Ali Clifford – KidsChaos.com

The Importance of Play in Child Development

Play is an important part of childhood, with numerous reasons why children need to have fun. It plays a crucial role in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, providing kids with the necessary skills to navigate the world. As parents and caregivers, you need to foster a play-friendly environment to support a child’s growth and well-being.

Cognitive Benefits of Play

Play helps develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity through activities such as building blocks, imaginative games, and puzzles. Children learn to experiment, engage with their surroundings, and explore. Research shows that unstructured play enhances brain development by promoting neural connections and improving memory and attention span. Additionally, pretend play encourages language development, and storytelling, and helps children expand their vocabulary and communication skills. Whether they’re running a pretend store, acting as superheroes, or playing house, they develop essential cognitive abilities that prepare them for academic success in the future.

Social and Emotional Growth Through Play

Interacting with friends during play teaches children valuable social skills such as conflict resolution, sharing, and cooperation. Group play fosters empathy and teamwork, helping children consider others’ feelings and perspectives. Playing together also aids in developing emotional intelligence, allowing children to express and manage their emotions in a safe environment.

Physical play, such as climbing, jumping, running, and skipping, contributes to stress relief and mood regulation by releasing endorphins. It also provides an outlet for children to channel their energy, reducing anxiety and creating a balanced emotional state, while building confidence.

Creating a Safe and Stimulating Play Area with Artificial Grass or Rubber Chippings

Ensuring that children have a safe and stimulating play area is vital for their well-being. Many schools and nurseries are now turning to artificial grass or recycled rubber chippings, as a practical way to create play areas. Artificial turf provides a soft, durable, and low-maintenance surface for schools, which minimises the risks of injuries and allows children to play freely in any weather condition. Artificial grass also alleviates concerns about uneven surfaces, mud, and injuries, making it an excellent option for schools seeking to create a safe environment for their students. Its cushioned texture provides extra safety by reducing the impact of falls and creating a comfortable play zone for your kids. Consider how artificial grass or recycled rubber chippings can enhance your children’s play experience in school’s high footfall play areas.

Final Thoughts

Play is a crucial component of childhood development, shaping the way children interact, grow, and learn. By encouraging play in safe environments, we support their well-being and equip them with the lifelong skills they need for the future. Whether through cognitive challenges, physical activities, or social interactions, play remains an essential part of a child’s journey toward living a healthy and happy life.

This is a collaborative post.

education, teenage reviews

How to Talk Alcohol to Your Teens

You may already know teenagers are not great at moderating their own use of alcohol. Teenagers are impulsive and you will remember this because you used to be one. They have a tendency to over consume as part of being a teenager and exploring their own limits and that can create big issues for the body and the brain.

As a parent, you may want to wrap your child up in cotton wool and prevent them from ever having a sip of alcohol in their lives, but that’s not realistic, is it? You can talk until you’re blue in the face about the things that can go wrong or the illegalities of alcohol being consumed underage. But unless you are taking to shock tactics talking to them about why they may need a lawyer because they’ve been arrested due to drink driving, or looking up sexual offence solicitors, you’re going to have to find ways to hammer it home while also giving them the space to explore. We all know that drinking is dangerous when it’s consumed too young, and we all know that adults can make bad decisions when it comes to alcohol.

However, it’s important that you talk to your teenagers about alcohol so that they understand what can go wrong and why. Here’s some inspiration:

Be real. If you tried to ban your teenager from drinking, the first thing they’re going to do is find a way to get some alcohol and start drinking. It’s one of those taboo things. They’re going to rebel and they’re going to get go against you. Instead, talk about the consequences of teenage drinking, talk to them about safe teenage drinking and talk to them about what it could lead to: Contracting an STD, having a dependence or an addiction develop very early, impair their reasoning, poison them, create aggressive or fighting behaviour, unplanned sexual activity – the list goes on.

Lead by example. You do have to set the example that as a parent and as an adult, you don’t need to have alcohol in your life to be fulfilled. Every adult knows that it’s nice to have a glass of wine or a glass of spirits from time to time to be able to unwind after a long day. It should be a complement to your life rather than something you rely on, so you have to model that behaviour. If you’re telling your kids you need wine to be able to relax and that becomes an everyday thing, they’re going to see the connection between wine and relaxation. If they talk about going to a location and you start saying that there’s no beer so it’s going to suck, then they’re going to think that they need beer to have fun. Be the parental example they need.

Don’t lie. It’s OK to tell your kids about the fun times you had while you had a drink. It’s OK to be open and honest about your past, especially if you edit it to be more teenage friendly in your language. You don’t want to be a hypocrite and it’s not your job to lay down the law and ban them from ever doing anything fun. However, you have to explain to your children that they can feel empowered by not needing alcohol to have fun.

This is a collaborative post.

cooking with kids

The Importance of Helping your Kids to De-stress at the Weekend

During the school year, weekends tend to be reserved for catching up on the laundry, running errands, and hosting family. You may also find that you spend your weekends trying to put your feet up a little bit as well. With that said, you do need to make sure that you don’t leave your kids out. You need to teach them the importance of being able to relax too, because if you don’t then you may find that their school performance suffers.

boy-wearing-green-crew-neck-shirt-jumping-from-black-stone

Encourage them to Go Outside

One thing you need to do to try and help your kids is to encourage them to go outside. You need to encourage outdoor play because it’s vital to your children’s wellbeing. You may also find that it is a good way for you to help them to engage more in school.

Kids do need fresh air, sunshine, and time outdoors, as it is a natural way for them to de-stress. You may also find that it is good for their mental and emotional health too. Whether it is playing on the swings, on a skateboard, or drawing on the pavement with a pack of chalk, you may find that your kids thrive when they can spend more time outside.

Listen to Them

A good way for you to encourage your kids to relax is to simply listen to them. Hear them out when they are talking about school, and friendships, or ask them how they are doing. It’s also important for you to take time out to listen to them talk about their hobbies. If you have an older child who’s in college, and they love console games like Call of Duty. Then enquire about what they are doing, and how they are levelling up their character. You could also perhaps set them up with a Call of Duty account, as this is a good way for them to level up (at your expense and within your control) without having to worry about all the hours they need to spend working towards milestones instead of doing their college work. Little things like this can help them to get the best result out of their gaming experience, and you would be surprised at how much it could help them to feel more connected to you.

Have a Meal Together

It’s also a good idea for you to try and have a meal together. The great thing about sitting down with your child and having a meal with them is that it helps to show them the importance of family time, and it also helps them to feel more at ease. If you want to help your child even more, then one thing you can do is take note of the food that they love and then try and plan your meals around this.

This will give them a boost, and it will also help them to feel like you are listening to them more, and that you care about them. Little things like this can make a major difference to their well-being if they have had a challenging week at work, so keep that in mind.

This is a collaborative post: It’s important to note that Call of Duty games are typically rated for mature audiences due to their content. The franchise began in 2003 with a World War II setting, and has since evolved to cover various historical and modern warfare scenarios. Parents and guardians should consider the game’s rating and content before allowing younger players to access it.

father's day

From Best Rest to Best Dressed: Simba’s Comfort Revolution

From Best Rest, to Best Dressed:

Simba isn’t just a mattress brand; it’s a promise of comfort and sustainability. Their hybrid mattresses are a sleep game-changer – and a go-to if you are looking for beds for sale, backed by their B Corp certification and robust recycling policy, which highlights their commitment to the planet. Meanwhile, their new Simba slipper collection show that Simba’s expertise in comfort extends well beyond the bedroom.

From laid back to on track: Simba’s got you covered

When it comes to comfort, Simba has made a name for itself, whether you’re catching some Zs or stepping out in style. Known for their innovative mattresses and now extending their reach into lifestyle products like the Simba Slippers, Simba proves they understand comfort across all facets of life. Let’s dive into why Simba is the go-to brand for rest and relaxation enthusiasts.

The Simba Mattress: A Sleep Revolution

If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect mattress, you’ll know it’s no easy feat. Simba’s hybrid mattresses combine cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of sleep science, creating a product that feels like sleeping on a cloud.

Why Choose Simba Mattresses?

Hybrid Technology: Simba’s mattresses incorporate both memory foam and micro-springs for support and comfort. The foam cradles your body, while the springs ensure proper spinal alignment and reduced pressure on your joints.
Temperature Regulation: Overheating is a common issue with memory foam, but Simba combats this with a breathable top layer and open-cell foam technology that wicks away heat.
Durability: These mattresses are built to last. The materials resist sagging and maintain their structure over time, making it a worthy investment.
Sustainability: Simba is proud to be a certified B Corp, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance. This means their practices prioritize sustainability and ethical responsibility, ensuring you can rest easy in more ways than one.

Simba’s Recycling Policy

Simba takes sustainability seriously, and their recycling policy reflects this commitment. The company offers a mattress recycling service, ensuring that old mattresses are disposed of responsibly. Instead of ending up in a landfill, materials from old mattresses are salvaged and repurposed wherever possible. From the springs to the foam, Simba ensures that components are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

While Simba is renowned for its mattresses, the Simba Men’s Slippers, and particularly this open toe sandals style deserve their own spotlight. Similarly styled to the classic Birkenstock designs, these sandals take looks and functionality to a new level.

Features of the Simba Men’s Open Toe Slippers

Cork Footbed: Much like their mattress technology, Simba’s YLUR sandals feature a contoured cork footbed that provides arch support and molds to your feet over time.
Durable Materials: With a mix of leather straps and sturdy buckles, these sandals are built for everyday wear, whether you’re running errands or strolling along the beach.
Stylish Design: The open-toe design and minimalist aesthetic make these sandals a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Comfort That Lasts: Simba incorporates its expertise in comfort into the sandal’s footbed, ensuring you feel great even after hours of wear around the house or out in the wilds.

How Do They Compare to Birkenstocks?

Simba’s Ylur open-toe sandals give Birkenstocks a run for their money with their plush, supportive footbed and sleek design. While Birkenstocks are the gold standard for casual footwear, Simba’s option is more affordable, and slightly softer underfoot, making them ideal for people looking for a less rigid feel.

Conclusion

Whether you’re upgrading your sleep setup or your footwear, Simba ensures every choice is better for you, and the environment. Explore their range today and experience a new level of comfort.

This is a collaborative post.

crafts, create, education, key stage 2

These skills your kids learn in school might surprise you

In the classroom, your kids learn about a range of academic subjects, and the basics like how to read and write. They gain the foundations for a fulfilling life through interactive classes at school and as you help with their homework. Children are also learning many soft skills, and you may not realise the many ways your child is developing to one day be a well-rounded adult.

What are ‘Soft Skills’?

This term refers to general traits that help individuals relate better to and get along better with one another. These interpersonal skills can help them professionally in the workplace, as they get along well with coworkers, and personally, as they form friendships more easily and appreciate others. Below are four soft skills they learn in a quality educational environment.

Great Teamwork

Along with learning about numbers and spelling in school, children also learn from teamwork. They can learn how to problem solve in classes with group projects, for example, to help them become strong at critical thinking. They also learn how to work together toward a goal, such as completing a cake recipe or developing a class presentation together. Kids can also develop friendships with classmates who teach them about respecting someone else and having empathy and compassion.

Strong Communication

There are many ways to communicate at any age. That includes verbal and written. A couple of other ways that you might not have readily thought of are drawing, reading and listening. Becoming good at communicating involves all of these areas, and it is important for students to excel in this area as it will help them form connections with others. That can prevent social isolation, sadness, hopelessness, and reduced self-esteem. Feeling more confident can help kids and teens do well in academic classes as they believe in themselves.

Leadership Skills

The beginnings of being a great leader can be seen in many children inside and outside the classroom. For example, they may try many sports and need to be resilient if they do not make the team or their team does not win every game. They may also want to volunteer from a young age and be great at managing their time. These skills are reinforced in quality state and boarding schools, where the focus is on personal growth and learning.

The Basics of Manners

Good manners are important in social life; developing them can happen in school. That could be the words “please” and “thank you”, as well as keeping the door open for the person behind them, these activities show respect and appreciation for other people. Youth can also practice sharing with their classmates to teach them positive interactions with others as part of healthy development.

Summary of School Skills

Kids learn more than just academics at school. They also build soft skills, from teamwork and communication to creativity and leadership, which can prepare them for future school years and adulthood afterward. Ask your children what they are learning in class, and their responses are likely to pleasantly surprise you.

This is a collaborative post.

Uncategorized

How to make full use of your yard

Many people only use their yards or back gardens occasionally; very weather dependent – they might sit out on those rare but magnificent warm summer days, but by and large, they spend most of their time inside their home.

Given the cost of buying or renting a property with a garden, it’s in your interest to ensure if you are fortunate enough to have a garden space, that you’re making full use of all the outdoors that your property provides. Plus, working to improve your yard can significantly enhance your lifestyle. After all, your garden will, or can, be a varied space that allows for socialising, fun, and growing flowers and veg, and gardening work, among others.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some handy tips for how to make full use of your yard.

Year-Round Usage

The reason most people don’t invest too much time/effort/money into their back garden, is because they don’t believe it’s worth the effort. And if you only plan on using your garden on those perfectly sunny days, then you’ll probably be correct.

By making a couple of adjustments to your yard, you can dramatically increase the amount of time that you spend out there. For instance, could you add a covering for rain protection, as well as a fire pit? With those two additions, you’ll have the option of staying outside even when the climate isn’t absolutely perfect.

Gardening Skills

Your yard is more than just the exterior part of your property; it’s also a canvas that can allow you to create a beautiful garden. Doing so is much easier than you might think; by following a few handy YouTube tutorials, you can put together a garden that’s big on visual appeal. You can also use your garden to elevate your life indoors, too. If you have a wood fireplace, then investing in a battery chain s aw can provide you with a steady stream of firewood. There’s nothing better than sawing and cutting wood on a cold morning, knowing that you’ll then get to use it to keep warm of a cooler summer’s evening.

Relaxing Spaces

Nobody wants to stay indoors when the sun is shining. By working to put together a yard that allows you to fully sink into relaxation, you’ll be able to spend your day soaking up the sun’s rays without having to leave your property.

There’s no shortage of comfortable additions you can incorporate into your yard. We’d recommend working to create an exterior living space, finding second hand furniture on facebook marketplace, which will make hosting social evenings for your friends and family much more straightforward, as well as adding comfortable seating so that you can fully enjoy those warm spring and summer days. Adding a hammock can also significantly boost your yard’s comfort credentials. Want to take things even further? Consider adding an outdoor jacuzzi, do that, and your yard will soon be your favourite place to be.

Start a Vegetable Garden

Starting a vegetable garden is a lot easier than most people think, and also offers a range of benefits. It’s excellent for physical and mental well-being, for example, and it’s also great for planet earth, too, it’s much more energy efficient to grow your own organic vegetables, rather than having them transported from far away.

It’s best to start with vegetables that are easy to grow, such as lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and courgettes. Once you’ve got the hang of those, you can progress to more complex vegetables to grow, such as carrots, onions, and sweet corn.

Growing vegetables isn’t just about the end result. The journey is pretty fun, too. Once you’ve finished, you’ll have the satisfaction of using the vegetables you’ve grown in the meals you prepare for your family. Trust us, you’ll never eat a vegetable that tastes better!

Add Some Fun

Your yard can be a zen, relaxing space sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be that way all the time, especially if you have kids. Adding some fun touches to your yard will increase the amount of time you spend out there. There’s no shortage of fun touches to incorporate, a little pond, lawn games and BBQs. You can also think about setting up your own outdoor cinema for movie nights on the lawn in summer.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

Finally, remember that you’ll be more inclined to make full use of your yard if it’s in tip-top condition. If you’re going to make an effort to get your garden into shape, then it’s in your interests to work on keeping it in that state. By spending a little bit of time each week on your yard’s maintenance, you’ll ensure you and your family can always enjoy it.

This is a collaborative post.

education, food

New Year’s Eve traditional craft ideas

When my sister moved to Swansea a few years ago, she discovered some intriguing folklore we’d not heard of before – Calennig.

So Calennig is the tradition of New Year gift-giving – Giving these little apple delights pictured, to friends and neighbours will bring them good luck!

My boys, aged 11 and 9 are intrigued by this tradition and we are duly planning to visit our neighbours with apples punched with cloves, and ever-green leaves, and three little stick tripod legs – they are strangely delighted by this, and are dying to add some googly eyes (this idea has horrified several Welsh people!)

Another fun tradition is the Spanish Las doce uvas de la suerte, or “The twelve grapes of luck” – where a grape is eaten by the New Year’s Eve party goers on every chime at midnight, that’s 12 grapes, stuffed into one’s mouth, so much hilarity and spluttering of grape juice is had! The boys can’t wait to try this one this year, so for the adults we’re going to freeze the grapes for three hours, and serve them with dark chocolate (Divine being my chocolate of choice) and some Grappa, and for the kids, the smallest seedless grapes we can find for safety!!

For more top tips for New Year’s Eve ideas, from Maggy, Anthea and Kellycheck out the round up over on redtedart.com and for a bit of fun, watch us in a google+ hangout where we showcase LOADS of ideas on your screen here.

Oh, by the way, I’m also on incredibusy.com too… Erm, funnily enough, Facebook and Pinterest! Pop over say hello x LIKE IT? Pin it!

First published December 10, 2013.

cooking with kids, life

How to Support Both Ageing Parents and Kids Without Burning Out

Life has a way of throwing you right into the deep end, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re handling school drop-offs and art projects (and pretty much anything related to the development of your child), and the next, you’re juggling doctor appointments for your ageing parents while trying to figure out what’s for dinner. Suddenly, you’re the go-to person for two generations with wildly different needs, and it can feel like you’re running on empty most of the time.

They call it the “sandwich generation,” but honestly, that makes it sound way too neat. Seriosuly, in rarer, it’s messy, exhausting, and more than a little overwhelming. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone in this balancing act. It is definitely possible to manage both roles without completely losing your sanity.

Now, by all means, it sounds way too good to be true, right, well, it can be true. But when it comes to something as messy as this, where do you even begin?

Start Talking, Not Guessing

If you’re feeling like everyone wants a piece of you, it’s probably because they do. Your parents need help as they adjust to ageing, and your kids need guidance, attention, and probably snacks. But what’s the first step? Well, realistically speaking, you need to start having real conversations with both generations.

Talk with your parents about what they need and how they’re feeling about their independence. They might be too proud to say they need help, or they might already feel smothered by too much of it. Getting on the same page helps avoid misunderstandings and lets you focus on what actually matters. But of course, be sure to explain the situation to your kids too, and yes, kids are smarter than what parents give them credit for.

Stop Trying to Be Everything to Everyone

Read this out loud, and then repeat it: it’s okay to say no. Say it again now. Seriously, trying to do it all is the fastest way to burn out. Now, setting boundaries doesn’t mean you don’t care, it means you’re human.

You need to prioritise what absolutely has to be done and learn to delegate. Siblings, other family members, or even trusted friends can step in to share the load. If your mum needs a lift to her doctor’s appointment, maybe your sibling can step up this time. Or if the kids have football practice, maybe a fellow parent can carpool (most really won’t mind chipping in).

Really, it’s also okay to set limits at home. Maybe your parents don’t need you to cook every single meal if they can still handle breakfast or lunch on their own. Or maybe your kids don’t need you micromanaging their homework every night. Small adjustments go a long way in protecting your sanity.

Tech Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

When life feels like a never-ending list of things to do, technology can be a lifesaver. Currently, we’re living in a time where a phone is just as powerful as a computer, where you have the whole world at the touch of a button.

So, just use tech, for example, shared calendars can help you keep track of everyone’s schedules, like Grandpa’s dentist appointment to your kid’s school recital. There are even meal-planning apps that make grocery shopping less of a headache.

Now, it’s not just about appointments (or buying food), so shared apps might not be enough (or the only thing either). Ideally, you might want to look into other pieces of tech. For example, something like a personal medical alert system, you really need peace of mind during the times you’re not around them. But at the same time, they need their independence, so it’s a good middle ground.

Create Routines That Actually Work

So here’s the thing, routines aren’t just for toddlers. They can be the glue that holds everything together when life gets chaotic. For example, you might want to start by carving out specific times for each group’s needs. Maybe mornings are spent helping your parents with breakfast, medications, or errands, and afternoons are focused on your kids’ activities and homework.

Even simple things like designating a family dinner time can create a sense of structure and connection. But the thing is, you need to be flexible, you can’t have a rigid routine, it just won’t work.

Get the Kids Involved

Okay, sure, your kids might not be able to run errands or balance the books, but they can help more than you think. Depending on their age, this could be for the best. Just think about it; getting them involved in caring for their grandparents not only lightens your load but also creates opportunities for them to bond in meaningful ways.

For example, younger kids can help with simple tasks like reading a story, fetching a glass of water, or organising board games. Older kids might be able to run errands, cook a meal, or keep their grandparents company while you tackle other responsibilities.

Now, this really can’t be stressed enough, but this isn’t about turning your kids into caretakers, it’s about showing them the importance of family and letting them feel like part of the team. Plus, grandparents often have the best stories, and those moments can create memories your kids will treasure forever.

Find Your Own Breathing Room

Here’s the reality: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Yes, really! Taking care of everyone else means you need to take care of yourself too, even if it feels impossible some days. Just remember that your well-being is just as important as everyone else’s. And when you’re feeling your best, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of caregiving.

Ask for Help and Accept It

There’s no trophy for doing it all by yourself. In fact, trying to shoulder everything alone is a fast track to exhaustion. But at the same time, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re smart enough to recognize that caregiving is a team effort. Why not ask other family members to chip in?

Chances are, even your cousins might not mind helping (or close friends). Even small gestures, like someone running an errand or watching the kids for an hour, can make a huge difference.

This is a collaborative post.

education, kids

Types of games we think kids could be encouraged to play

As someone who has kids, you may have always been told that it’s bad for them to game. Yes, they can become addicted, but it’s unlikely. It’s a lot more rare than you believe it to be, and it’s easily manageable, using time allowance, such as egg timers, and not having consoles in bedrooms for example. Mix this up with NHS recommended game activities for a great balance. In this post, we’re going to be looking at some of the types of online games that you could be encouraging your kids to play with you, or on their own.

Brain Games

Brain games are not something that you should discourage your kids from playing. Some of them are rated a little higher than for younger kids, but it all depends on the kid. You can look into things like solitaire and spider solitaire which is a variation of the same game. You can also look into things like sudoku and word searches to help them develop their number and letter skills. These are great to play on journeys too with a paper and pen.

Some people find that brain games help their kids to develop and foster advanced problem-solving skills and inspire innovative creativity, making them a great choice for the growing mind.

Board Games

Something that you can and should do together is play board games. There are so many to choose from, so try to get a variety so that they can all be tested out. Some will test balance, others will test knowledge and patience, where others are more strategy based. It depends on what games you find you like to play, but it’s good to spend this time together. They will be developing their skills while having fun and bonding with the family, what could be better?

Video Games

This is where we are going to lose most people, but you shouldn’t go just yet. Video games have their place in the world and it has been known for kids to improve their social skills. Now, we’re not advocating talking to strangers, but playing with friends can really lead to their leadership coming out in certain games. It’s worth letting them explore and come to their own conclusions, you just need to ensure that you stay on top of this and watch out for any signs of addiction.

If you do notice that something isn’t quite right, pull back on this. You should already have a limit for how long they can play and how much they can spend, but you can tighten this if need be.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and will now think about encouraging your kids to take up some kind of gaming in the future. You have to try and remember that the media have a habit of making everything look worse than it is, and that as long as you keep an eye on things, games are a completely safe and fun way for kids to pass time.

There are a couple of amazing films that might be interesting in terms of positive online gaming friendships – Grand Theft Hamlet. An award-winning feature film about staging Hamlet inside Grand Theft Auto, and The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is an emotional ode to connection and gaming. In this documentary, filmmaker Benjamin Ree and animator Rasmus Tukia honoured the life of gamer Mats Steen. Using World of Warcraft-style animation, this documentary tells the story of Mats, a boy with muscular dystrophy whose online popularity was only revealed after his death.

This is a collaborative post.

crafts, google+ hangouts, key stage 2, kids

Christmas Cards – Stained Glass

There’s still time to make your CHRISTMAS cards, let’s get creative!

So we’ve gone all churchy and made these lovely stained glass window style cards…. cutting shapes from the card, and gluing coloured tissue paper behind the apertures.

Eek… I let the boys use a scalpel!

These look fab with a tea-light popped inside (battery operated for safety) or stuck to a window.

You may also like our Potato print button nose rudolph cards, and to watch the google+ hangout which was hosted by @RedTedArt here: and Maggy’s fabulous round-up with LOADS of ideas from some amazingly creative blogs including some more stained glass from peaklepie here: christmas-card-ideas-for-kids.

Oh, by the way, Pinterest! Pop over say hello x LIKE IT? Pin it!

Published 4 Dec 2013.