by Mercedus Long

Created on: May 27, 2010

The beginning of June heralds the end of school and the beginning of summer break. With that thought on the horizon many parents are headed into a frenzy as they try to find things to keep their children busy. Some will decide on some type of summer camp, so will go into daycares and still others will accompany parents on family vacations. For those who are home during the summer holidays, a specail challenge is issued the moment school is let out. After all you can spend only so many days at the pool; and the best of us don't alwayswant to venture out among tourist to museums we can see after they leave.

However, we do not want them underfoot (preventing us from working) or sitting in front of the television all summer either. Enter the Oriental Trading Crafts*. This company has been providing hours of quality entertainment for more than 75 years and this year is no exception. Most of us have received the catalog at one time or another and just never really thought about utilizing the opportunity available to them.

Decorative Crafts

With rainy or code red days keeping children inside it is imperative to give them something to do that does not involve watching the same movie for the 20th time. Almost regardless of age sun catchers and wind chimes capture a child's imagination. This year the selection ranges from Angels to picture frames and from cars to thermometers. Don't forget to accessorize with colorful hooks and glitter paints.

Kids love to show off their handiwork so let them decorate the fridge with Sand Castle Photo Frame Magnets and Race Car Photo Frame Magnets. The kids are busy and you get new magnets. Its a win, win situation.

Most children like to watch nature flit in and out of their yards. Now they can encourage gorgeous birds to stick around with Paint Your Own Birdhouses and Bird Feeders.

Fun in the Sun and After Dark

Finally, time to enjoy the great outdoors. But even a small outing can seem like a daunting task. You can solve the problem of everyone having a similar ball by having them decorate their own. Plus, you can wrap up your work while they are coloring the Fish Beach ball. them out.

Color Your Own Canvas Tropical Drawstring Backpacks and Bottle Holders. We all know children are more apt to do something they have had a hand in planning. Children will be eager to show off their designs as they carry their own belongings;leaving your hands substantially less full.

Catching Fireflies is a favorite pastime for children handed down through the generations. Now, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor a little longer before letting them go with Firefly Jar Craft Kits.

Craft supplies

Many times parents buy crafting kits from stores so that their little princess can create beaded necklaces or bracelets for herself and her BFF's. But what happens to those kits when mistakes cause the supplies to run low or run out? They sit lost and forgotten on the shelves in closets or under beds.

You can keep the craft ideas flowing simply buy purchasing extra beads and craft cords or whatever else you may need to get your moneys worth. Oriental Trading Company provides everything from alphabet beads to polka dot beads. Just don't forget to have craft tubs or caddies on hand to keep supplies together.

There are many many projects that can be done by your children in June. Do not be discouraged that all of the projects come in multiples. Extras can be used during slumber parties, given as gifts or even sold during garage sales. The great thing about the crafts from this company is that most of them have a functional purpose; like the canvas backpack and bottle holders. The only limit to the projects you can complete, is that of your own imagination.

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