We love this craft that turn vintage, recycled T-shirts into awesome tote bags! If your little ones have shirts they’ve outgrown but still love, this sewing craft will give them a whole new way to enjoy an old favorite.

What you will need:

Old T-shirts

Scissors

Sewing machine

Instructions:

Step 1: Turn your T-shirt inside out. Using your sewing machine, sew together the bottom edges. (if you don’t have one, you can tie the bottom together with shoelace or twine, or use iron-on adhesive strips to seal the bottom of your bag)

Step 2: Using scissors, cut out the neckband and sleeves–these will form your bag’s straps.

Step 3: Turn the T-shirt right-side in…you’re ready to hit the town!

My 4-year-old daughter is in a serious fairy phase right now. She hasn’t completely abandoned the Disney princesses, but her focus has strongly shifted to all things fairy.

I think it began during our recent trip to Disney World. She was enamored of Tinkerbell and her sister Periwinkle. Insisted on waiting in line two days in a row to see them.

When I first saw the animated images of the fairies of Pixie Hollow, I have to admit my reaction was not a positive one. I thought they looked like little hussies, and was concerned about what my child would be exposed to.

But, as we have immersed ourselves in the movies, books and even music of Tinkerbell, my feelings have shifted. The messages are positive ones. They focus on friendship. Supporting and helping one another. Discovering and developing your talents. Appreciating the talents of others and their value.

What’s not to like? And, as I lost any remaining cool points long ago, I will freely admit I really enjoy the Tinkerbell music CD we have. We regularly have dance parties in the kitchen to it while cooking dinner.

Here are the lyrics to one of the songs, “Let Your Heart Sing…”

Let the truth in your heart save you every day,

And you’ll never lose your way.

If you follow, follow the voice in your heart.

Always know that’s how to find who you are.

So hold on, never let go of your dreams.

You’ll see the magic,

Believing is where it begins.

Life is a beautiful thing.

Let your heart sing.

Not that long ago, my daughter told me fairies were not real. And I was a little sad. After all, shouldn’t a child her age believe in the magic? When I commented on this lovely post by fellow Moonfrye contributor Katie Hurley about her daughter building a fairy house, she responded, “the magic comes and goes in waves; she’ll find hers.”

The other day as we were in the butterfly house at our local zoo, my daughter believed. They have fairy houses spread throughout the exhibit, and the staff always advises visitors to be on the lookout for the fairies.

At one point my 4-year-old stopped, knelt down and whispered, “I think I hear the fairies! Over there!” She pointed to a bush.

“You do?!” I replied, kneeling down next to her. “Can you see them?”

“No, I can’t,” she said, straining to see into the foliage.

“Well, remember, they are not supposed to let humans see them. They are probably hiding right now and hoping we will move on.”

“Yeah. You’re right. But it would be really cool to see one.”

The magic is back.

Around our house, musical instruments are well-loved. From toy drums and xylophones to make-shift pots & pans, we are constantly jamming and singing to something. We needed a few more noise makers, so I decided to make this rain stick! It was so simple to make, I wanted to share it with you. In fact, you probably already have all of the supplies.

What you will need:

Cardboard tube (like a paper towel roll, etc.)

Packing or duct tape

Decorative Tape

Beans, rice, or popcorn kernels

Felt

Hot glue gun

Rubber bands

Ribbon

Instructions: 

1)    Cut the tube to your desired length. I used an old tube from a roll of wrapping paper, so it needed to be cut down.

2)    Using packing tape or duct tape, cover one of the tube ends completely with tape. I used several layers so that it stay.

3)    Fill the tube about halfway full of either beans, rice, or popcorn kernels.

4)    Tape up the other end so the tube is completely closed.

5)    Using decorative tape, cover wrap the tube until all of it is covered.

6)    Cut two equal sized pieces of felt to wrap over each of the ends.

7)    Use a hot glue gun to adhere the felt.

8)    Take a rubber band and wrap it around each end, on top of the felt.

9)    Cover with decorative ribbon

10)  Enjoy!

Have fun!