I had always considered myself good with crafts. Growing up, I was often complimented on my creativity and expanded upon that as I grew up. Then, I hit a stretch of time during college and graduate school that my life became all about “the facts” and I lost touch with my creative side. Since having kids, that part of me is slowly rekindling. I love books and magazines that can help spark new ideas and are age-appropriate for my daughter.
Disney Publishing just launched Family Fun Kids, an interactive children’s magazine that is FULL of activities that help me get back in touch with my creative side. Best of all, I’m doing while spending quality time with my 4.5-year-old. Their PR firm recently sent us the Premiere Issue (December/January) and some supplies in order to give us a jumpstart with the activities.
Kieran proudly displays our craft supplies and is ready to go!
The supplies are easy to find in a any craft store or national superstore. We cracked open the magazine and were both eager to see ideas sprang from within the pages.
Checking out the craft ideas
I read the instructions to my daughter and she was able to easily follow along. To make the snowflakes, just take 6 pieces of pipe cleaner, cut them in half and use one of the short pieces to tie the remaining 11 together. I took the opportunity to practice some early math skills with her, too, such as addition and subtraction.
We then added the clear beading to give the snowflake a bit of a “wet” look.
Our homemade snowflake! Clear beads add texture and the pipe cleaner sparkles through them.
Next, Kieran couldn’t wait to make a robot! Although we were sent supplies to complete the entire robot, the article encourages using miscellaneous extras that we have lying around the house. If I’d thought about it at the time, her robot may have button eyes instead (remember, I’m still getting back in touch with that creative side!).
Getting started on our can robot!
Adding some crinkly paper "hair"
Voila! Her robot is complete!
Once the supplies are gathered, each craft took 5-10 minutes to complete-not much time commitment for the big smiles I see after.
The magazine is geared for 6-12 year-olds, but my 4.5-year-old is able to participate in quite a bit of the magazine with my assistance. FamilyFun Kids is also full fun things to read, but also contains many pages that the kids can cut, fold, tear out or decorate.
BUY IT: A 1-year subscription costs just $23.94 (6 issues) and is available here, or you can pick one up on newsstands nationally for $4.99/issue.
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received the magazine and supplies from Disney Publishing PR free of charge to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
2 comments
What cute projects! I really like how easy the snowflake one is! Thanks!
5-10minute crafts?? that is great! the snowflake one looks really nice, i bet that a cluster of them in silver and gold would look amazing on a mantel or in a big bowl. however, I’m sure that K liked doing the robot one more, the hair part looks fun!