Heat up some colorful fun this summer!

He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just....                                                Deuteronomy 32:4

Here's a great end-of-summer activity, (though it really can be done anytime!) It works for all ages and art abilities.  It requires materials you probably already have. And it invites discussion and great conversation.  So now you know why I love this one! 

First step: Take a treasure hunt--  hunt for ROCK "treasures"!  Kids will love this --hunt through your backyard, or maybe on your next hike or trip to the beach. Palm-sized rocks work the best-- not too heavy, not too small. A good guideline: treasure-hunters need to carry their own treasure(s) back home. Bigger is not always better!

 

Second step: Sift through that crayon container from last year's school supplies and pick out all the broken pieces (another treasure hunt of sorts). Peel off any paper. Bright colors work the best so hopefully you'll have a nice, happy-colored collection when you're done.

Third step: Heat rocks. You can use the summer sun to do the job, but heating in a 300 degree oven or on a heat tray/electric griddle  (for 20 or so minutes)  will bring guaranteed-good, hot rock results in short order.  Remove rocks with oven mitts or towels, set on a heat-safe surface and be ready with that  first crayon!

 Hold crayon tip on hot rock until it begins to feel slippery-- and" crayon-paint" a simple design (Crosses, hearts, flowers,stripes).

 Continue as long as you like--and as long as your rock stays hot!  This creative process is relaxing, fun and you'll find it amazingly easy to start up a heart-to-heart talk with your child or teen. 


This cooled, colorful rock now becomes a true treasure -- and a great reminder of a fun time together!

Craft up a simple game -- while you teach kids about not giving up!

 Whatever you do, work at it with all our heart, as working for the LORD... Colossians 3:23

Recently, I was reminded of this simple and simply-fun way of reinforcing the importance of persistence and not-giving up.  God's Word is packed-full of great verses and stories with this "keep-on-keeping-on" message. This super-cheap craft adapts easily to whatever verse or lesson you like, and its simple materials make it a winner in a classroom as well as outdoors for picnics and camps.

What you need to make one cone-catcher: 81/2 x 11" cardstock, about 12" string/yarn,  about 7x7" foil sheet, markers/crayons to color, stapler & scissors.

Decorate the cardstock with verse or message with black sharpie and make copies as needed.  The catching cone works best if top corners are trimmed off, but this is not necessary.

Knot one end of the string and staple to the bottom inside of the cone before you make it into a cone.  Roll the sides in and make the cone and staple to secure. String should be coming out the tip of the cone now.

 

Here's the really fun part: have child hold the foil sheet in their palm, lay the other end of the string in the center of the foil. Have them close their hand and make a ball.  String should be secure inside the foil ball. So cool.

Now, have them learn about persistence as they learn how to catch the foil ball with the cone. A perfect opportunity to talk about working hard, not giving up as they practice. Simple. Fun. Worthy of repeating!