How to Set the Table Placemat

When I was growing up every week we had to learn and practice proper table manners.  Did you know there is a right way to pass the salt?  Well, there is.  All the training has come in handy on many occaisions. It is easy to forget to teach our kids the basic things, like setting the table.  Sue at Counting Bunnies Too has this great placemat to help you teach your kids ( it is a great reminder for you too) how to set the table.  As a Home Ec. major in college I really appreciate this.

Easy Mother's Day Gift Idea

Mother's day is just a few days away but don't fret here is a wonderful idea your kids can whip up for mom, grandma or favorite aunt.  This would also be a great teacher gift. This emergency clutch from eighteen25 can be made in a few minutes with just a little hand sewing using a potholder.

May Day

May 1st is known as May Day around the world. The traditions and stories surrounding May Day vary from place to place. However, one common theme is FLOWERS.
One popular tradition is to hang a basket full of spring flowers and/or other small gifts on a neighbor's doorknob. You have to be sneaky because if you get caught you get kissed. 

Another popular tradition is to decorate a pole with brightly colored ribbon, streamers, flowers and balloons.  People would carry the pole in parades and then dance around them.


In London, May Day is celebrated with the children going from house to house. They bring flowers and get pennies in return. The pennies are then thrown into a wishing well. The pennies are then donated to charity.

 

On May 1st, people in Hawaii celebrate their own version of May Day; they call it Lei Day. People give Hawaiian leis to each other. They put them around each other's necks and sometimes give a traditional kiss.

 

In Germany, one tradition is for boys to secretly plant a May tree in front of the window of the girl they love.

Fabric Collage Easter Basket

Let me just say I love this basket!  It is so cute but the best thing at least to me is that it is easy to make.  

Materials:

Scraps of  fabric, cut in squares ( I bet you could use heavy scrapbook paper)

balloon

glue or Modge Podge

ribbon

Instructions: Blow up the balloon.  Draw a line on the larger end (top) of the balloon based on how deep you want your basket.  Glue on fabric scraps so they overlap slightly.  Do not leave any gaps. Cut the top of the fabric with a layer of glue. Be sure to cover completely. Let dry overnight or longer. Pop the balloon and remove.  Add ribbon. 

You can check out the complete tutorial at I can teach my child!

Alternative:  I have made this by dipping yarn in glue and wrapping it around the balloon.