We know the weekends can DRAG on these days (and we're not able to do our live videos 7 days a week)... So we wanted to pass along some of our personal favs to keep you guys movin' and groovin' on the creative front on Saturdays and Sundays! These activities range from kid-centric to adult! They're fun, easy to follow, and affordable - ALL created by small businesses that we know have been directly impacted by the COVID19 closures of businesses and art / craft shows across the country. Check out these links and consider shopping small during this critical time for self-employed makers. Supporting small (and micro) businesses has never felt better or been more fun!
Easy Arts and Crafts for Kids!
Check out this AWESOME new book, by our friend Jennifer Perkins! It was released on Amazon this week and you can still get it with super fast shipping! We LOVE the projects in here. The "Embroidery Hoop Wall Pockets" on page 103, and the "Sticker Resist T-shirt" on page 71 are a couple of our favs! Jennifer even includes a "Messy Meter" on a scale of 1-5 so you can decide if this is a good one for you and your littles! With 160 pages of projects, the price of $9.99 for this larger paperback book is a STEAL.
Our friend Christy is another studio-owner that we adore! She's curated some FABULOUS craft kits for your kiddos (and you!) to do at home! Her kits are affordable, high quality, and most supplies are included. Other basic supplies needed one would most likely have on hand at home (ie: glue). She sent us the Monster and Dragon mask kits to try out, and I know my kids are looking forward to making them this weekend too!
Messy Play Kits for KIDS! These kits educate parents about the benefits of play-based learning, on top of providing all the materials needed for the multiple projects. With a variety of activities, boxes with multiple projects or singles, sensory bins, stuff for toddlers, etc., there's something for EVERYONE!
BiziBots Robot kits! Have a little builder or engineer on your hands? This is for them! Hand crafted from maple wood in San Francisco. Each kit is richly detailed, and available in six unique robot characters! Fun to assemble & can be positioned in many ways; reconfigure to your imagination!
Kim&Kimberly - Science and Art!
Make a living moss-ball terrarium in a cool science beaker! This kit includes everything but the water! You & your kids will have a blast putting this together! These kits are made by hand (by our actual friends) here in Cincinnati,Ohio!
MORE Science and Art with ArtAtomic!
Art. Science. FUN! Build a 3d model of a cell with this DIY kit! Their Etsy shop offers the Cell-building kits and fun biology embroidery kits too!
Loome Craft & Gift sets:
Trendy, fun, and perfect for older kids and adults! With a variety of projects to choose from, these unique kits are sure to cover a wide audience of DIY'ers. Created and packed by hand in San Francisco!
Woolbuddy Kits:
This one is near and dear to my heart. I am a HUGE fan of Jackie's work and I have his book at the ready in my studio! Needle felting is SO fun and therapeutic. I mean - stabbing things... it's gotta help, am I right? These kits are fantastic! Felting is suggested for older kids and adults, so please use discretion and supervision until you are comfortable with your older child using a felting needle.
Craftiful Studio Succulent Terrarium Kits:
Kit comes with everything you need to create your own awesome succulent terrarium with a choice of themes! Choices include space or sea exploration, fairy or gnome! Fun for both kids AND adults!
MelisaJoy DIY Embroidery Kits!
Check out these gorgeous modern DIY embroidery kits for beginners created by hand in San Francisco. All supplies included (except scissors). Kits are simple and great for beginners, with a modern flare - and definitely something you'd want to hang on your wall!
"Make your own" Beauty kits from Mixify Beauty!
You can DIY your way to gorgeous with these cool kits! High quality materials, fun and easy to make, 7-free and vegan. With Mixify using recyclable, reusable, and bio degradable products in their kits, you can feel good about your purchase! Owner and creator Amy says, "Our salon quality materials are 7-free and vegan and contain nothing I don’t use myself!" Choose from nail polish, lip gloss, or perfume kits!
Cashmere Treats Yarns and FREE Knitting & Crochet patterns!
Cashmere Treats knitting kits contain everything you need to create a unique & stylish wardrobe accessory. Kits are available for all of our modern, minimalist designs and feature our own gorgeous hand dyed cashmere yarns as well as a variety of luxurious fiber blends in a variety of fashion colors. Grab some of these unbelievably gorgeous yarns, and get a free PDF pattern too! Owner Jessica makes it easy to create something fashionable and sentimental while you're home with some time on your hands!
Kraft Notebook Embroidery Essentials Kit by Karen Barbé This Essentials Kit includes one pre-punched notebook and the supplies you need to embroider it with a beautiful leaf pattern. Just add scissors.
Bonus: SAVE 20% OFF YOUR ORDER + FREE SHIPPING: USE CODE COMFORTCRAFT20
Sew Simple Home Sewing tutorials and patterns! Want to dust off that sewing machine that you've never had the nerve to get out? You're in luck! Chelsea is going to walk you through how to use it and make awesome things! Grab her ebook or some of her easy PDF patterns!
Saltwater Etching Kits by Dutch hollow General!
Another fun science & art experience! Everything you need to make a pair of brass etched earrings - Just add water! The brass charms can be turned into pendants, key chains, pet tags, etc if you're doing the kit with kids, and it's adaptable if you want to design your own art!
So there you have it! Tons of ways to play while we're away! We hope you've found some of these resources helpful! We LOVE supporting local and USA small handmade businesses! We hope this post will encourage you to #shopsmall too!