Having Some Easter Fun

By Kathy Wheeler

© iStockphoto.com | zbg2

Dying eggs is a fun activity to do with the kids, and it doesn’t require a kit. This simple recipe will offer you vibrant colors with a few ingredients you already have!

Warning...make sure your children have an apron or old clothes on before starting and cover anything that might get stained with plastic.

Using a jar or something that can handle the heat, mix: • 1/2 cup of boiling water • 1 teaspoon of white vinegar • 10-20 drops of food coloring

Mixing colors like red and blue to make purple, or red and yellow to make orange can add to the fun.

Dip hard boiled eggs into the mixture for 5 minutes. Turn the egg with a large spoon to make sure it all gets covered in dye and doesn’t leave light spots.

Use an empty egg carton to place your dyed eggs in to drain and dry.

Many years ago, I enjoyed my duties as a grade mother. Is there such a thing anymore? I think they just call them volunteers now. Anyways, I loved volunteering, coming up with craft projects that the kids could make, or providing assistance and materials for classroom parties. Around Easter, baskets made out of lunch bags were one of my favorite projects. I could easily make 20 or 30 baskets for their party, or as a craft for the children to decorate with bunny ears, stickers, etc. The baskets were small, so it didn’t take much to fill them...a cupcake, an egg with some candy. It was a very affordable project. Here is what you will need:

• Scissors • Stapler • Shredded paper or grass • Lunch bags (1 lunch bag per basket) You can use brown, white, or colored bags. It’s a good idea to have a few extra in case one of the bags tears during construction.

Cut Cut

Basket

Cut the bag in half and then cut the top part so you have one long piece of paper.

The bottom of the bag will be the basket and the top of the bag will be the handle.

Fold the top of the basket down about one inch and then fold it down again.

Scrunch the long piece of paper and slightly twist it to make the handle, then staple it to either side of the basket.

Handle