I love Michelle's blog and I'm excited to be posting here today. Michelle was so kind and encouraging to me when I first started my blog. Over at my place, I post four tutorials a week ranging from sewing to photography to decorating. You should know, however, that I favor boys when it comes to crafting (because that's what I have) and I don't cook. (Well, I do for my husband, but I don't post recipes. I'm no Betty Crocker.)
I've got a tutorial for you today, but if you've never heard of my blog before then here are a couple of projects/tutorials you might like.
Okay, today I'm going to show you something that is easy to make and that will entertain and educate young children without making any noise. Sound good? I thought so. Let me introduce our magnetic alphabet puzzles.
It all fits into a mini-lunchbox so it can be easily brought anywhere. The pieces stick to the tin and make a fun, educational toy for a little one.
Alright, let's get down to the details. I used this magnetic paper from Silhouette that you can purchase HERE. This was my first time using it and I fell in love with it. It's super thin and works in your printer just like regular paper. This is what the package looks like.
I used a word processing program to lay out my letters next to my pictures. The pictures are from picnik. They have awesome clip art, even though it's meant to be a photo editing program. If you're wondering how to get just the clip art click HERE where I answer that in my FAQ. After I had my pictures and letters lined up I printed the document on my magnetic paper. (I tried to pick pictures of things that interest my son.)
I used my regular paper cutter to cut them into rectangles. Like I said, the paper is thin enough that it was easy to cut (even with my dull cutter that really needs a new blade).
Lastly, I used a scissors to cut the letter apart from the picture. I tried to make each one different, to help out my son when he's figuring out where they go. He's just learning his letters this year, so I didn't want to make it too hard.
Then I threw them all in a little tin lunchbox. (If you're in Utah they sell these cheap at Roberts and you can use your coupon. If you're not in Utah, I'm pretty sure you can find these at Michaels.) That way the tin itself becomes part of the toy, since the magnets stick to it.
My little guy is already having lots of fun with it. I also think it'll be a great please-be-quiet-because-we're-in-church toy :)
I didn't make the entire alphabet yet. I figure I'll wait until he knows these ones well and then add some more.
This would be a really easy, inexpensive gift idea for any little person in your life.
Thanks for having me, Michelle. All of you are welcome at my blog anytime! Have a great day!
THANKS, CHERI!!! If aren't a regular of I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar, you are missing out. Cheri is a craft genius. She does have amazing projects for boys (and a few for girls). Head over to I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar and spend hours looking through the awesome projects. Be Inspired!
