Keep the Kids Busy!

So much to do and so little time.  And, to add to the challenge, the kids are already bored!  What?!  Winter break just started!  

Do not fret.  Here is a simple idea to keep the kids busy while buying you a little extra time to finish up your projects, wrap those presents, and bake the last batch of cookies.  

When our boys were younger we would use their artwork to make personal and, quite honestly, precious "Thank You" cards.

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Step One:  Have your child create some winter art.  Any size will do.  Perhaps you already have something special and handmade from this month.  If not, there are many beautiful and simple art ideas swirling around on Pinterest.  If you are busy and the children are bored, this may be the PERFECT activity for everyone.  

https://www.pinterest.com/writeonwebb/art-to-inspire-writing/

Step Two:  After the holidays are over, and time is once again your friend, take a picture of the artwork you wish to use.  Even your SmartPhone will work for this task.  You can edit it to make the colors POP or adjust the art in any creative way you can imagine. 

Step Three:  Email the artwork photo to yourself so that you have it on your computer. I save the photo to my desktop and open a Google Doc to get started.  I suppose you could do all of this from a SmartPhone, but my eyes thank me for doing work like this on a bigger screen. 

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Step Four:  Once you have a new Google Doc opened, you can "add image" to your page.  You want to do that twice to fit both pictures on the landscape size page.  Place them at the bottom of your page; sizing them to fit fully and snuggly.  

Step Five:  Print!  I use a heavier card-stock (65-80 lb) for these so they have a nice texture for the recipient's fingers.  Plain envelopes are available, too, in the perfect sizes and even fun colors.   

Sending personal and handmade "Thank You" cards will not only make the gift giver feel special and appreciated, your child, too, will feel proud sending something he or she made.  

Write On! ​

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