Celebrate

That's right. Free Comic Book Day. And what could be better than a free comic? How about all those OTHER comics you'll invariably walk out with, the ones that your friendly neighborhood retailer certainly hopes you'll load up with in addition to the free titles... After all, the retailers don't actually get them for free -- they end up paying 12-50 cents for the privilege of giving them away. So spend a few bucks while you're in there!

As rainy days begin to give way to warmer weather one can't help but feel that Spring is finally here to stay. And since the seasons are changing so must the decor. Out with the frosted glass votives, in with the daffodils in milk glass.

Yeah, Easter is great and all but what gets me is when all the hunting/egg-dying/basket-giving is over what do I do with all the egg-shaped goodies (both candy and plastic)? Sure it's fun to relive the magic by staging mock egg hunts but after the 100th time you've run out of places to hide the eggs and your still left w/dozens of egg-shaped plastic. I'm always on a look out for fun ways to reuse those plastic eggs so they don't end up as carpet bombs in my kids' rooms.

You have a little over a week to send those Easter cards to loved ones around the globe. Although greeting cards come in all levels of sentiment I know my family really cherishes those ones crafted by my funny little bunnies. Crunch time is here for whipping up some homemade cards so you're gonna need something fast.

Even if at times you feel like ripping out your hair in frustration, it's pretty satisfying crafting special Valentine cards with your child. Yes, helping your kid really means you doing 90% of the work while he "tests" the candy...And yes, after 5 cards you're crying on the inside because you're only 1/4 of the way finished, it's worth it in the end. Your kid will be a hit with his peers and you'll earn a few envy points from your parent peers...Really, that's why we go the extra mile, isn't it parents?

Here are a few links to my favorite Valentine cards:

I believe I've stumbled upon a project guaranteed to make my 12 y.o. Lego maniac's holiday season and keep him uber-busy (which also makes my holiday season). Check out this Lego Holiday Build-It-Yourself from author/illustrator/photographer Chris McVeigh. His annual list is compiled of 8 DIY Lego ornaments and decorations from traditional Christmasy goodies (the gingerbread house is super sweet) to the Death Star (OMG, Star Wars!). Each project includes a model file, instruction guide and part list.

I love, love, love this roundup of 15 ideas for making a meaningful family Thanksgiving" courtesy of Ohdeedoh. From pumpkin scented play dough to a funky family Thanksgiving day photo to playing parlor games (and much, much more) there is something there for literally everyone. Did I mention the interviewing an older relative idea?

Amber of Kids Craft Weekly has a wonderful newletter dedicated to easy-peasy Hanukkah crafts Perfect for your mini-Maccabees. The best part is these projects can all be made with a little creative household supply hunting.

Homemade Halloween decorations are to best. And even better are homemade decorations crafted from recycled materials. Craft contributor Rachael Hobson has shared this super-cool idea for making a milk jug skeleton found on The Party Animal.

Need a last-minute Halloween craft? This tutorial for making wooden peg zombies from Jessica Wilson of Scrumdilly Do is brilliant. The tutorial includes handy tips for adding gory details (like bloody bandages...Ewwww) and making your wooden undead stand on their own.