tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117699119392595422024-03-13T11:05:07.066-07:00Recycled ToysTransform your trash to your child's treasure.Birding in Iowahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12459365920912347737noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-25192720583263748892011-06-22T11:20:00.000-07:002011-06-22T11:20:39.377-07:00Martha Stewart Paper wind Streamer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs6969_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs6969_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Here is a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/patriotic-crafts?xsc=eml_crd_2011_06_22&#slide_19">great patriotic decoration</a> from Martha Stewart that is made from an oatmeal can. Enjoy!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-64202702822400782562011-05-12T11:41:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:26:32.608-07:00super easy super capeMy awesome friend from college sent me this great idea for a super hero cape. I think you could make one in less than 5 minutes. Now THAT is my kind of craft! You'll need an old T-shirt (in the color of your favorite superhero, of course) and some scissors. Here's what she says:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5FEssZca1g/TcwqLfoleEI/AAAAAAAAEB0/yttlzTTZtBA/s1600/t-shirt+cape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5FEssZca1g/TcwqLfoleEI/AAAAAAAAEB0/yttlzTTZtBA/s1600/t-shirt+cape.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The best part is that it can be a no sew project. I love those. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I left the round collar in tact. Using sharp scissors, I cut a triangle shape from the shirt. The collar being the top of the triangle, cutting down where the shirt would fall on the shoulder blades out towards where the shirt rubs between the hips and the arms. So the child can just slip the collar on over his head and the cape hangs behind. Whoala!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-36346702499771670612011-05-09T15:49:00.000-07:002011-05-09T15:49:38.612-07:00Cardboard Tube fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redtedart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/finished-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.redtedart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/finished-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I came across these cute little TP roll guys at <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2011/05/04/kids-get-crafty-loo-roll-monsters/">Red Ted Art's blog</a>. Very cute. Even better- she has an e-book with 14 ideas of things to do with cardboard tubes! You can check it out <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2010/12/29/launching-my-first-ebook/">here</a>. It looks really fun!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-34839661319072975252011-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:002011-01-18T10:15:38.152-08:00Alex the Altiod can magnetic paper doll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Magnetic paper dolls for everyone! I decided to make this image available for free to all my awesome readers. You can make an Altoids can doll like this one for the boy in your life. Just follow the <a href="http://recycledtoys.blogspot.com/2010/04/altiods-can-magnetic-paper-doll-happy.html">instructions for the girl doll</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TTWq05hEfvI/AAAAAAAADvM/9VNtS_e1vYw/s320/crafts+010.JPG" width="213" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TTWp9HC1GII/AAAAAAAADvI/ErqQC7NvxnA/s320/Alex+the+Tin+Man.jpg" width="254" /></div>I hope you enjoy this! Hopefully coming soon is a less choke-able, less lose-able girl doll pattern, too!<br />
PS- This is for personal use only, Please!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-20513729618718597272010-11-29T06:54:00.000-08:002010-11-30T18:25:05.583-08:00Yule Log Favor Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2009Q4/mla105129_1209_yuletid_treat_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2009Q4/mla105129_1209_yuletid_treat_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Here's a fun recycled project- not such a "toy," but a great Christmas gift idea made from your favorite recycled product, a TP roll (or they were suggesting a paper towel roll). Thank you Team Martha! Here's where you can find instructions for the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/yule-log-favor-boxes?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/holiday-clip-art-crafts#slide_0">Yule log favor box.</a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-2521727188634132362010-11-29T06:39:00.000-08:002010-11-29T06:41:04.596-08:00Snowman Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently, I was contacted by Heather who has a cute blog called <a href="http://themetzgars.blogspot.com/">Our Life</a>. She had some great ideas for Recycled toys! This one was pretty brilliant. I love these graduate puffs containers because when you peel off the plastic, you're left with a plain white plastic container. So fun! Check out her website to see how she made this <a href="http://themetzgars.blogspot.com/2010/11/snowman-treats.html">cute Snowman gift container</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qooDH4dZkCU/TOv431zKfGI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/uPALQXgLh0c/s320/DSC01184_0744.JPG" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qooDH4dZkCU/TOv4ji0rtuI/AAAAAAAAD0U/fWoLrZAHrOM/s400/DSC01185_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qooDH4dZkCU/TOv4ji0rtuI/AAAAAAAAD0U/fWoLrZAHrOM/s320/DSC01185_0745.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Wouldn't this be the perfect project to do with your preschooler?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-52628615816056377402010-10-26T17:59:00.000-07:002010-10-26T17:59:11.224-07:00Coat Hanger fairy wingsOkay, this is a classic that everybody else except me already knew how to do. I'd always hear people say that they made fairy wings out of coat hangers and old tights, but I didn't really get it. Luckily, when Elisabeth decided to be a butterfly for Halloween, I found this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z20jIu7XJk&feature=player_embedded">great video tutorial</a>. Ours aren't done yet, but they're looking pretty good so far!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-89911202515871233762010-10-18T07:21:00.000-07:002010-10-18T07:21:38.788-07:00Toilet Paper roll owlsCheck out these <a href="http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2010/10/owl-family-play-set.html">cool owls</a> that I came across today at the <a href="http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/">frugal family fun</a> blog! Cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/owlfamily3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/owlfamily3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-38819338513548269562010-10-08T12:40:00.000-07:002010-10-08T12:40:53.487-07:00Recycled Halloween ProjectsAs I perused the internet, I saw lots of great Recycled Toys ideas for Halloween! Here are some of my favorites!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thelongthread.com/">The Long Thread</a> had some great ideas:<br />
Paper bag <a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=4980">paper mache pumpkin bowls</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/pumpkin-and-ghost-bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/pumpkin-and-ghost-bowls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=4898">Aluminum can and glass jar jack o lanterns</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/pumpkin-jars2.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sweet <a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=4731">mobile of bats</a> from the Long thread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bat-mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bat-mobile.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/10/skull-lights-from-recycled-materials/">Skull lights</a> made from milk containers, electrical tape, and little lights from <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/">dollarstorecrafts.com</a> (This website really rocks, by the way). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dollar-skulls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dollar-skulls1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/10/skull-lights-from-recycled-materials/"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
And, of course, Martha came through for us with this cute one: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=0e76d0f19132f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true&backtourl=%2Fphotogallery%2Fhalloween-decorating#slide_15">Aluminum can jack o lantern luminaries</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/goodthings/goodthing1/gt02octmsl_robotcans_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/goodthings/goodthing1/gt02octmsl_robotcans_l.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=4898"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=4731"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/10/skull-lights-from-recycled-materials/"><br />
</a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-42239988109930930602010-09-30T18:48:00.000-07:002010-09-30T18:48:32.311-07:00I want your ideasSo, recycled toy ideas are really fun- we all know that! But, sometimes it gets hard to think up and create them on a regular basis for this blog all by myself. But, I know that YOU all have your own fabulous recycled toys projects. I was thinking, wouldn't it be so much more fun to get other people's ideas?!<br />
<br />
So, Please, I would love to receive some of your ideas of projects that you've done. Send me an e-mail with the project, what materials you used, how you did it, any other details, and some pictures. Maybe we could even have some spiffy contests down the road! Sound like fun? E-mail me your ideas of recycled toys at iowawildflowers@gmail.com. Fun!<br />
<br />
PS- I did my first guest post today at<a href="http://www.granvillehouse.blogspot.com/"> 320 Sycamore</a>, all about <a href="http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/guest-post-what-i-love-about-iowa.html">how awesome it is to live in Iowa</a>. Head on over if you think you'll enjoy it!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-85639641872426303432010-08-31T20:05:00.000-07:002010-08-31T20:10:10.777-07:00Recycled pillow box favors from Skip to my Lou<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TH3B3-juYFI/AAAAAAAADVk/egjPk5wmEcA/s1600/toilet-paper-roll-pillow-box-favor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TH3B3-juYFI/AAAAAAAADVk/egjPk5wmEcA/s320/toilet-paper-roll-pillow-box-favor.jpg" /></a></div>You have to check out this totally cute tp roll idea! <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/08/31/recycled-pillow-box-favors/">http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/08/31/recycled-pillow-box-favors/</a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-86401189966257307142010-07-19T20:27:00.000-07:002010-07-19T20:28:04.299-07:00Book Review: The Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts and Sewing for Children<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TEUTYdzEVbI/AAAAAAAADLc/WFq7AviV5GM/s1600/big+green+book+of+recycled+crafts+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TEUTYdzEVbI/AAAAAAAADLc/WFq7AviV5GM/s320/big+green+book+of+recycled+crafts+pic.jpg" /></a>I'm not actually endorsed to advertise any books (yea, I wish!), but I thought I'd start passing on really great books to you now and again. This book was full of really great ideas! Not all of them are for kids, but they're all great. Faux stained glass from produce baskets, beautiful flowers from old aluminum cans, checkerboard from old jeans, TV tray made into laundry hamper... there's lots of fun stuff and templates for everything in the back.<br />
<br />
Now, being a really cheap, "let's not waste our resources" kind of person, I naturally checked out this book from the library. I highly recommend this method of reading. Public libraries are awesome (although I've never seen one so awesome as the one we have here in Iowa city). Here's my method of craft book "shopping" with a little help from the public library:<br />
<ol><li>browse amazon for your favorite topics, paying close attention to the "you also might like" section</li>
<li>Write down the titles you're interested in</li>
<li>Look them up in the library catalog and A. get them if they have them or B. request them for purchase from your library. (aka, suggest the library buy it so you can read it) </li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ol>I have never been turned down a book request from my library unless it contains removable patterns that could be lost or destroyed easily. Seriously, try it! All sorts of great free books at your fingertips!<br />
<br />
Here is my most recent Library requested book:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TEUW--wOj3I/AAAAAAAADLk/k0T8czf_Dnk/s1600/sewing+for+children+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TEUW--wOj3I/AAAAAAAADLk/k0T8czf_Dnk/s320/sewing+for+children+pic.jpg" /></a></div>It is a really awesome book with great ideas about getting kids sewing. And, yes, there are plenty of recycled toys ideas because many of the items are made from discarded clothing.<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay, now I'm going to sound just like a PBS commercial: So, friends, enjoy these and many, many other wonderful books at your own public library! (for free :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-8006186292914990662010-06-19T10:44:00.000-07:002010-06-19T12:06:57.391-07:00WINNERS!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, for the winners... </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I decided to be old fashioned and print out the entries and draw them out of a hat. Since there were two winners, I had each of my kids draw out a paper- I figure they were the least biased because they can't even read yet :)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the winners are.... (drumroll, please!)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Amy Jean and Andrea! </b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But, as a surprise, I have a present for EVERYONE who entered! I will be sending a digital copy of the boy doll pattern for FREE to everyone who entered! That way you can make your own! When you make them, please send pictures so we can all see your cute dolls! Thanks for all of your support! Congratulations, winners!<br />
<br />
PS- I have e-mailed the "runners Up" prize already. If you entered the contest, but didn't get a runners up prize yet, it's because you didn't tell me your e-mail address. Please e-mail me (iowawildflowers@gmail.com) so I can send one to you, too! </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-57906042619002380192010-06-17T12:34:00.000-07:002010-06-17T12:34:45.664-07:00squirt bottle squirt toy<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is really an easy repurposing. Just wash out an old empty plastic squirt bottle that held ketchup, strawberry syrup, pancake syrup, mustard, chocolate syrup, etc. Then fill it with water and they make great little squirt toy (especially if you don't want your kids too much around play guns). As you can tell, they're really fun! Don't forget to enter the </span><a href="http://recycledtoys.blogspot.com/2010/06/second-place-and-prize-for-you-too.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">contest</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. One more day!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBp3usC_oDI/AAAAAAAADKc/Os_FsniEZCs/s1600/amber%27s+doll+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBp3usC_oDI/AAAAAAAADKc/Os_FsniEZCs/s320/amber%27s+doll+026.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBp3QQJQoyI/AAAAAAAADKU/A59mhV4lhuM/s1600/amber%27s+doll+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBp3QQJQoyI/AAAAAAAADKU/A59mhV4lhuM/s320/amber%27s+doll+031.JPG" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-29712644349740928712010-06-14T18:21:00.000-07:002010-06-14T18:22:44.338-07:00paper plate whirligigDon't forget to enter the <a href="http://recycledtoys.blogspot.com/2010/06/second-place-and-prize-for-you-too.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Contest</span></a> to win free toys!<br />
<br />
here's an easy craft that they did at a local arts festival here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBbVOmcH9TI/AAAAAAAADGI/H6ihHsQhzXk/s1600/whirligig+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBbVOmcH9TI/AAAAAAAADGI/H6ihHsQhzXk/s320/whirligig+009.JPG" /></a></div>Time needed: 10 min. <br />
Skills needed: scissors<br />
Materials needed:<br />
<ul><li>paper plates</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>decorating material (paint, glitter, etc.)</li>
</ul>Instructions:<br />
1. Cut the paper plate in a spiral, starting at the side.<br />
2. Decorate.<br />
3. Punch a hole in the center.<br />
4. Poke a knotted string or yarn strand into the hole<br />
5. Hang and enjoy!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-16745718158082647902010-06-12T11:59:00.000-07:002010-06-19T06:26:08.757-07:00Second place and a prize for you, too!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dear Friends,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks for all of your support in the Iron Crafter competition! We won second place! As a celebration, we will be having a <b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">giveaway</span></b>! Also, to celebrate, we finally put up a <span style="font-size: large;">button</span> you can grab and put on your website!------></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the contest, There will be two winners. Each winner will choose one of the following prizes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBPYLeKr25I/AAAAAAAADEo/whlCN0xfVH4/s1600/recycled+toys+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBPYLeKr25I/AAAAAAAADEo/whlCN0xfVH4/s200/recycled+toys+057.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. A set of four felt bottle cap cupcakes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBPYtvs080I/AAAAAAAADEw/eJmx_SE2oJY/s1600/crafts+010-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TBPYtvs080I/AAAAAAAADEw/eJmx_SE2oJY/s200/crafts+010-1.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. An already made magnetic paper doll toy (you pick boy or girl!)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's how you enter: </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make a comment, specifying which prize you would prefer and your e-mail address. If you put our new button on your site, or if you have another link to Recycled Toys from your site, you may enter a second time by leaving a second comment. We will close the contest on Friday the 18th when two random winners will be chosen!Thanks again!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
PS- to put the button on your blog, go to the layout and add an HTML gadget. Just copy and paste the text from my text box on the right column--------> into your HTML gadget box. Then save and test it to make sure it works!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CONTEST CLOSED... STAY TUNED FOR WINNERS! </b></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-71505296862730560872010-06-11T13:59:00.001-07:002010-06-11T13:59:30.350-07:00Last chance to vote...<a border="0" href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Iron%20Crafter" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__CbtBHmS3Us/TAwJCr8zZmI/AAAAAAAADts/AM6670IJ8lE/s320/iron+crafter+top+ten.jpg" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-67370170611218149632010-06-10T20:56:00.000-07:002010-06-10T20:57:50.043-07:00Magnetic paper doll toy BOY<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you, friends, for all of your votes in the <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2009/02/iron-crafterrecycled-cans-top-10-come.html">Fireflies and Jellybeans contest</a> this week. There is still one more day to vote so please vote if you haven't! (I'm currently in second place!)</div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had my little "Lucia" magnetic dolls at church the other week. Our best friends were sitting on the pew in front of us and I let their son, Alex, play with Lucia and he loved it! That's when I decided that we really needed a version for the boys. This one is less centered around mix and matching outfits and more about all the fun things he could do or become! I hope y'all enjoy it as much as we have!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is also the beginnings of my first Etsy shop, over here ---></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hopefully we'll get some more items listed soon! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks again for all of your support! There may be a special celebration in order tomorrow!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AaN4L6RddQM/TBGxSJkET9I/AAAAAAAAAco/XCysSKzrhw4/s1600/crafts+010-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AaN4L6RddQM/TBGxSJkET9I/AAAAAAAAAco/XCysSKzrhw4/s320/crafts+010-1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AaN4L6RddQM/TBGxjuc2YrI/AAAAAAAAAc4/A2seCLtoRcA/s1600/crafts+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AaN4L6RddQM/TBGxjuc2YrI/AAAAAAAAAc4/A2seCLtoRcA/s320/crafts+007.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AaN4L6RddQM/TBGxcX9N1nI/AAAAAAAAAcw/C_e5nic3-p4/s1600/crafts+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AaN4L6RddQM/TBGxcX9N1nI/AAAAAAAAAcw/C_e5nic3-p4/s320/crafts+006.JPG" /></a></div>Birding in Iowahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12459365920912347737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-85512066951171884922010-06-08T12:42:00.000-07:002010-06-08T12:42:14.318-07:00homemade bubble blowerHere's a really fun <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/06/07/13604/">homemade bubble blower</a> idea from Skip to my Lou from How does She. It's made from a water bottle and an old rag or sock. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/wp-content/uploads/bubble-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.howdoesshe.com/wp-content/uploads/bubble-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-83426531168348576872010-06-07T13:34:00.000-07:002010-06-07T13:34:06.910-07:00iron crafter competitionI made it to the top 10 of the iron crafter competition! Cast your vote here <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/">http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/</a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-57353816574677544522010-06-02T07:27:00.000-07:002010-06-02T07:27:00.076-07:00Juice box boatsI saw this great idea on another blog I love to read. I can't wait to build one and have a race!<br />
The idea is from <a href="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/2009/8/9/juice-box-boats.html">Inchmark</a> and was featured in Parenting magazine, I believe!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/storage/juiceboxboats1.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1249853914492" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/storage/juiceboxboats1.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1249853914492" width="246" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-84278059382641653242010-06-02T07:22:00.000-07:002010-06-02T07:22:28.689-07:00iron crafter competitionI've entered my first competition! My sister told me about this contest for making things with old cans and she thought that Lucia would be great. So, you can go over there and check out all of the cool things people submitted!<br />
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<a border="0" href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Iron%20Crafter" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__CbtBHmS3Us/S_GzYTJq5TI/AAAAAAAADkU/TSkWLdZf_QM/s320/Iron+Crafter+2.jpg" /></a><br />
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Also, hopefully soon you will be seeing a masculine version of the Altoids can doll! I can't wait!<br />
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<div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-37468105356779162052010-04-29T19:44:00.000-07:002010-04-29T19:46:26.771-07:00Recycled toys rock band<div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;">My daughter kinda wants to be a rock star. I'm kinda okay with that since I'm a singer and a lover of music. And, she looks cute in the shades. Here are a couple of Musical instrument ideas, but I'm sure there are more to follow.<br /><br /><strong>End of easter Musical Shaker<br /></strong>Put some dried beans in those old eggs and give them a new life! (You can tape them up of you're afraid of a mess or little ones eating choking on them)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEO6-788I/AAAAAAAACzA/g8nKHl1Xb2M/s1600/Garden+and+Car+019.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEO6-788I/AAAAAAAACzA/g8nKHl1Xb2M/s400/Garden+and+Car+019.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEPIJdoqI/AAAAAAAACzI/bWzRfUonnJk/s1600/Garden+and+Car+026.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEPIJdoqI/AAAAAAAACzI/bWzRfUonnJk/s400/Garden+and+Car+026.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>And a classic Ice Cream bucket drum with chopstick drumsticks. Doesn't my little drummer look cool?<br /><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEPiiImWI/AAAAAAAACzQ/h2LwQAd1jMs/s1600/Garden+and+Car+032.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEPiiImWI/AAAAAAAACzQ/h2LwQAd1jMs/s400/Garden+and+Car+032.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEP0bGihI/AAAAAAAACzY/ZDcQIwfGzfE/s1600/Garden+and+Car+036.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9pEP0bGihI/AAAAAAAACzY/ZDcQIwfGzfE/s400/Garden+and+Car+036.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-82489989931112550862010-04-23T12:29:00.000-07:002010-04-23T12:57:10.721-07:00Lucia's print out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9H7BsAiJOI/AAAAAAAACuo/7yn3OtREfNM/s1600/Lucia.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9H7BsAiJOI/AAAAAAAACuo/7yn3OtREfNM/s320/Lucia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463423829388960994" border="0" /></a>Here is your belated Earth Day present. To use this picture for your altiods can, save the image to your computer and print it out to be 8 1/2 by 11. That way, Lucia will be just big enough to fit on the can's front. I know she looks homemade (because she is), but I hope you love her as much as we do!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711769911939259542.post-84355511306603555252010-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:002010-06-02T07:20:14.557-07:00Altiods can magnetic paper doll- Happy Earth Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TAZmyzyA8AI/AAAAAAAADAw/PTn9U8LQ1N8/s1600/doll+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TAZmyzyA8AI/AAAAAAAADAw/PTn9U8LQ1N8/s320/doll+003.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9EmCtBfJvI/AAAAAAAACuA/bp21_KhX2Ug/s1600/Earth+Day+027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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Dear Readers,<br />
Happy Earth Day! Earth day is one of our family's favorite holidays! For my Earth Day gift to you, I am going to give you my best recycled toy idea yet! (And hopefully soon it will come with a template!) This would be the perfect toy to keep in your purse for Errand Emergencies when kids need a little extra entertainment. It is a magnetic dress-up doll with its own built in carrying case! I'll have to warn you, though, that I learned some Mod Podge lessons the hard way and my paper got bubbly and torn. I'm sure yours will turn out better!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">Magnetic Paper doll with Altoids can case</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9ElAuxQUbI/AAAAAAAACtw/5vi_6Vc1EkM/s1600/Earth+Day+028.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463188517461971378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9ElAuxQUbI/AAAAAAAACtw/5vi_6Vc1EkM/s320/Earth+Day+028.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Skills Needed: coloring, cutting<br />
Time needed: an hour<br />
Materials needed:<br />
<ul><li>empty and clean Altoids can</li>
<li>unwanted flat magnets (the kind that businesses use to market themselves are perfect. About the size of the business card and very cuttable.)</li>
<li>crayons or colored pencils</li>
<li>Mod Podge</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>paint brush</li>
<li>scrap of fun paper the size of the top of the Altoids can</li>
<li><a href="http://recycledtoys.blogspot.com/2010/04/lucias-print-out.html">Print out of Lucia</a> or another paper doll you love that is 3 1/2 inches tall<br />
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</ul><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TAZdIbpfk4I/AAAAAAAADAo/Ovzah9yDjbY/s1600/Lucia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/TAZdIbpfk4I/AAAAAAAADAo/Ovzah9yDjbY/s320/Lucia.jpg" /></a>Instructions:<br />
<ol><li>print out "Lucia" my handmade paper doll or shrink your own favorite paper doll to be around 3 1/2 inches tall(To print out Lucia, save the picture here to your computer, then print at full page size).</li>
<li>Color in her beautiful clothes. Use crayons or colored pencils, but don't use washable markers because they'll bleed when you put on the Mod Podge later. And don't use permanent markers because they just bleed. Don't worry if the colors go outside the lines because you'll be cutting them, anyway. (Can you tell that my 3 year old painted the mermaid tail?) Design more if you're feeling extra creative!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9Ek_kHUDrI/AAAAAAAACtg/Ab0Tn3IfI08/s1600/Earth+Day+025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463188497421831858" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9Ek_kHUDrI/AAAAAAAACtg/Ab0Tn3IfI08/s320/Earth+Day+025.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></li>
<li>cut Lucia out on the lines. Cut her clothes out loosely, leaving a little white space around the edges.<br />
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<li>Trace the top of the altoids can onto the back side of your scrap of pretty paper. Make sure there's not any overhang.<br />
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<li>apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the top of the altiods can. Apply a thin coat of MP to the back of your paper. Put them together and be really careful to press out any bubbles.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9Ek-22raKI/AAAAAAAACtY/VBN1m5W-zk4/s1600/Earth+Day+024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463188485272463522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9Ek-22raKI/AAAAAAAACtY/VBN1m5W-zk4/s320/Earth+Day+024.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a></li>
<li>Apply a thin coat of MP to the paper you just put on the Altiods can. Now put some MP on Lucia's back and paste her down. </li>
<li>When she's dry, apply a thin coat of MP over Lucia. When you MP the top coat, always start in the center of the paper and go outwards. If you just paint straight up and down regardless of the edges, you may pull or tear the edges. The top coats will make your doll water resistant!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9Ek-ZP-_ZI/AAAAAAAACtQ/Dnum_0qzvdQ/s1600/Earth+Day+023.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463188477325540754" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9Ek-ZP-_ZI/AAAAAAAACtQ/Dnum_0qzvdQ/s320/Earth+Day+023.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a></li>
<li>Now MP your clothing onto the magnet(s). Paint a top coat over the clothes, too. When they are completely dry, cut them out. (One tip: when you're cutting out the ruffled edges, it would be too tricky to cut a ruffle into the magnets. Just cut along the outer edge of the ruffle.)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9ElAPmb51I/AAAAAAAACto/IOiG6GBTwvg/s1600/Earth+Day+022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463188509095094098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9ElAPmb51I/AAAAAAAACto/IOiG6GBTwvg/s320/Earth+Day+022.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a></li>
<li>That's it! The great thing about this project is that there is a built in little compartment to keep the tiny pieces.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9EmCHKBXrI/AAAAAAAACt4/8gfRDXUl_i8/s1600/Earth+Day+031.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463189640699797170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kHoSDzNKZB8/S9EmCHKBXrI/AAAAAAAACt4/8gfRDXUl_i8/s320/Earth+Day+031.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></li>
</ol>I've submitted this post to my first contest! Check out lots of fun ideas of what to make from metal cans!<br />
<a border="0" href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Iron%20Crafter" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__CbtBHmS3Us/S_GzYTJq5TI/AAAAAAAADkU/TSkWLdZf_QM/s320/Iron+Crafter+2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01353414053741364946noreply@blogger.com10