While on Pinterest the other day, I ran across some super cute color-coded chore sticks from Embellish. Loved the idea, but my daughter is only three and can’t help out too much around the house. So, I decided to alter the idea a bit and help cure boredom!
Here’s my Rainy Daze activity sticks!
So here’s the step by step instructions…
First I gathered all of my supplies:
- White tin jar
- Scrapbook paper
- Wooden craft sticks
- Spray adhesive
- Elmer’s glue
- Embellishments (I used Puffies)
- Hot glue gun
- Ribbon
- Alphabet stickers
- Print out of 30+ activities
First thing I did was spray 10 wooden craft sticks to three different colors of paper (30 sticks total) using spray adhesive.
While that was drying I started work on the tin jar. I added some ribbon to the top and bottom using my hot glue gun.
Then I used some scrap paper and the alphabet stickers to label my jar with “Rainy Daze” and added a little embellishment with a Puffie.
Now it’s time to finish the activity sticks that were set aside for drying. I used an exacto knife to trim out the straight sides and a pair of small scissors to cut the rounded edges.
I then created a Word doc of 30 activities and printed it out in a cute font. I trimmed them out and used Elmer’s glue to adhere them to the ends of the activity sticks.
Here are all of the completed activity sticks!
Pretty cute, huh? Yeah, I’m figuring we’ll use these a lot more than just rainy days. When it’s over 100 degrees here, it’s hard to do anything outside! These will work great for winter time activities as well!
Total costs: $14 at Michael’s for the craft sticks, stickers, tin jar and scrapbook paper. I already had the ribbon, but did have to repurchase some spray adhesive since I was out! That cost me another $6. Oh well, I have plenty left for future projects!.
Also, here is a list of the 30 activities I used!
- Playdoh
- Barbies
- Candyland
- Chutes & Ladders
- Glue & Tape
- Paper Dolls
- Baby Dolls
- Watercolors
- Crayons
- Paper Bag Puppets
- Sock Puppets
- Paint Rocks
- Build a Fort
- Watch a Movie
- Play the Piano
- Tea Party
- Dance
- Play Restaurant
- Treasure Hunt
- Bake Something
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Look at Photo Albums
- Dress Up
- Read Nursery Rhymes
- Indoor Picnic
- Play Charades
- Play School
- Finger Painting
- Make Paper Hats
- Make Ornaments
Robyn says
An excellent idea! Since we’re heading for Spring/Summer in a few weeks I’ll be keeping this idea for next Autumn/Winter as it tends to rain a lot here in Melbourne, Aus.
Megan Brooke says
Cute idea! 🙂
Chelsea says
Another project idea I love! Can you share your list of ideas? I’d love to make one for our kiddos too.
howtonestforless says
Thanks! I added a list of the activities I used to the bottom of the post!
Vicky says
Now that’s a clever idea 🙂 Kids get bored very quickly but it looks like your three year old will be very active thanks to her mommy. I love the colors.
debbie says
Cute idea. You have to be the coolest Mom on the block with these sticks.
The Outlaw Mom says
Projects like these make my heart swoon 🙂 I absolutely LOVE the finished jar and cute little sticks. I’m going to have to try this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
jackie says
This is adorable. We definitely need to make one of these for the long Minnesota winters!!!
Melanie says
I really like this idea! Seems like it would be cute for teachers, Sunday School, etc, too. I am also always looking for ways to reuse formula cans and such- this is a great idea for that, as well!!
I’d love for you to link any of your great kid or teen related ideas to our “Crafts for Under Twenty Something” Blog party this Thursday! I think this would be a hit! bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
Also your newest follower- hope you’ll visit, look around, and follow back! Thanks for sharing your freat ideas!
Melanie
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
howtonestforless says
Thanks Melanie! Can’t wait to link up on Thursday! I’m your newest follower, too 🙂
Erica @ Doodles & Doilies says
I love this idea. It is so cute and helps out those bored children! I hope you will link it up to my Delights Me party at Doodles & Doilies!
Megan says
Oh so cute!! That is so brilliant so the little ones have options and don’t drive their parents crazy when stuck inside!
PJ says
Geez, I wish you were my mom! This is a creative way to make a grab bag of fabulous ideas!
Melissa says
I LOVE this idea! I’ll need to make one of these for my kids. Thanks!
I love your blog too. You can check out mine at
http://www.sweetcoconutlime.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Melissa 🙂
karen says
What a great idea. Would you come and share this with WorkShop Wednesday. It would be a nice addition to the party. It’s in my pinterest!
Gwyn says
I love using sticks for my printables I make for preschool children. Please check out my site for your little one. I buy my sticks from Joan’s Fabric store I get 80 colored ones for $2.00
howtonestforless says
Thanks Gwyn! I’ll check it out. That would save some prep time 🙂
Jessica @ Sunny Tuesday says
This is a ridiculously cute idea!
howtonestforless says
Thank you Jessica! I’m now a follower 🙂
Anu@MyDreamCanvas says
This looks great. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas. Take care Anu
Kate{Starr Family} says
Perfect for preschool or a teacher gift! Love, love , love!
Modern Wivelyhood says
Such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing all of the activities! I featured this idea on my Friday 5, have a wonderful weekend!
Candace says
I love this it is so cute and useful!
Jordan (Wayward Girls' Crafts) says
Fun! Being lazy, I’d probably just paint the sticks. And I do have an old formula can sitting around… hm……
Vanessa says
This is such a wonderful idea and you took it to the next level with how adorable it looks! We live in Oregon so we would need a LOT of sticks in our Rainy Day can. LOL! Thanks so much for sharing this last weekend at Inspiration Friday!
Vanessa
Tiff@MakeLifeCreative says
That is too cute. I want to make one for my youngest and one for journal topics for my daughter for home school. She would love making her own!
Jodi says
Love this idea. I pinned it and plan on doing it with my girls. I’ll link back.
howtonestforless says
Thanks Jodi!
Moe says
Love this idea!! I shared a link on my blog http://adoptivemomhomeschoolinganonlychild.blogspot.com/
I just started following you, stop by and check out my blog.
Thanks for sharing this idea.
Moe