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Keeping your child busy with crafts during the summer takes minimal work on your part. A set of play clothes, a few items from the dollar stores and you are set to keep them busy for hours while you cook, clean, do laundry or just plain eat bon bons and read a book in the shade! And the best part...

Part of your holiday shopping will be much easier at the end of their projects!

Get them ready and excited by setting out their clothes for the day. Based on the weather, it is always wise to have an outfit that includes pants and long sleeves, as well as one that includes shorts and tees. Make sure they are play clothes, because this activity will delight your children with the utter mess you are allowing them to make.

Take a trip to the local dollar store and pick up half a dozen baskets...more if needed. Add multiple colors of tissue paper, a few shakers of glitter, and a bottle or two of Elmer's Glue. Don't forget the cheap, disposable tupperware that you can get in every dollar store! There is no sense in ruining your good stuff.

Set your kids up outside with their supplies and help them fill their new containers with glue, glitter, beads, buttons, whatever takes their fancy. Have them fill another container with squares of cut up tissue paper in whatever size you think will be best. We always use multiple sizes, rip it up to give it a bit of character, and we get to have some fun while doing it!

Next, show them how to take a piece of tissue paper, dip it in the glue, being sure to cover the entire piece. Smooth it onto your basket, and go on to the next piece. Accessories can be added after the basket is finished with just a brush full of glue in the areas they want to "dress up". Once dry, place onto a shelf or into a cabinet, label it with a name, and start filling it with all of the kids summer crafts to be very personal, much loved holiday gifts for the family.

The technique is simple and most children will only need to be shown once. And you are then off to the shady side of the porch to enjoy a little peace. Don't forget to give yourself a small pat on the back, because the kids just started Grandma and Grandpa's holiday gifts from them.

Learn more about this author, Melanie Winters.
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