A few weeks ago, my kindergartener was given a homework assignment.
Create a replica of a thatched roof home in Peru.
Um, what?
Google was my friend as I tried to figure out what on earth one actually looked like. And then I turned to facebook for how on earth I was actually going to accomplish this. Yes, how *I* was going to do it: let’s face it, this was mom homework.
I naively suggested making bricks/stones out of playdoh and using hay for the roof. Where did I think I was going to get hay from?
Thankfully, some crafty moms came to my rescue and gave me helpful suggestions.
And viola, the finished product:
Yes, my kindergartener helped. Though he thinks he did the whole thing by himself.
Afterwards, I ‘fessed up on facebook and twitter that I’m so uncrafty that I hadn’t even owned a gluegun and had bought one just for this project.
And oh, how you responded.
Either by telling me that you didn’t own one either and how uncrafty you are, too… or by telling me just how many glue guns you own and how often you use them.
It got me thinking.
Now, I in no way, shape, or form want to do projects like that thatched roof all-day project.
But, I’d like to do more crafts with my boys. I have no problem letting them color or paint or play with playdoh, but it’s pretty rare that we actually make something.
I want to change that.
So, my idea is this:
Moms who *are* actually crafty will sent me the directions for a simple craft. Nothing that requires a fortune be spent in the craft store or supplies that most moms don’t already have on hand. A craft that even us uncrafty moms can do.
And then the boys and I will make the craft and post the results.
I’ll also share other links from whoever is my boss… craft instructor for that post, to other ideas they have for things you can do with your kids.
Since I’m jumping into the world of crafting as a noncrafter, I might take this a little slow. You won’t see Crafts for the Uncrafty every week, but you will see them here as a regular feature, starting with the first one next week.
I’m excited about trying something new and I hope you are, too!
Kindergarten’s a whole lot harder than I remember!
jenn @ so this is love recently posted..How a Dad Loves a Daughter
School is more accelerated in general. Last year in second grade, my daughter had to choose a rainforest animal and create it out of only recycleable items. That was difficult!
Tiffany recently posted..A Gift from the Heart
I remember getting a project like that where I had to make a covered wagon for the unit. However I didn’t tell my parents until last minute and they made me scramble around the house and do it myself because I waited too long. I’ll never forget that!!
Julie recently posted..Yelp Black & Red Ball
Unfortunately, with kindergarten, I couldn’t leave him to himself!
I like crafts but I have to admit to not doing well when crafting with my kids. Maybe I do not prep enough before hand. Maybe I expect too much. Maybe I need more patience. I would like to change it though so I do enjoy doing little projects with them.
Stephanie recently posted..A new one and an old (but good) one
More patience would be helpful. Any idea where I can get some of that?
The hut looks great! You did a great job.
Thank you. He was so proud.
Fun! And your thatched hut is wonderful
I can’t wait to craft along with you.
angela recently posted..When Safety Trumps Second Chances
We’ll see how this goes!
I am excited to see where this goes. I would love to do more crafts WITH my little man as he gets older.
Life As Wife recently posted..Want Him Back
I’m excited about the ones I have lined up so far- they really are easy!
Oh my gosh, say what? That is a ridiculous assignment! Also, I’m not crafty – at all! Homework can be so hard sometimes!
The assignment was totally crazy.
Oh I love this new feature! I love crafting with B, and seeing what his little mind creates. If your looking for someone to share a craft I have a few I wouldnt mind passing on!
Jessica recently posted..A Letter To My Boys
You can email me one!
For someone who isn’t too crafty I think you did an awesome job hun.. much better then I would have. Which is why as a rule most crafts like this are Daddy’s terrain.
Angel recently posted..I never said my life was dull.. and I wouldn’t dare either.
I wish. My husband would have just not had our son do it at all.
What a fun idea for a feature here!
I do like crafts, and had a whole list of them from when I was a preschool teacher. But for whatever reason I have pushed that aside with my boys. I would love to start doing some simple crafts with them again.
Kimberly recently posted..Things I Can’t Do
I didn’t know you were a preschool teacher! If you dig out any crafts you think would be good- please send them my way!
As you know, I am possibly the most uncrafty human being on earth. I look forward to seeing what you manage to come up with next week!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..One World for Another
I think we might have to compete for that title!
I used to be way more crafty than I am now. There is just no time. Maybe for simple ones though,,,
Sandy
momof12 recently posted..Pinterest Flowers
The ones I’ve gotten so far aren’t very time-consuming.
A great idea. When the kids were little and I was home, I was more crafty, but know I just don’t have time (although I do own a glue gun). In fact, because I work at my kids school, The Girl’s teacher *may* haven’t gotten a post on her fb page about making a certain coworker do crafty homework… someone *may* haven’t threatened to cut off her coffee supply!
Sorta Southern Single Mom recently posted..Vacations of Family Past
LOL
I do hate assignments like this- but I want to try some simple crafts with the boys.
I’m not the most patient person when it comes to crafting, even worse when comes to helping the kids craft.
Oka recently posted..My First Rag Quilt
Same here. But, I’m going to give it a go.
Can non-moms send ideas?
Blond Duck recently posted..Ode to Spring and How I Love Thee
Of course!
Your hut looks great! My boys and I do art projects all the time, but they like it best when I just give them a bunch of supplies and let them make a big mess. They aren’t as enthusiastic when we try something structured.
I also do crafts with my Cub Scouts. I find I’m really bad at anticipating how long it will take. EIther it’s so complicated we can’t get it done in time, or it takes us half the time and the kids are all saying, “What are we going to do now?”
Victoria KP recently posted..100 Word Song: The Dimming of the Day
It really is hard to plan, time-wise.
Me and my wife don’t do this stuff, but surprisingly, our daughters love it!
Zinedine recently posted..Free Hd Movies
Your hut turned out great! I actually have creative crafty ideas – but often putting them to form turns out slightly disastrous. Which is why we don’t do as many crafts as we might otherwise. I get disappointed!
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm recently posted..Guest Posting Today
At least you try! If you have any suggestions for crafts, send them my way!
Such a FUN idea, Shell! And sure to pull together so many grab ideas! Love!
Galit Breen recently posted..Well Practiced Love
I hope so! This will force me to try new things.
Great idea Shell!
Thanks! Be sure to pass on any ideas you have!
I am the person that looks for the link at the end of a craft post to just buy it already made but never finds one
This should be fun to actually give it a shot myself.
Kristen recently posted..I Had A Little Work Done Over The Weekend…
Ha! I totally understand! But, that’s why I’m trying this.
Great job on the house!
I realize I’m probably dating myself, but I really wish Kindergarten was like it was when I was in it. I remember coloring all morning and playing with our pet rabbit. Then I went home for a nap.
Evonne recently posted..Spelling problem fixed – I hope
I hear ya. Kindergarten is so complicated now.
If you have an craft ideas for me, please let me know!
I have a few ideas. I’ll try to get them over to you.
Evonne recently posted..No diggers
I’m so going to steal these ideas off of you…b/c I try to craft but it’s not natural for me LOL. I need all the help I can get! Great idea Shell
Natalie recently posted..Wind, Rain, and a Salt Water Pool
It seems like a lot of us aren’t crafty- so hopefully this will be good for us!
What a great idea! I am the most uncrafty person to ever live, so I will love seeing what projects you tackle on here. I’ll have to take notes for when our kids are older so I don’t always just hand them crayons and coloring books.
Jocelyn | ScooterMarie recently posted..And then there was a toddler in our bed
Oh. Coloring books. I forget that part. Must be why mine color on walls.
Great idea! I love that hut! So cute!
Adrienne recently posted..Pause Life for a Moment
What a great idea! I’m so excited. I love all your ideas
Good job!!! (Wait! You are creating another community!) – you are so good at this!!!
kristen recently posted..The things we do for our kids – that we won’t do for ourselves.
I have always wanted to craft with my daughters, but they are flying through the air running, leaping, spinning, people. The boy looks like he will be a big crafter, as long as there are very detailed instructions and he can make sure his is exactly like the one in the photo.
Maggie S. recently posted..A (nother) Break In the Action
My boys don’t often stop. So this will be something new!
I think you rocked the little house. There are so many people that are not crafty. I think this series is a great idea.
Kim recently posted..Photo Feedback: Week 4
Thanks for going along with my crazy idea. The boys are excited to try yours!
Now that my kids are older, I miss those craft times. Home-made or personal crafts were always part of our Holidays. Traditions I hope my kids keep for their families. (WAY down the road. LoL.)
Your project turned out great.
Cindi recently posted..Dissecting Real Marriage: Part 4
my mom is the crafty one, big time! my idea of craft is to go to the store and buy a ready made craft that you like paint or something! God help us all if I have to help my boys do a craft for school! can’t wait to see what kind of stuff you get to do!
Erin recently posted..What do you know…..
You sound very much like me.
We’ll see if I can actually do these or if they are just a disaster. LOL
That is a pretty intense kindergarten assignment. The project sounds like fun.
secret mom thoughts recently posted..Pencil Invention
Hayden had to make a turkey for a project for school and I had no idea where to even start. Thankfully, I live with a crafty husband. He took over the project and we had a 3D turkey.
Also, we don’t own a glue gun either.
Jen recently posted..Call Your Children
My husband was going to boycott this project in protest. So, it was up to me. I glued my fingers together several times.
We do crafts on occasion, if I find something in Family Fun magazine that looks easy enough! And my son just had to make a castle for a school project and guess who did MOST of the work… (pointing at myself, by the way…)
Elaine recently posted..Growing and growing…
I used to subscribe to that- they had good ideas.
There should be a button for “no, and I never intend to be, but I love it when others post their results, because a girl can dream”. I like the IDEA of crafts. Just not their execution, which is often a thousand times messier than I think it’s going to be.
Jessie Powell recently posted..Stations of the Cross
LOL I do hate the mess.
I do crafts but not very well. Does that count?
MiMi recently posted..Up-Cycled Pillows
That’s better than me!
I am sooooo bad at crafting. I try with my kids but they are VERY simple things. For instance, I printed off a template of a shamrock and had them color them. Not too hard but it’s something to keep us busy and then I can hang them up!
molly recently posted..Drive-by Blogging
You sound like me!
It really annoys me when schools send home projects that the moms have to do!
That aside, sounds like a fun idea – I can’t wait to see what crafts come out of it!
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..Hey! It’s OK! Tuesday
Oh I know: MOM homework.
After voting I am happy to report I belong to majority here. Bring it on Shell
Stasha recently posted..Monday Listicles
Seems like a lot of us fall in the uncrafty category. The suggestions I’ve gotten so far seem easy enough though!
LOVE this idea! With a 3yo son, it can be hard to encourage him to get creative sometimes; unless of course the craft involves dirt, bugs, or somehow drenching himself and his environment in water. So I guess he’d be ok with mud crafts too!
I’m looking forward to reading your future posts about this – so excited!
Ha! My boys love to make messes, too.
I think I had a minor stroke contemplating the idea that this was an assignment for a kindergartner. Didn’t Kindergarten used to be mostly about learning social skills and really fine tuning things like the alphabet, counting, colors, and that kind of thing. I admit that I don’t have much of a memory of my kindergarten days, but I feel quite certain that it didn’t involve foreign countries and the like.
Anyway, I love the idea for this feature. I feel like I fit somewhere in between. I can be very crafty. Pinterest has actually reminded me of just how much I love to do crafty things. But most of what I do is adult kind of stuff (making stuff for the home, etc) that Runt can’t really help out with. And I haven’t gotten very creative with things to do with him, outside of the usual coloring and such. A lot of the ideas I find tend to feel like they’re aimed at kids a bit older than him. So, I’d love to have more inspiration of things that I can do with him.
Aramelle {One Wheeler’s World} recently posted..Chicken Tacos
PInterest is definitely a help in getting ideas.
Yes, a kindergarten assignment: crazy, huh?
I am hopelessly uncrafty. You guys did a great job!!
MaryLauren@My3LittleBirds recently posted..The Visibility of Quiet
I glued my fingers together several times making this house.
I LOVE doing crafts and my kids have a great time, but I don’t do them as often as I should. It usually gets messy so I think that is what keeps me from doing another one so quickly.
Can’t wait to see your new series!
Tiffany recently posted..A Gift from the Heart
So messy! If you have any ideas for us, send them my way, please!
I prefer crafts that the kids can do themselves. Beaded necklaces, stickers, those kinds of things. Although I have been teaching my oldest how to quilt.
Jessica recently posted..Proving Myself Wrong
Mine tend to make a total mess when I hand them craft supplies.
I love this! We actually do crafts frequently but they aren’t museum works of art like some crafts I’ve seen. Nate actually does most of the work haha. That hut turned out great!!
stephanie @ babe’s rockin’ mami recently posted..Babe is 31 months now! {or a touch over 2.5 for non month counters}
If you have any ideas for us, send them over, please!
This sounds like fun. I have a super easy Christmas craft if you want it.
Kmama recently posted..TYVM: The Never-Ending Edition
Sure!
Love the idea. My favorite craft is dot to dot paint.
I will look forward to seeing this in action. 
Leigh Powell Hines (@Hinessightblog) recently posted..Five Family-Friendly Attractions Not to Miss in Charlotte, N.C.
We haven’t even tried that!
Great idea!! I like crafts and doing them with the kids but really it’s the mess that I don’t like. Oh… and cleaning up the mess too.
Are you going to be posting the craft for everyone else to try too?
Jackie recently posted..Monday Menu ~ Meatballs with Mac & Cheese
Yes, I’ll post the directions. And then share our results.
Okay I need details on what materials you used! That is awesome. I pretend to be crafty..but I hate it.
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..The Kindness of Strangers…
Luckily, I had a box that was a good size. So we glued rocks that we found at Michaels onto it. The roof is raffia, held in place with spray glue.
Used an exacto to cut the door and windows. It was a pain!
First you did a great job on that project! Some of the school assignments drive me crazy. And what a fun idea for a new meme– I am sure I have some old Time for Tots ideas I can throw your way and I plan on trying to get it going myself as my kids are always asking when we are going to do another Time for Tots day
Emmy recently posted..Happy Feet Two Review And Giveaway
Yes, please- send them over!
Such a cute idea! I can handle simple crafts, but tend to look up resources for things beyond the normal cutting, painting, gluing. I look forward to this one!
Pamela recently posted..Word Stew
I have to look for ideas, too. I’m cheating by having people send me ideas now- with them knowing that I’m not crafty, so they’ll go easy on me!
I’d say I’m a craft-hack. Some things I can do well, others I stumble through. I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from Pinterest.
Love this idea.
Carolyn recently posted..Other Things I Wish I’d Known
Pinterest has so many fun ideas- but I have no idea which I can actually do and which are way harder than they look! If you have any ideas, send them my way!
I fall under the category of thinking I am craftier than I am. Yeah the results aren’t always pretty.
My girls LOVE a project, but they also make a huge mess. My son I can’t even get close to arts and crafts which is probably one of the reasons it has taken his handwriting so long to develop -see lack of fine motor.
I can’t wait to see your projects.
Making It Work Mom recently posted..He Just Doesn’t Get It
Going to do the first one this weekend and post results next week!
I love this idea.
I think I may be that mom who totally takes over her kids project…I like to glue things
Kimberly recently posted..When Our Words Inspire
I get worried that my kids are going to glue each other to something.
It’s not that I don’t *like* doing crafty things. I would *love* to do them. But my little guy doesn’t care for any activities that require him to make gains in his fine motor skills.
Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) recently posted..Reality {PYHO}
Ha! I hear that.
Kindergarten?
WTH? That baby looks more like a damn college project
) !!!!!!!!!!!!! Good Job, Mama.
Crazy, isn’t it?
Seriously?! That teacher had to know the parents would totally be the ones doing that project.
Looks like it came out great though! And I love your idea. If I think of something I’ll send it your way!
Elizabeth recently posted..St. Patrick’s Day Preparations: Corned Beef & Cabbage
All of the kindergarten classes were assigned a similar project. Ugh.
Good luck, Shell. You are a brave, brave woman. I’m going to take my non-crafty, non-glue-gun-owning self and just watch. Let me know how it goes.
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..The Winter that Wasn’t
I may end up regretting this. But this will force me to at least give it a shot!
Oh, I’ve got a closet full of supplies just waiting for another project…maybe I’ll finish one this time
Melissa recently posted..The Real Superheroes
I still have some supplies packed away from my teacher days. I just need to use them!
sounds awesome! so is this goign to be a link up? I am soooo uncrafty and my daughter loves to do crafts
Not a link up- I can only handle hosting one of those right now!
Cute idea! Can’t wait to see what you come up with
I have a few projects lined up! The boys should love it.
I love this – I am so uncrafty. You’re brave – I would be petrified to show how my projects actually turn out!
Chimomwriter recently posted..What We’re Reading This Week: March 7th
Well, I can always blame my boys and say well, I let them do it themselves.
That hut looks great! I think I have some sort of aversion to arts and crafts.
Barbara @ Footprints in France recently posted..Dear Nathan …
I do. This will force me out of it!
OMG I love this! This is pretty much a post aimed specifically at me. So looking forward to seeing what crafts come up on this.
Cass recently posted..Play-jamas
Glad I’m not the only uncrafty one around!
Oooo… Great idea! I have An easy spring craft for you…how do we send ideas in?
(ps your house looks great!)
Email it to me, please!