Kids Craft: How To Make Cootie Catchers... starring Brooke and Sydney

This weeks cute kid craft is Brooke showing Sydney how to make a cootie catcher (basically that's a paper fortune teller).  




For each cootie catcher you'll need:

- a square piece of paper 8.5" x 8.5"
-scissors
-markers, crayons, or colored pencils

Basic directions (in the video Brooke shows you easily how to make the folds, but I'll also type it out for you to follow along):

-you can decorate the backside of the paper or use patterned paper if you want.
Step 1: on the white/front side, fold all 4 corners in so they meet in the middle of the square (you now have a 6" square).









Step 2: turn the square over so the folds are facedown and once again fold all 4 corners in so they meet in the middle (the square is now 4.25")





Step 3: fold the square in half





Step 4: insert your thumbs and index fingers into the four flaps (2 on front, 2 on back) and push together until the cootie catcher shape is made.

step 5. write a word or draw a picture in the outer corners I have marked with 1, 2, 3, 4

Step 5: flatten it back out. In each of the outer four corners write a word - whatever you want. Brooke did dessert theme "cupcake, cheesecake, pie, donut". Sydney knows some letters but can't write very many words yet so she drew a picture in the 4 corners instead :)
Step 6: in the 8 triangle spaces next to each corner square write a number - any number you want. Brooke did 2, 3, 8, 12, 11,  23, 14, 7 on hers.
Step 7: In the large middle white 4.25" square write whatever category of fortune you are telling. Brooke did "your future job".
Step 8: draw a line down the remaining 4 triangles to create 8 smaller triangles. In these spaces write the answers to your fortune telling. Brooke wrote 8 future jobs you might have (nurse, principle, no job (think she means unemployed!), teacher, lawyer, engineer, farmer, and "famous").

Brookes completed cootie catcher unfolded

Now fold it all back up. Have whoever's fortune you are telling pick one of the four words you first wrote (in this case: cupcake, cheesecake, pie, or donut). The person chooses and you count out however many letters are in the word - for instance if you pick "cupcake" that is 7 letters, open and close the cootie catcher (fingers spread apart one way and that's one letter, close fingers together then open away from you for the next letter - does that make sense? Watch the video for better example) 7 times.

After opening and closing 7 times have them pick one of the 4 numbers that are visible (in this case I was left with 2, 7, 11, 12), and then open and close the catcher that many times. I pick the number 11 so open and close 11 times.

I'm now left with the numbers 3, 8, 23, and 14 showing. Pick a number (I'll say 23) and open that triangle to reveal what job you will have in the future (under 23 is a nurse).

You can tell whatever fortune you want - the answers under the flaps could also be "yes", "no", "maybe" "we'll see" "doubt it", etc. if the fortune category is more of a question ("will I become a movie star" or "will I have a cute boyfriend"...whatever!). You could make it so instead of fortunes they have to act out whatever is under the flap ("do 10 jumping jacks" "stand on your head"), or truth or dare...use your imagination!


I know this seems like a lot of instructions but these are quite easy to make. I just took lots of pictures to try to help explain in case you have questions.

Steps 6-8. Follow this template to fill in the cootie catcher.

Step 6: follow numbers 5 thru 12

Step 7 is shown by the number 13

step 8: draw a line down the triangles shown and follow numbers 14 thru 21

Valentine Nail Art

I was sitting at my craft table playing around and decided to give myself a very quick little nail art for Valentines day. I haven't done any since my google eyes at Halloween and this is even easier than that was - it took me maybe 30 seconds. I'm not into elaborate designs and certainly am not talented enough to paint much on my nails so I stopped after 2 little hearts. Not going crazy with it :).

It's simple - I painted my nails pink a couple days ago; start with yours painted any color you feel like. Then dip the tip of a small brush in a coordinating color (or two - I did one red heart, one white), make two dots next to each other and then drag the brush tip down from the dots to make the point of the heart bottom. I only did it on my left ring finger, but try it wherever you want for a quick easy last minute Valentine idea!

Individual Layered Jello for Valentines Day

I'm not a huge Jello lover, but this is so pretty and has cool whip mixed into some of the layers so that makes it mo' betta for sure! This is very easy to make, the downside is it's a little time consuming because you have to wait for each layer to set up - for me that was about an hour in between. I only wanted to make 2 glasses  (I don't have room in my fridge for a lot of these glasses), so with a little math I figured out how to divide 2 big packages (.6 oz each) of strawberry jello into 5 layers. If you want to do more servings just double these amounts for every 2 more you want to make.

this picture is a little deceiving, the top layer is
 the same depth as the bottom layer.

First layer: put 2 teaspoons of jello in a measuring cup and added 1/2 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/2 cup cold water. Pour into 2 clear glasses, chill until set.

Second layer: put 2 teaspoons of jello in a measuring cup and add 1/2 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/2 cup cold water. Stir in 1/2 cup cool whip until completely blended. Pour on top of first layer, chill until set.

Third layer: I only used 1 teaspoon of jello and 1/4 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and then add 1/4 cup cold water. Pour over second layer, chill until set.

Fourth layer: use 1 teaspoon of jello and 1/4 cup hot water, stir until dissolved and add 1/4 cup cold water. Stir in 1/4 cup cool whip until completely blended, pour on top of third layer, chill until set.

Top layer: use remaining 2 teaspoons of jello and repeat directions for first layer. Chill until set.

To serve, top with a dollop of cool whip and a strawberry.  

*obviously you can use any flavor you want!

the cool whip layers sort of separate and make
their own layers, so it gives the illusion of even
more layers than you made!

"Bee Mine" Honey Bear

Here is a Valentine craft idea that is super cute, simple, and easy. I like to buy honey in the cute little bear dispenser and usually keep them after I've finished the honey cuz they're too cute to throw out - I just finished one the other day and since it's close to Valentines Day I knew immediately what I could do with him...fill with chocolate hugs and kisses of course. 

Remove the labels from the bear container by soaking in hot water and then using Goo Gone to remove the residue, then fill with candy of your choice - I used Valentine colored hugs and kisses, pink and red m&m's would work too (or conversation hearts, any kind of Valentine candy that will fit in the top).  I searched to see other people's ideas and found this free "bee mine" template (she just put it on a bear still filled with honey - that would be even easier than filling with chocolate!) so I printed it out, hole punched it and tied it on with pretty Valentine ribbon I have in my stash - if you don't have actual Valentine ribbon then just use red, white, pink, silver...whatever!

I've probably said "cute" too many times in this post but seriously - how cute is this?

Valentine Slider Box

I made a video to show you how to make this cute slider box filled with wrapped mini chocolate bars for Valentines day - I was having a hard time demonstrating in pictures so hopefully doing it on video makes sense to you and is easy to follow along this way! 

There is a base to hold the chocolates and a wrap sleeve that the base slides into, then you wrap the chocolates with strips of paper that have letters on them to spell out whatever word you want. I'm making these to put on everyone's place setting at our "Palentine" dinner party on Valentines day - a nice little gift for them to take home. This is definitely a craft kids can do, no hot glue and just a bit of cutting. It's mostly folding and sticking the pieces together once they are cut out.

  



Supplies for each slider box:

-3.5" x 10.5" cardstock for the base (I used white)
-4.5" x 9"      cardstock for the top (I used patterned)
-ruler
-tape or adhesive
-scorer (optional)
-pencil
-scissors
-9 1"x3" strips of paper with a letter printed on each one (computer or handwritten)
-9 Hershey's Nugget chocolate bars
-Optional: things to decorate the slider box after it's completed - scrap cardstock, ribbons, etc.

Watch the video for instructions on how to make this slider box - you could also customize it for any occasion - the one I made holds 9 mini chocolate bars, if you want this as a thank you or birthday gift I would either shorten the box a bit or wrap the extra chocolate in a label that is plain, or maybe put a picture/symbol/sticker on it. That'd be cute!

Note:  Oops, I mistakenly bought Hersheys miniatures instead of Nuggets at first...and they don't fit in this size slider box - use Nuggets for this project to work. If you want to make it using different sized candy you will need to adjust the dimensions of the slider box. Just a warning - I don't want you to be surprised if you get miniatures thinking they are the right size!


2026 UPDATE: I don't know what happened to the video but this post is pointless without instructions hahaha. Click here for the link to the video on youtube. I also did another post with some photos that you can see here. 

"Pal-entine" Dinner Menu

I'm starting to plan for Valentines Day and wanted to share our new tradition with you. It's a fun idea if you aren't doing the whole romantic couple dinner thing - have friends over and make it a "Pal-entines" day party instead! Last year was the first time we did this and it was fun,  I found the pictures so I'm able to show you our menu:

• Heart shaped individual meatloaf
• Heart shaped potato and goat cheese galette (went a little crazy with the heart shaped theme)
• Roasted asparagus
• Janis's famous bread pudding (I don't have her recipe or a picture, but it's pretty and delicious!)

I made my standard meatloaf recipe and using a large cookie cutter shaped the meat mixture into individual heart shaped portions, bake at 350' until cooked thru.

The potato galette is so good, and pretty easy to make. A galette is sort of like a flatter potato gratin.

Galette:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, sliced thinly
• 1 T. fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 6 medium red potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced (1/8")
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces mild goat cheese, such as chèvre
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400'
   In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, rosemary, and garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the oil mixture and the heavy cream, tossing gently to mix. Add the goat cheese and toss again. Generously season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potato mixture to a shallow 1 1/2 quart, 9- or 10-inch baking dish. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6

 I don't know what this years dinner will be yet, I'm looking for menu ideas that I can make heart shaped of course!

In case you can't open the recipe for my meatloaf, here it is :)

1 pound each lean ground beef, ground pork, and ground lamb

2 eggs

1 ½ cups bread crumbs, (crumbled bread, oatmeal, or smashed saltines also work)

Chili sauce (homemade or store bought)

salt and pepper

ketchup (optional)

Mix the eggs, bread crumbs, ½ jar chili sauce, s and p together in a large bowl - if it seems dry I’ll add a splash of milk. Then add the ground meat and mix well. Divide into 2 equal portions, place each portion in a 9” cake pan and shape into a circle leaving a 1” space between mixture and side of pan for grease to collect in (you can use loaf pan, but I always make it in a round cake pan). Mix the remaining ½ jar chili sauce with some ketchup and spoon over each meatloaf. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 350’ for one hour or until done - remove the cover during the last few minutes.

Nana's Pralines

I hate my neighbor. I know she reads this blog but I'm saying it anyway...Melissa, I hate you. Actually she's pretty awesome but at this moment she's on my list and I'll tell you why.

For Christmas she sent over some homemade pralines. I thought pralines were sort of like turtles and didn't think I liked them so when Dave gave them to me (he is allergic) I was thankful for the gift of course but not terribly excited. Then I tried one - O.M.G. Seriously I can't think of another thing to say about them - except I LOVED THEM.  So of course I begged her for the recipe and she was nice enough to share it with me. I kind of forgot about them after that but today I was going thru my baking supplies to see what I could make without having to go to the store and found some pecan chips - I remembered her recipe and decided to give it a try. This is where the whole "I hate her" thing comes in - I just made a batch and they are SO good that I am really struggling with not eating more of them. Or more accurately with not eating all of them. I hate her for exposing me to this new favorite candy, for giving me the recipe, and for contributing to my diet downfall. Make these at your own risk people.

Nana's Pralines

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup milk

Place in a saucepan over medium high heat, bring to a soft boil stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until it reaches soft-ball stage on a  candy thermometer  (240 degrees).  Remove from heat and add:

4 Tablespoons butter
1 cup pecans (break in large pieces)
1 Tablespoon vanilla.

Stir with a wooden spoon for a couple minutes until it begins to lighten in color and gets thicker, but not too thick (that's the tricky part). Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool and set up.

A couple notes: I used pecan chips instead of breaking up whole pecans which changes the texture a little bit of course. I don't have any of the original amazing sample left to compare these to but I remember hers were more of the boiled sugar mixture spread out in circles with big pieces of pecans, mine are thicker and more like cookies almost - they are similar in texture to no bake cookies - because the nuts and sugar are not separated as much. Might be that I didn't boil them or stir them enough (or too much) but even though they aren't exactly like hers they are still SO good. So so good. Mmmmm......I hope you'll try these and then you'll hate her too :)



PS: Just to be clear -  I don't hate my neighbor. I love her! And I love these pralines.

DIY Valentine Poppers starring Brooke and Sydney

Watch Brooke and Sydney make Valentines Day poppers - what a fun party or gift idea!



Supplies:

-tissue paper
-empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
-ribbon
-tape
-scissors
-small candies or toys

Cut up some tissue paper into small bits to make confetti.
Lay down a big sheet of tissue paper.
At one long edge stand up 2 paper rolls (either 2 toilet paper rolls or cut one paper towel roll in half) and fill with candy, confetti, toys, whatever.
Lay the rolls down carefully so the ends butt up against each other.
Roll the tubes up in the tissue paper and tie both ends with ribbon. Note Brooke tapes the solid roll in the middle but that made it too hard to crack the popper open, tape on either side of the middle.
Popper is done. To open, pull both ends away from each other causing the paper to tear in the middle and the confetti, etc. comes flying out. Cute!

Super Bowl Party Planner

My sister is going to a Super Bowl party and asked if I have any suggestions for something she can take - just to force her to read my blog and think about being crafty I'm going to put some thoughts on here and tell her to come check them out :) Here are a few things I have made in the past if you want any ideas:

- cupcakes topped with marshmallow buttercream frosting, tootsie roll footballs, and sprinkles in the colors of the playing teams. To make the frosting I fold marshmallow cream into buttercream - delish. The footballs are flattened tootsie rolls that I cut into football shapes and piped white chocolate laces on. I also added a little green colored frosting for some "grass". I know there is no way she is going to make these, she stopped reading this part at "tootsie roll footballs" I bet. Not hard tho so try them!

- strawberries dipped in chocolate, piped white chocolate to look like football laces.

- deviled eggs with chives on top to look like football laces.

-carve a round watermelon into a helmet shape, fill with fruit.

-a football stadium: layer 3 different dips next to each other (this is cheese dip, guacamole, and spinach dip) in a smaller rectangular dish, top with shredded cheese to divide the "field" and black olives (lined up to represent the players), pipe sour cream for the lines. Put into a larger container and fill around it with assorted crackers, chips, veggies, pretzels, etc.

And finally, a very easy idea is to make some dip (cheese, 7 layer dip, whatever) and put it in a plastic football shaped bowl :)


The menu for our party this year so far is (not counting the munchies hopefully everyone else will bring):
- mini pigs in a blanket (my friend Patty requests these every year) that I make with mini turkey smoky links and crescent roll dough (cut each triangle into 6 or 7 smaller triangles then wrap around the sausage, bake at 350' until golden brown). You can make these ahead of time and freeze, then bake from frozen - it'll just take a few extra minutes in the oven.
- pulled pork I'll make in the crockpot for sliders. This pulled pork recipe is super simple: rub a mixture of lemon pepper, seasoned salt and garlic powder all over a 5 pound pork shoulder butt. I put a crockpot liner in my crock pot for easy clean up and then put the pork, one sliced onion and a bottle of beer in the crockpot on low for 10 - 12 hours. Remove from liquid and shred apart using two forks.
- I saw a recipe for "Touchdown Brownies" on Pinterest (click here) - they are topped with caramel, pretzels and chocolate chips that I think I'll make.  I'm sure they'll be good, what can go wrong with brownies topped with caramel and pretzels - salty and sweet! I will leave out the nuts for Dave who is allergic, and so far I haven't found the football shaped pretzels so will use the extra butter snaps I have left over from making pretzel hugs the other day.

Oh, and I'll use this football runner I made a couple years ago for decorating the table - it's just a long strip of green felt with white electrical tape for the lines, and numbers cut out of a piece of white duct tape sheet (they have sheets of this now in lots of different colors that has a peel off back - cut out the numbers or letters or whatever then peel off the paper backing and stick to your project as needed).

it got wrinkled in the drawer,
hopefully no one notices!

The other thing I will do is print out a football pool/squares thing for the "gamblers" among us - click here for the one I'm using. Have everyone who wants to buy a square (or 5 squares, or 10 squares!) put their initials in one of the white boxes. After the grid is filled in (there are 100 squares), rip up little squares of paper and write 0 thru 9 on them and put in a hat, someone draws the numbers while someone else fills in the 10 gray squares across the top - then put the numbers back in the hat and draw again to fill in the 10 gray side squares. We like to give prizes to whoever has the correct score at first quarter, half time, 3rd quarter and then final score. You could also give prizes for other random stuff just to keep people paying attention to the game - for instance who is going to win the coin toss, how many times they show the cheerleaders, how many beer commercials there will be...whatever you can think up!! Have fun :)

Cookie Bites

I normally make chocolate chip cookies from scratch, but sometimes I'm in too big of a hurry and use store-bought dough...and when that happens I usually make these cookie bites just to make them a little more "homemade". This is so simple it's almost embarrassing to write out the directions haha!! They are really good though, so I wanted to share my little shortcut with you.

I buy the kind of dough that is prescored and you just break off the square and put it on a baking sheet, except that I put each square into a greased mini muffin tin (my mini muffin tin gets used a lot, have you noticed that?!) and bake at whatever temp the package says for approx 11 minutes until lightly browned but not too well done. Pull the pans out and let them cool for a couple minutes, then insert a piece of unwrapped candy into the top of each cookie - whatever kind you like or have on hand. I use chocolate hugs or kisses, chopped up caramels, mini peanut butter cups (my favorite), whatever. Let the cookies cool until you are able to remove them from the pan then carefully run a small knife around the edges to loosen, and sort of twist and lift them out of the pan. Set on a wire rack to completely cool - if you can wait that long :). Easy-peasy, and yummy!