Build-A-Bear

For a truly Pawsome experience, Build-A-Bear is a real treat! Not an everyday adventure, but a special indulgence, Build-A-Bear is an event that leaves an indelible mark on one's memory.

From choosing the critter that tugs most at your heart strings,

to giving it a voice.

From stuffing it with love and a gentle satin heart,

to giving it a fresh air-shower and a good brush down.

From choosing an outfit with accessories from head to toe,

to taking your new best friend home,

Build-A-Bear has become my children's event of the year!

Admittedly, a Build-A-Bear outing can also work out to be quite a costly excursion, but there are ways to have the experience without having to donate a kidney. For instance, we converted credit card points accumulated over a season to gift vouchers at a local shopping center which we then blew on Build-A-Bear, so our little trip didn't take cash out of our pockets.

Balloon Buddies

Another very simple project! And one that inflates your inspiration to new heights!

What you will need:

Balloons.

Scraps of firm cardstock.

Scissors.

Permanent marker.

Pencils, crayons, kokis.

How to do it:

Draw two large ovals on the cardstock, slightly overlapping one another.

Detail and colour the ovals to resemble shoes - any kind you can think of: pumps, sneakers, boots, slippers, lace-ups, mary-janes.

Carefully cut out your prepared "shoes".

At the point where the ovals overlap, punch a small round hole.

Blow up the balloons and knot to close.

Using a permanent marker, draw faces on the balloons - human or animal, realistic or fantasy.

Slip the knot of the balloon through the hole in the cardstock from the detailed side.

Go on, create an entire Balloon Buddy Clan today!