Psssst… find kid-friendly Halloween activities in Richmond here

Here are a bunch of great ways you can decorate pumpkins with your kids that don’t involve sharp knives and hopefully don’t take a million hours.

Melted Crayon Pumpkins
Giggles Galore

Use real pumpkins or get some fake ones for a fun, drippy pumpkin.

Glow in the Dark Pumpkins
I Love to Create

These pumpkins are fun to make and help light the way to all the treats.

Glow in the Dark Pumpkins
Brit + Co

Want another way to make your pumpkins glow? Skip the paint and go for the spray.

Mummy Pumpkins
Hands On As We Grow

Wrap your pumpkins up (they’ll last longer).

Disney Frozen Pumpkin
A Pumpkin and a Princess

Because frozen will never, ever, ever die.

DIY Flash Tattoo Pumpkins
Erica Brechtel

Get a little glittery with temporary tattoos and make boho style pumpkins.

 Confetti Pumpkin
Homey Oh My

Easy, fun, and the only thing being cut is the washi tape.

Mr. Pumpkin Head
Frugal Life Project

Mr. Potato Head just got an upgrade.

Bug Covered Pumpkin
The Kim Six Fix

This creepy crawly pumpkin kinda freaks me out.

Painted Stencil Pumpkins
Handmade Charlotte

You can’t go wrong with some colorful paint and a few stencils.

What is your favorite no-carve decorating method? Share yours below!

The post 10 No Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

DIY Seed Bombs
Fave Crafts

Make the Earth a little prettier this Earth Day with a splash of wildflowers.
These brightly colored seed bombs are easy to make, go out and toss them in that neglected spot in your backyard and see if they grow!

Start a Compost
Kid World Citizen

Reduce trash and put those banana peels and apple cores to work.
Starting a compost is easy to do and a great way to make use of those kitchen scraps.

Paper Bead Jewelry
The Idea Room

Recycle old magazines and catalogues to make beautiful beaded jewelry!

Tin Can Wind Chimes
A Girl and A Glue Gun

Add a little color in your yard and repurpose old cans with a tin can wind chime.

Stained Glass Planet Earth
Mom on Time Out

Earth is a beautiful planet.  Hang this homemade stained “glass” planet in the window.

Paper Mache Globes
Housing A Forest

These beautiful Earth Day globes are a bit messy but a totally worth while project for older kids.

Suncatchers from Nature
Hands on as we grow

Spring is a perfect time to collect green leaves and pretty petals, gather up what’s around you and make these beautiful sun catchers.

Rotisserie Chicken Container Greenhouse
Apartment Therapy

Why didn’t we think of this?  Start some seeds in an old rotisserie chicken container!  The lid creates a greenhouse effect and keeps seeds moist so you can watch them grow.

Start a Container Garden
Richmondmom

Your yard doesn’t have to be big and your container doesn’t have to be fancy.

DIY Garden Markers
Skip to my Lou

Don’t forget to mark your plants! Make these DIY garden markers so you don’t mix up your thyme with your oregano.

Like this article? Check out these:

13 Creative Stamps Made With Stuff From Around The House

Easy Peasy Fall Leaf Crafts from Around the Web

Eco Art: Craft Projects You Can do With Your Children

The post 10 Earth Day Crafts and Activities appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

All Fired Up is getting ready to welcome spring with some beautiful art projects for adults and kids.  Learn a new skill, come in for a little bonding time with your favorite buddy or drop in and paint whatever you’d like. Don’t forget, Richmondmom readers get 10% off walk in projects anytime!

Camp Sign-Up Open Now, early bird special until MARCH 31st, 10% off price of entire session, learn all about the amazing summer camps at All Fired Up and register online or in the store.

Technique Workshop: Paris Canvas
Thursday, March 5, 6-8 pm

Come out to our workshop to paint a beautiful ceramic canvas with a Paris theme. Reservations are required, only $35. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Kid’s Fun Night
Friday, March 6, 6-8 pm

Drop off the kids with us as we create a clay St. Patrick’s  Hat Mug, Splatter 4-Leaf Clover Plate, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call and sign up today. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Mug Monday
Monday, March 9, all day

Get 20% off all mugs all day long. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Technique Workshop: Starry Night Tray
Thursday March 12, 6-8 pm

Come paint a Van Gogh inspired ceramic tray for only $35, reservations are required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Preschool Pottery: St. Patrick’s Rainbow
Friday, March 13, 10:30-11:30 am

WHAT:  Parents, come in with your preschool aged kids for a shared creative experience, as we make a fingerprint rainbow and pot of gold on a small coupe plate inspired by St. Patrick’s Rainbow for only $15.  All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Pi Day Special
Saturday, March 14^th, all day

WHAT:  When you mention Pi Day, you can receive $3.14 off of a purchase of $15 or more. Does not apply to private parties or gift certificates. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

www.getallfiredup.com

St. Patrick’s Day Special
Tuesday, March 17^th, all day

Wear green, save gold. 10% off all day when you wear green. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Technique Workshop: Pop Art Vase
Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm

Create a Piet Mondrian inspired primary color rectangle vase for only $35, reservations required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Make-an-Alien Kids Class
Friday, March 20, 6-7:30 pm

Drop off the kids for an out-of-this-world kids class where we will be making our own unique wet clay aliens. The price is just $25 and reservations are required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Glass Jewelry Special
Monday, March 23, all day

Buy 3 Dichro glass necklace kits, get the 4^th FREE.  All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Ladies Night Out
Thursday, March 26, 6-9 pm

Come join us for ladies night. We close down the studio to the public to give you a relaxing night off. Plus you will receive %10 off and snacks are provided. Reservations are recommended, so please call ahead to sign up your group. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

Princess Party Kids Class
Friday, March 27, 6-7:30 pm

Drop off the kids with us for a fairytale inspired evening. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids paint a high heel slipper or princess bank. Call to sign up for this class. A snack is included all for the price of $30. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations

All Fired Up is a Sponsor of Richmondmom

The post Get All Fired Up in March With These Beautiful Art Projects appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Snow is fun but even the best snow bunnies like to come inside.
Here are some easy stamps you can make with your kids where it’s nice and warm (with a mug of hot cocoa).  No need for a run to the store, these are items you may have around the house.

Toilet paper rolls

 Easy Fireworks Painting
Danya Banya

Fringe some left over toilet paper rolls to create cool fireworks.

Toilet Paper Roll Stamps
Mama Papa Bubba

These simple stamps are easy as pie, and you can get more than one stamp out of each roll too.

Toilet Paper Roller
Who’s Who and Who’s New

Use foam stickers or try string, bubble wrap or textured fabric.

Corks and bottle tops

Wine Cork Stamps
Design Mom

Go ahead and open another bottle… for the sake of the children.

Sponge Painting
Boy Mama Teacher Mama

Use bottle caps to keep hands clean(er)

Bottle Top Stamps
Paging Fun Moms

These use foam stickers and bottle tops to make a bunch of cute stamps.

Cherry Blossom Art
Alpha Mom

Or, just use the whole bottle.

Food

Apple and Celery Stamps
A Beautiful Mess

So cute you might use them for yourself (check out the gorgeous celery stamped scarf!)

Okra Stamps
This is Love Forever

I used to love celery stalk stamps, but okra may be the most adorable stamp I’ve ever seen.

Potato Stamps
Homemade Serenity

The potato stamp is a classic, but the way she cuts the pattern out of this potato stamp is brilliant.

Junk Around the House

Pipe Cleaner Snowflake Stamps
Sugar Aunts

Perfect when you’re stuck inside on a snow day.

Spool Stamps
Richmondmom

We made these DIY stamps last year and found they are perfect for little toddler hands.

Get creative with stuff around the house
Play Based Learning

Got some old junk? Gather up buttons, foam, toothpicks, wire, string… whatever you got an have a cool stamp competition.  You might come up with some really creative patterns!

Have fun stamping and show us what you made!

Like this post? Please share it using one of our handy-dandy share buttons on the side of your desktop or the top of the post.
Find more fantastic craft ideas on our Pinterest board.

The post 13 Creative Stamps Made With Stuff From Around The House appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

I love making crafts and think they make lovely presents and gifts… but truth be told, there’s plenty of crafty things to make during the holidays and I usually realize I need to get gifts for the teachers the Wednesday before school is out for the winter break.

Consider this your reminder (and mine) that it’s holiday gifting time and if you’ve got a particularly fabulous teacher you might want to put them on your list this year.

First things first, pass on the knick knacks, 30 kids for just 5 years and you already have the potential for a loooootta “greatest teacher” goods.

Here are some easy gifts teachers will love:

Books Your favorite book or your child’s favorite book for their classroom.  Have your child write a special note inside if they are old enough.

Games for the Classroom Pick up a board game for kids to play when recess is inside.  Find a fun educational game, or go with a classic favorite (try to avoid Monopoly and other games that last 3+ hours).  Puzzles are great for younger kids and preschoolers as well.

Practical Gift Cards Target, Amazon, book stores, teacher supply stores… Even MARTIN’S.

Divide your budget up and split the gift cards for the classroom and for themselves (for example one Barnes & Noble gift card for themselves and one to buy a book for their classroom) packs of multiple gift cards are perfect for this idea.

Fun Gift Cards  Teachers are people too and gift cards are a great one-size-fits-all gift, especially if you haven’t gotten a chance to get to know them well. Gift cards for movie tickets or a dinner out is always a great gift that teachers can enjoy with their family or spouse.

Multi-Family Gift Talk to a few other parents and go in on a massage from Massage Envy for a little R&R.

School Supply Basket Many teachers spend a lot of their own money on additional classroom supplies and by mid-year a lot of their supplies have depleted. Put together a little classroom supply refresher gift basket.

Include:
-Pencils and Pens
-Loose leaf paper
-Tissues (and more tissues)
-Hand sanitizer
-Glue sticks (lots and lots of glue sticks)
-Post-it notes
-Dry erase markers
-Favorite snack (get your kid to do some detective work)

A Handmade Card I don’t have time to be crafty, but that doesn’t mean I can’t put the kids to work. Keep it simple and have your kids make a card with a special note inside.  Sometimes a heart felt note is worth much more than any gift.

Gotta little time?  If you can’t send in a gift without a crafty touch. Check out our Pinterest Board with a lot teacher gift ideas.

Ever Present by JD Hancock is licensed under CreativeCommons license 2.0.  Modified to include type.

The post Great Gifts for Teachers (When You Don’t Have Time to be Crafty) appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Follow the links to get the tutorial on how to make these creative Easter eggs.

Sharpie Dyed Easter Eggs // Housing a Forest
What makes these more fun is using an eye dropper to make the rubbing alcohol all drippy… feels like a science experiment.

Black & White Eggs // Obviously Sweet

While we’re on the subject of Sharpie eggs, these doodles look super modern yet fun with nothing but a black sharpie.

Temporary Tattoo Eggs // Brit + Co.
I love Brit + Co and I’m annoyed with myself for not having thought of these.

Temporary tattoos as instant Easter Eggs. Duh. You can pick up cheap tattoos at the craft store in lots of fun designs.

Ukrainian Eggs Made Simple // Design Sponge

Alright… Compared to the temporary tattoos and sharpie eggs, these are a little more advanced. They did have beautiful results though.

Easter Egg People // Mr. Printables
Check out these little guys!! So cute!  Might be too tempting to play with them…

Stamped Easter Eggs // Lovely Indeed
She gets these beautiful colors using regular old Paas egg dye.
I think I need that stamp.

Gold Leaf Marbled Eggs // She Knows

The gold leaf part is definitely a mom or older kid task, but younger kids can do the original dye job.

Confetti Eggs // She Makes a Home

If it’s a confetti something, chances are I like it.I also like how impossible this one is to mess up.

Translucent Glitter Eggs // Bliss Bloom Blog

Epsom salt, glue and plastic eggs make this a cheap & easy (but still pretty) Easter Egg.

Sprinkle Easter Eggs // Studio DIY

While we’re dipping our eggs, these sprinkle Easter eggs look good enough to eat! (Uh, but don’t)

… All those eggs leave you with left over egg cartons? Check out these egg carton crafts!

Made some amazing Easter eggs? Share them with us!  Email them to Sarah@RichmondMom.com or tag us on Facebook or Instagram!

The post Easter Egg Decorating Ideas appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

The snow day staples: milk, bread and eggs.
We already addressed what to do with all that milk… so now, how can we keep the kids entertained with the eggs?
Well, to go along with that you’re going to need some snow day activities.
So, here are some crafty “sides” to go along with your staples.

Egg Carton Animal Noses
Baby Jungle

How cute are these?!  These super easy and fun egg carton noses are perfect for pretend play.
(Also, file this away for Halloween costumes.)

Flower Garland
Say Yes

It might be a snowy day but we’re dreaming of spring flowers.
This cute little garland would be a cheerful way to decorate a kids room.

Go All Kandinsky on them

No tutorial here, but none needed.
Get creative and colorful with your own work of art.

Egg Carton SnowflakesWhite House, Black Shutters

Easy yes, but kids will really love this one because you get to smash these babies flat!
Paint em, or leave them as is.

Egg Carton Paint PalletLearn~Play~Imagine

Alright, so the egg carton isn’t the actual craft… But I love how this clever mama used it as a paint pallet.
Create dot paintings with q-tips and when the painting is done, just toss the supplies away for easy clean up.

Bunnies vs. Chicks CheckersCreate-Celebrate-Explore

These checkers were made for Easter, but you can make any animal you can think of, spend some time making them and then MORE time playing with them.

Egg Carton Snake Puppet
Kid Spot

I definitely don’t mind having these kinds of snakes around.
Make egg carton snake puppets and use them to tell a story.

Dragon (or Dinosaur) Puppet
Life with Moore Babies

Snake puppet too easy? Or perhaps he needs a friend.
This puppet is a little more work but you definitely get “crafty parent” brag rights!

Egg Carton Bird Feeder
Ginger Snap Crafts

Ah, yes, spring… wouldn’t that be nice…

Spy Glasses
Crafts By Amanda

Make some crazy glasses out of pipe cleaners and egg cartons and take some pictures.

Egg Carton Owl
MollyMoo

These little owls are made with a half dozen egg carton, use whatever you have on hand to decorate them.

Egg Carton Sailboat
Life at the Zoo

Not sure they’ll float far, but these sailboats sure are cute!

As for us, we use egg cartons as building blocks.  They’re perfect for toddlers because they are soft and quiet. Maybe we’ll paint them this snow day so it looks like we’re buried in egg cartons on purpose.

What can you make with left over egg cartons?
Tag us on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share your art!

The post Craft Time: 12 Egg Carton Crafts appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Enter:  Easy peasy fall leaf crafts. Here are my favorites from around the web that ANYBODY can do, and you probably have ALL the materials in your house already!

Do you have paper?  Paint or crayons?  Glue?  Fall leaves?  Well, then, get ready to choose one of the following crafts with your kiddos and deck your house out for fall!

[doptg id=”10″]

The post Easy Peasy Fall Leaf Crafts From Around The Web appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

As always, you’ll have the chance to win one of Kate Hall’s popular children’s books, Richmond Rocks! and The Spooky Sequel!

With the warm weather finally making an appearance, April’s Mommy & Me will be back outside in the pavilion of The Shops at Willow Lawn.  Stop by for some of the best FREE kids’ entertainment in all of Richmond!

Mommy and Me is held the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00am – 11:30am and is great family fun for kids, moms, dads and grandparents, so join us each month at The Shops at Willow Lawn.

Don’t miss this FREE morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parent’s interaction with their children!

The post Mommy & Me with Hope Harris is April 10th: Join Us appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Summer Camp Continues August 20-21.

Last chance for summer camp!

Looking for something to keep your little artists busy in these last days of summer? They will love the Spirited Art new 2 day Summer Camp! Camp starts at 10 am and goes until 12 pm on August 20 and 21, 2012. The kids will paint one picture each day (Peace and Hibiscus Name).

www.myspiritedart.com

This Friday, August 17, they’re offering a Friday afternoon class for adults too – join them at 2:00 for Wine Glasses.

Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks and have a fabulous time.

What better way to celebrate summer nearing an end?

Spirited Art is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

The post Last Chance Kids’ Summer Camp at Spirited Art: August 20-21 appeared first on RichmondMom.com.