What's on the Desk..Getting Ready for the Holidays... Week 4 For the Kids!

Today is about the kids, Gifts for them and Gifts they can make. Todays post will send you in to another blog for instructions on how to make chalkboard paint. We'll also make an inexpensive Dry Erase Board and before we do all that we'll make Orange Pomanders.

Source: sjarmerendejul.blogspot.com via Dana on Pinterest

Source: sjarmerendejul.blogspot.com via Dana on Pinterest

I remember making pomanders when I was a kid, they are so simple to make and smell so good. The designs can be as elaborate or as simple as you want - just keep in mind the abilities of the ones making them.

What you'll need:
Oranges
Whole Cloves
Vegetable peeler

Start off by carving your design into the zest of the orange. I use the tip of my vegetable peeler and pull towards me, but you could use an orange peeler or a zester, anything that gives you a consistent size groove.
Once you have your design carved into the orange you simply push the cloves into the groove. Space them in whatever manner makes you happy, this is your design be creative!
Place alone or grouped with several into a shallow bowl or make your own elevated stand to place them in like in this post:
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/03/diy-colorful-dessert-stands/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+centsationalgirl%2FcHAf+%28Centsational+Girl%29

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Dana on Pinterest

That's it! Told you it was simple!

Source: makeandtakes.com via Dana on Pinterest

Next on to the Inexpensive Dry Erase Board. Older kids for this one, glass is involved!!

If you liked the simplicity of the Pomanders, you'll LOVE this! Remember that tray I used with my candles? That's your dry erase board! No kidding! A simple photo frame with glass in and a piece of pretty paper or a solid color to match your decor - scrapbook paper is perfect here. The markers clean right off the glass, piece of cake!

OK On to the chalk board paint customizable to the color you desire! If you can paint it you can have a chalkboard - any paintable surface! Suitable for kids of ALL ages - for drawing on or message centers the choice is up to you!

http://thecsiproject.com/2011/02/09/honeysuckle-pink-chalkboard/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCSIProject+%28The+CSI+Project%29

Before you go! My friend Steph is an incredibly talented artist and she has designed some free gift tags for you!
http://collectiblepaperdolls.com/2011/12/01/paperdolls-gift-tags-free-for-you/

Til next time!