DIY Life

When I was a youngster, I remember days where I was bored beyond measure. I would listen to the click-clack of my Mother's knitting needles as she would tell me stories of her youth in Germany, while I would unravel the ball of yarn for her.

Most kids won't sit long enough to help with mundane tasks, but I bet you could get yours to sit still on a rainy day if you ask them to help you dye yarn with food coloring. Suse of Pea Soup has a tutorial showing off her gorgeous pictures of yarn that she dyed with the help of her 8 year old son.

You'll need a box of food colors, a microwave-safe bowl, the child(ren), wool yarn, and vinegar, which helps set the dye. Adult supervision is needed when handling the hot water, so that the kiddos don't burn themselves.

For more help dyeing wool and other fabric, check out how to dye with fruits and vegetables, and how to dye with Kool-Aid.

[via: Whip Up]

Are your preschoolers tired of all the games they have played over and over 20 million times and you've nothing new to do with them? I know how long the winter can be with toddlers in the house. All I hear all day is "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy"!

Paper and markers keep my littlest one occupied for a short time, as well as her other toys, but she gets bored easily. Craft gives all parents and caregivers some relief by pointing us to try making homemade fingerpaint. All you need is 3 cups water, 1 cup cornflour or cornstarch, and some food coloring.

Make sure the paint isn't too warm when you give it to the kids. We sure don't want to end up with burnt fingers. Making your own fingerpaint is a great winter project that should keep your kids occupied, at least for a few minutes.