I am so lame that last Halloween I bought a cat-tail from a store. I mean, seriously, I could have figured out some creative way to make one myself… glue and a garbage bag? But this tutorial might actually help inspire me to make a dino-tail for my nieces and nephews!

From Running with Scissors,

This is a simple, fun, toy for kids.  I designed these tails with two straps that wrap around their waist with velcro in front making it easy for them to get them on and off themselves.

These have been fun during these long winter months when we have to play inside.  My boy has “dino fights” with his dad where he wiggles his bum to use the tail as a sword…it’s pretty cute.

Love it! Try it!

These keychains are nothing short of genius.  If you have a little one and they are a budding artist, turn their masterpieces into keychains!

Formiadesign.com produces some brilliant work,

Now I’m looking forward to going through my old files in the hobby room. I plan to do this soon!

Creativity and know-how are as easy as a little online research and a link with step-by-step instructions.  I don’t even think the Internet was commonplace when my oldest was born.  If it had been (for either daughter) I would have probably made this.  From One Sassy Housewife,

Thread the rope through the holes of two crossed dowels, and create a stopper knot leaving a 2 inch tail of rope. (A simple overhand knot would likely be sufficient, but the stopper knot is a little more sturdy, and I didn’t want ANY chance of those knots slipping out when holding my precious and breakable baby) (By the way… I did a ton of research before doing this project and learned a lot about knots and what kinds are appropriate for securing or bearing what kinds of loads… Anyway, I kinda feel like I earned my boyscout badge in knots. Is there even such a thing?)

All the instructions are available here.  And it’s not too late to make a swing for grandbabies… if and when they ever get here!

We know it’s not yet Thanksgiving, but after the brutal election season, I am throwing my arms open to welcome ALL the holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve!  (I’m skipping Cyber Monday and Black Friday, though!).

Add this little item to your Christmas plans if you have young children. Once the tree is up (and the mess is cleaned from putting it up), take a nice picture of the room where your tree stands.  Then you can upload your picture to Capture the Magic, pick a Santa for your room, and save the picture!  Yes there is a price associated with this, but it’s still a cute idea!

From Pinterest.

Photo from Martha Stewart.com.

I have some great friends who are ALL about Halloween. When they were children, they lived in a neighborhood where their little Christmas lights were always one-upped by neighbors. So instead of going all out on Christmas, they focused on Halloween.  I think I’ll tell them about this great idea!

From Thrifty Crafty Girl,

If you don’t have bushes, this post is irrelevant. If you aren’t the lawn-decorating type, this post is irrelevant. But I still want you to stick around, so go read another post until tomorrow where I will have something more to your liking. I’ll remember you fondly until then.

Gather some toilet paper rolls. I firmly believe every craft project can be completed with toilet paper rolls. We’re going to make creepy eyes for the bushes in your yard… they are really creepy, be warned.

Once the eyes are cut out, put in glowsticks!

Photo from Pinterest.

From etsy.com.

Photo from babble.com.