Category: Ideas and Inspiration

Archive for the ‘Ideas and Inspiration’ Category

The Issues Tab

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

Have you ever clicked on the Issues tab up there in the header? No?! Well, you’re in for a special treat. Click on over for some great Sunday reading. You’ll find thoughtful essays, beautiful photos, projects for the kids and more. Happy Sunday!

Posted in Ideas and Inspiration | 2 Comments »

Super Cool Holiday Gift for Spies: Hollow Book

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

Long time readers know we’re lovers of spy games and stuff. For newbies to Classic Play, here’s a link to get you caught up: Impromptu Spy Games for when you’re shopping for a car, furniture, suit or other excruciatingly boring thing. (more…)

Posted in Arts & Crafts, Ideas and Inspiration | 8 Comments »

Giving Children a Gift of Art

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Owning a piece of work made by an independent artist is a remarkable thing. Especially, for a kid. It’s inspiring to hold something knowing that at one point, the artist did too. There’s a connection. We become patrons. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it, isn’t it?

In a world of big boxiness, I am grateful for those who soften the corners for us and our kids. Here are a few of my favorites:

klt:works | courtney courtney
Anorak Magazine | Mod Tots

Posted in Ideas and Inspiration | 1 Comment »

Get Your Art On!

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Art doesn’t need to be perfect, nor does it need to conform to a certain standard. That’s the beauty of it. Oftentimes, art is simply a vehicle for exploration and experimentation (ie. “play”ing around). Below are some of my favorite experimental art projects we’ve done here on Classic Play.

Some of these projects challenge your child to think about materials in a new way (cork, paper bag project). Others offer a glimpse into how your child sees the world (self-portrait napkins, give a kid a camera). A few will strengthen your child’s fine motor skills (tee shirt design, painting). Then there are those cleverly embedded with multiple lessons, like planning and science (make your own play mat, pH painting). The rest? Well, they’re just for fun.

Posted in Arts & Crafts, Ideas and Inspiration | No Comments »

Family Field Trip | Sunsets & Stargazing

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

I don’t care for this turning the clocks back stuff. It gets dark way too early. By the time the kids finish their homework, they only have an hour or so to play outside before it’s pitch black.

But what can I do? I suppose I could go all Arizona or Hawaii and just not recognize time changes. I’d show up an hour late everywhere. When people said, “You’re late!” I’d respond, “No. I’m right on time.” (more…)

Posted in Features, Ideas and Inspiration, Science Fun | 1 Comment »

Family Field Trip: A Walk In the Woods

Monday, November 7th, 2011

photos by Dave K Cooper

This weekend the fall foliage was beautiful and the weather just right, which meant it was perfect for a walk in the woods.

Lucky for us, we have some lovely state parks nearby that have babbling brooks, large gray rocks, tall trees, and pretty easy hiking. (more…)

Posted in Ideas and Inspiration, Parenting | No Comments »

Gift Wrapping

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

I prefer to keep things pretty simple when it comes to gift wrapping. The materials I find myself coming back to time and time again are tissue paper and crepe paper streamers. It’s probably because I can always find a stash of those two left over somewhere in my house. I have a tendency to squirrel away left overs from parties. You just never know when a scrap or bit might come in handy, right?

Sometimes I’ll get all crafty and wind the streamer into a flower shape. But usually, I just tie a nice big bow.
(more…)

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Halloween…The Countdown Begins

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Halloween is a week away. This means we have seven full days to celebrate all sorts of ghoulish delights. Here’s a list of 10 great ideas for you and your family to get your Halloween on.

1. Let’s start with the obvious—costumes. Heather had a great round up on (cool)progeny. I especially appreciated her thoughts on what being the “perfect parent” means to her.

2. I tucked some free printable lunchbox jokes into the kids’ boxes today. They made me laugh!

3. And how about these milkshakes for an after dinner treat? I don’t know if I have the patience to paint chocolate on the inside of a glass, but they sure are cute.

4. Here’s a little Halloween decorating inspiration from our friend Joya. Don’t you just love the playfully spooky effect?

5. Looking for some spooky movies to watch with the kids? Classic Play critics offer their reviews of popular family Halloween movies.

6. Thinking of doing a little Halloween baking? Try these mini muffin tin pumpkin pies from Marie Barron of Make and Takes.

7. Looking for some Halloween science-themed activities for a classroom or kids’ party? One Charming Party came up with some great ones.

8. Searching for Halloween themed games? We have you covered.

9. Try something new this year with the pumpkins—try using cookie cutters to carve them. Modern Kids Messy Parents shows you how.

10. And finally, looking for some amazing inspiration for lunch? Check out this amazing bento box.