinking of the dads out there who haven't had to deal with this before. I got the idea of sharing some when I got an email from Crayola featuring a flamingo card. I figured we had to try it since Hazel LOVES flamingos

Valentine's Day Crafts--Decorating with Love

Disclosure: I was sent these papers in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

This year after taking down Christmas I really had a strong desire to decorate for Valentine's Day. I didn't want to use our regular decorations that we have from years past. I wanted to come up with my own new ones. I helped at Christmas time at Hazel's school with a Christmas station where the kids colored and made 3-D ornaments. I decided to make my own for Valentine's Day. I came up with six different hearts to color using My Memories

Global Kids: 50+ Games, Crafts, Recipes & More from Around the World -- Multicultural Children's Book Day Review

Disclosure: I was sent a set of these cards in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

For today's multicultural review I am sharing a neat set of cards to teach kids about different cultures of the world. It is Global Kids: 50+ Games, Crafts, Recipes & More from Around the World by Homa Sabet Tavangar and Sophie Fatus.  

Books to Help Her Take Care of Herself and Others -- Tweens, Teens, Adults and Younger

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in return for an honest review. All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. Some of the links are affiliate links where I will receive a small percentage of any purchases made through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Crafty Moms Share!

Have you ever woken up feeling a bit off? That is how I feel this morning. I knew I wanted to write a review but I didn't sleep well and feel like I might be fighting the cold that is going around. When I looked at my review shelves I didn't turn to the books I was planning on reviewing but looked at books that inspire self care. I added a few that would involve being oneself and health and I created this grouping to share with you today. Most of the books are for tweens through adults but one book which we will start with is for ages 3 to 6. It is It's Okay to Be a Unicorn! by Jason Tharp. This book is not available for sale until February.

Hokusai Prints Note Cards -- Product Review

Disclosure: I was sent a set of these note cards in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Tell me how you feel when you get a surprise note from a friend or family member in the mail--you know a piece of mail that is not a bill or advertisement or magazine or invitation. How often do you receive a note from family or friends in the mail? I'm guessing you probably only get them for your birthday and the holidays. Am I right? With all of our technology we seem to have lost the art of sending a letter or note. It is funny because receiving those notes make us feel so special and loved yet we don't really send them anymore. It is too bad. Personally I love having beautiful note cards on hand in case the occasion to send one arises or the spirit moves me to send a smile to a loved one. How about you? I also have been known to frame some note cards and use them as home décor. I started this in college and discovered it to be a less expensive way to have my favorite artists hanging in my own space. 

Today I am sharing with you Hokusai Prints Note Cards. These beautiful cards feature a print of one of Katsushika Hokusai. Hokusai was a Japanese artist in the late 1700s and early 1800s. He is known for his woodblock prints and especially his wave one. He is also most known for his views of Fuji prints. With this set of note cards you get to see twelve of his prints. Aren't they beautiful?

With each one you send you not only send a little love and news but you also send this beautiful piece of art and culture. On the back of each card is the name of the print as well as the series it is from and of course the artist and publisher information.

The cards themselves are a wonderful quality. They are a good thickness and the outside is that smooth gloss feel and the inside is the regular note card feel. They also come with white envelopes. My family often sends a note card now instead of a birthday card. I can see my mom and sisters loving these cards this coming year for their birthdays. I hope you will check them out and send some love this year too!! Or get a pack, a nice pen and some stamps and you have a great holiday gift! To see a bit more of what I have shared about Hokusai check out this post

A Picture Book for Kids When Someone Is Really Sick

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

How do you explain to a young child when someone close to him or her gets really sick? Perhaps it is a grandparent or a parent or maybe it is even a sibling or a friend. No matter who it is a young child may have trouble really understanding and may not know how to deal with it. Today I am going to share a book with you to help you explain and to help the child cope with what is going on. The book is How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? by Vanessa Bayer and illustrated by Rosie Butcher. 

Fun Facts about Macaroni and Cheese & Crafty Weekends Link Party


Did you know today is National Macaroni and Cheese Day? To celebrate I thought I would share some fun facts about the All-American comfort food and have two link parties! One for our normal Crafty Weekends and one for your favorite mac and cheese recipes!

Science Books & Resources

Disclosure: We were sent these books and kits in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have been sitting on these books for awhile and the pile keeps growing, so I am getting these reviews done. Are you looking for some fun science (mostly space) resources for STEM activities and lessons this summer? I have a group to share with you. The first book is a middle grade novel. It is the first in a series of novels from National Geographic Kids. It is Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit. 

Crafty Weekends Link Party


This has been a crazy week here. We celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week a week early and I spent a lot of time at school helping out/running it. Then Thirty-One announced a Pop-Up Sale (Disclosure: I am a Thirty-One Independent Consultant so I will receive a percentage of any purchase made through this link.). It ends tomorrow if you want to shop a deal! I have been advertising it and sold at a craft fair as well. As a result I am not reviewing anything tonight. 

Origami Love Notes

Disclosure: Tuttle Publishing sent me a copy of this kit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe Valentine's Day is Thursday? Time is flying by but since we are in the month of love let's talk about love notes--Origami Love Notes that is. This fun kit is by Florence Temko and comes with easy to follow instructions and 36 sheets of double-sided origami paper (6.75" squares).

Peaceable Kingdom Valentines from Mindware

Disclosure: I was sent these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe Valentine's Day is next week? It is coming fast. Are you ready? Hazel always wants Valentines with little gifts but the school asks for non-candy Valentines. Do you have this issue? Well I turned to Mindware this year for some fun Valentines. We picked out three different ones to review and share with you from their new ones this year. Hazel loved the Scented Eraser Valentines and thought they would be perfect for her classmates. 

Let's Talk About Love -- Books for Babies through Adults

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

With January coming to a bitterly cold end we turn are view to February and of course love. Valentine's Day can sneak up on you if you aren't paying attention. So today I am going to share with you books for all ages about love and the various kinds of love. I have everything from board books to an adult devotional. Yes we are talking love between parent and child as well as loving God and neighbors and even your favorite stuffed animal. We will go through by age so starting with the board books. The first one is If Animals Said I Love You by Ann Whitford Paul and pictures by David Walker.

Mindware Games & More -- Perfect Gifts for Tweens

Disclosure: Mindware sent me these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was hoping to get this post written before the holidays, but I got the items a bit late and then went on vacation. However these products are wonderful gifts for birthdays or other occasions as well as just great additions to your family games and activities or home school. One of the many things I love about Mindware products is how they are fun and educational. All of these fit that description. Three of these products are games that are fun additions for family game night. The first is Leaps and Ledges

Reindeer Fun Facts and Craft Round-Up


Can you believe Christmas is only a week away? To get you in the mood and perhaps to entertain your kids, I am sharing some fun facts about reindeer and a craft and activity round-up.

Christian Gifts for Tween Girls -- Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: Wee Believers sent me this gift pack and offered one for a giveaway to one of my great readers!! All opinions are my own (or Hazel's).

Do you want a meaningful gift for a tween? Wee Believers offers some great Christian products and has an entire line, Let Your Light Shine, for tweens, and Hazel LOVES them. We reviewed some of their products previously. Hazel was really excited that we got another gift pack to review. This time the theme is Love and we LOVE it!! First there is the Love Heart-Shaped Affirmation Pillow

Facts and More from National Geographic Kids

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Last year Hazel became known for the "Did you know..." cards I put in her lunch and snack. Her teacher had her share them with the entire class and the kids loved it. This year I wasn't doing it and Hazel came home saying the kids are asking where they are. Now one of my favorite places to pull from is National Geographic Kids books like the two I am sharing today!! The first book is Why Not? Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer. 

Math Club for Grades 3-5 Resources

Disclosure: MindWare sent me copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

This fall I was asked if I would run an 8 week math club for grade 3 to 5. I did some research and discovered an amazing free math club program--Crazy 8s. But we couldn't get into it in time for the fall run. I am hoping to do it this winter. So I needed to pull together some ideas for the fall math club. It is a bit hard working with grades 3 to 5. The third graders have not really learned to multiply yet or what a fraction is yet where as the fifth graders are beyond that. I turned to MindWare for some fun supplements to math club. They were kind enough to send me some perplexor books and a set of extreme dot to dot books. And guess what? The kids LOVE them. They beg me to copy more each week. I think next week's math club may really be diving into the perplexors. I try to start each week with a perplexor. I made the mistake of starting with a dot to dot and found the kids spent the entire hour on it instead of the other fun activities I had planned. Now I give the dot to dot out at the end. Some of the kids bring them back finished to show us. I love it. MindWare also gives teachers permission to photocopy their dot to dot and perplexor books for use in a classroom, so it is legal for me to copy these for the kids. It is a win-win.