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Tween-Friendly Christmas Activities

Remember the days when your little girl wore footie pajamas and pigtails? As our daughters grow older, they may no longer listen for reindeer on the roof, but they still value Christmas traditions and quality family time. Here are some ideas for making this Christmas season special for your growing tween.

 

Cake for breakfast—Girls love to bake! Invite your daughter to bake and decorate a birthday cake for Jesus. Then serve it for breakfast on Christmas morning!

 

Secret St. Nick—Give your tween a small budget for “secret” giving. Take her shopping and encourage her to pick out little gifts and goodies for neighbors or friends at school, then help her deliver them anonymously. Watch as she learns the joy of selfless giving!

 

Outdoor sports—Go ice skating, skiing, or sledding as a family. If you live in a warmer climate, go hiking or swimming over Christmas break. These simple family outings are often a child’s favorite memories over the years.

 

Crafty Christmas—Have fun searching Pinterest together for tween-friendly crafts such as these wooden stick snowflakes or no-sew holiday throw pillows. If you’re truly ambitious, consider selling your creations and giving the money to a ministry or charity of your daughter’s choice.

 

Decorate!—Buy colorful lights and string them around your daughter’s bedroom or homework area. Take her shopping at a home goods store to choose a few fun winter décor pieces she can add to the household decorations. This will encourage her love of design and give her a sense of ownership in your home.

 

Lights, camera, action—Encourage your daughter to create a Happy New Year video where she can highlight blessings from the past year, say thank you for the gifts she received, and share her goals for the coming year. Then send the video to friends and family as a special greeting from your tween.

 

However you choose to spend this holiday season, be sure to thank God for the gift of a growing daughter. Each day she is one step closer to becoming the woman God designed her to be!

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Fun Fall Crafts for Tweens

Fall is a great time to get crafty, especially with all the beautiful colors and textures of harvest season. Here’s a short round up of some fun fall crafts for tweens.

 

Melted Crayon Pumpkin Craft


This project will satisfy both the color-crazy girl and the mad scientist type. Plus your front porch will be sooo totally adorbs with these rainbow pumpkins on display!

https://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/melted-crayon-pumpkin-craft.html

 

Maple Leaf Mason Jars

Who doesn’t love a little Mod Podge, right? This beautiful craft transforms ordinary leaves and glass jars into festive harvest lamps for indoors or out.

http://sparkandchemistry.com/blog/leaf-mason-jar-candle-holder/

 

Pumpkin Fridge or Locker Magnets

These sweet little magnets are easy to make and super cute to display on your fridge or in a locker. Make a whole bunch to share with friends!

http://www.thebensonstreet.com/2013/09/02/pumpkin-magnets/

 

Button Tree Wall Art

Celebrate fall’s vibrant colors with this beautiful DIY button tree canvas. It makes a lovely original wall hanging for your own home or to give as a special gift.

https://craftsbyamanda.com/vibrant-button-tree-on-canvas-a-giveaway/

 

Fall Glitter Slime

And last but not least, everybody’s favorite DIY product—slime! Here’s a great recipe for fall slime using saline solution instead of Borax!

https://teachingmama.org/fall-slime-recipe/

 

No matter which project you choose, make sure you encourage your tween’s DIY adventures and even get hands-on involved for some quality bonding time. Remember God is the ultimate Creator. We reflect His image; therefore, we were created to create, too!

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“He Is Risen” Easter Banner

For some people, Easter is all about the bunny and the eggs. And who doesn’t love a good handful of jelly beans? But for the Christian family, some simple touches can proclaim the true story of Easter to all who enter your home. Try this lovely (and surprisingly simple) DIY banner, perfect for a mantle, large window, entryway or wall. He is risen indeed!

 

Supply List:

  • 6 sheets of cardstock paper
  • 6 different fabrics, at least 4 ½” by 9”
    A great way to use scraps, you can use 11 different fabrics (4 ½” square of each)
  • 2 sheets of white felt or cardstock
  • ½ yd fusible webbing
  • 3 yd ribbon or jute twine
  • Fabric glue

 

Create the pattern for this project using a computer and a printer. For this example, we used:

Microsoft Word

Landscape layout

“Cambri” Font in BOLD

Size: 400

 

Print the following letters for your pattern: H, E, I, S, R, N. You can fit two on a page.

For the crosses, choose one from free clipart and size it to approximately the same size as the letters (about 3 to 3 ½” tall).

 

Print each letter (cardstock works best) and one cross and then cut them out of the paper. Carefully cut out the letters/crosses and set them aside. (Hint: If you are picky about not seeing any pen marks on your letters, you can trace them right-side DOWN onto the felt. Then, when you cut them out you can flip them over and the “clean” side will be up.)

These are your patterns. Trace them on the felt until you have all the letters you need for the words, “HE IS RISEN” and two crosses.

Cut the card stock into (11) 5 ½” squares. Set aside.

Trace eleven 4 ½” squares onto the fusible webbing. The easiest way to do that is to cut a 4 ½” square out of cardboard or chipboard (cereal box). Then just trace 11 squares. Cut out squares, leaving a margin around your marks. You want to wait to trim it exactly until after you iron it onto the fabric.

Iron each square of webbing onto the fabric. Decide how many of each color you want and then iron on accordingly. THEN, trim around your 4 ½” square marks.

Peel off the paper backing and iron one fabric square onto one of the cardstock squares. Repeat until you have all 11 cards done.

 

Now the really fun part: shuffle your cards until they are in an order you like. Try laying the cards out in a long line, placing felt letters on as you go. When you’re satisfied with the arrangement, glue down the letters. If you are using cardstock, you have a lot of choices of glue, even Elmer’s. However, if you are using felt, you will need fabric glue. (Hot glue is not recommended. It can bleed onto the front.)

Determine where you plan to display the banner. Hang a piece of long ribbon and let it drape. Add about 1 ft. to tie hooks for hanging. This is approximately the length of your ribbon. (You can always trim later!)

 

Now fasten the letter cards to the ribbon. Place the first cross card about 6” from the end of your ribbon. Place each card in order— about 1” between the cards and about 3” for the spaces. You have two options:

Sew: Use your sewing machine and stitch about ¼” from the edge of the card, with the ribbon tucked underneath. Be sure to sew through both the card and the ribbon.

Glue: If you prefer (or if you don’t have a sewing machine), you can glue the ribbon to back.

To hang, make a loop on each end and tie a knot. Removable 3M hooks are great for hanging this project!

Now, stand back and enjoy your work. Each time you see it you can remember the cross, the cost and the celebration: HE IS RISEN

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Simply Awesome Holiday Crafts

Simply Awesome Holiday Crafts

Looking for something fun and festive to do with your kids during their time off in the week ahead?

Take a look at these sites, grab a few basic supplies and enjoy some creative together time!

Thanksgiving Paper Bag Turkey from MarthaStewart.com

Paper-Bag Turkey

Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornaments from FirefliesandMudpies.com

NEW-1

51 DIY Christmas Gift Ideas from CountryLiving.com (Below are a couple favorites!)

Paint-dipped kitchen utensils from CleverlySimple.com

Gift a foodie friend with these colorful paint-dipped kitchen utensils. Bonus point if you match her kitchen's color scheme! Get the tutorial at Cleverly Simple.

Ceramic Tile Coasters from DarkRoomandDearly.com

Refocus plain ceramic tiles as snappy coasters. Blogger Brittany Moser of darkroomanddearly.com made these Polaroid-inspired drink rests from color photos and square tiles (a steal at 15 cents apiece). First, trim a photo to 3 3/4"W x 3 1/4"H. Using a foam brush, spread Mod Podge on the back of the image; then position it on a tile, leaving a 1/4-inch border at the top and sides, and a 3/4-inch border at the bottom. Let dry for 30 minutes. Spread Mod Podge over the photo and exposed tile borders and let dry for one hour; repeat two to three more times. Spray with clear sealant and let dry for 24 hours. Finally, affix adhesive felt pads to the underside corners of your picture-perfect tiles. YOU HAVE: Color photographs Scissors YOU'LL NEED: 2" foam brush ($0.47, amazon.com) Mod Podge, 8 oz. ($7.98, amazon.com) 5 (4"-square) ceramic tiles ($0.15 each, lowes.com) Krylon Crystal Clear spray, 6 oz. ($6.61, amazon.com) Waxman 3/8" adhesive felt pads ($2.98, amazon.com)

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Celebrate Freedom!

4thofJuly

As we prepare for the 4th of July and get ready to celebrate our independence – it is important to remember what true FREEDOM looks like!

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

– Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Challenge yourself this 4th of July to talk with your Faithgirl about what that looks like.

 

For FUN:
We enjoy great freedoms as American citizens – and should celebrate accordingly!

We’ve thrown some craft + recipe ideas together on a NEW Pinterest Board: A Faithgirlz 4th of July.

Pinterest-4thofJuly

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Top 10 Summer Activities for Your Tweens

Summer-Activites-for-TweensSummer is here!

This break is something your girls have been looking forward to for months. You, on the other hand, may not look forward to summer with as much excitement. The time off requires a LOT of additional prepping and planning for parents.

There are many great resources around the web outlining fun summer activities for your girls. We’ve compiled our top 10 below!

10. Get a Job
Instill values of independence, discipline, and responsibility by encouraging your tween to work this summer. Now is a great time to help out around the house, babysit, look after a neighbor’s pets, walk dogs, wash cars, open a lemonade stand, sell handmade crafts – or anything else your enterprising young girls can think of!

9. Update A Room
As our girls transition from one grade to the next, we have to accept that they are growing up! Does their room reflect their maturing taste? If not – head over to Pinterest and look for new room inspirations for your girls. Need a starting place? Check out our Redo Your Room board. If you want even more inspiration – check out our Redo Your Room book!

8. Plan Outdoor Movie Nights
Get together with neighbors and work to set up a projector, speakers and family-friendly movie. Really amp up the space with comfy seating, string lights and popcorn! Click for more creative ways to dress up the space!

outdoor movie

7. Volunteer
What causes are important to your family? Reach out to organizations in your area to inquire about opportunities for your girls to serve. Animal shelters and food banks often have tasks for younger volunteers. Through their service, your girls will learn valuable lessons of sacrifice, humility and caring for others.

6. Host a Board Game Tourny
Help your faithgirlz plan a fun-filled day at home. (This is a great option if there are a lot of rainy days in the forecast.) If you don’t have a huge collection of board games, ask friends to bring over one or two of their favorites. Be sure everyone knows the rules for each game and then roll the dice or pick a card to see who gets to select the first game.  For bonus points: If your girls are especially creative – encourage them to create their own game!

Game Pieces

5. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to see in your area? Plan a quick day trip or outing to visit a unique landmark, attraction or eatery. Take this idea to the next level by dressing up as tacky tourists! Fanny packs required.

4. Pick a Book to Read Together – and take time to talk about it!
We are BIG advocates of summer reading… and so is our spokesperson Natalie Grant! Together, we’ve developed a great list of Faithgirlz! titles to recommend for your tween. We encourage you to pick one or two to read with your girls. These books are great conversation starters and can lead to some incredible chats about faith. Read up on Natalie’s summer reading suggestions here!

natalie-grant-faithgirlz-summer-reading

3. Create and Bury a Time Capsule
Identify special mementos that will help your faithgirl remember 2015. Include items to represent her best friend, secret crush (if she has one!) and her favorite Bible verse, class, band, song, sport to play, sport to watch, book, movie, actor and actress! Did you take a trip this year? Include a souvenir or ticket to remember a special family vacation or outing. Have fun with it – and only peek if she says it is okay!

2. Set Up Camp
Love the outdoors? Take an afternoon to create a campsite in your backyard. Grab some sleeping bags and enjoy a night out under the stars! Don’t have a tent? No worries! Get creative with blankets and sheets to make a colorful retreat. The benefits of camping at home? You have quick access to certain amenities (like a bathroom & kitchen) if you aren’t ready for the complete experience. Still seem like a stretch? If your girls aren’t the outdoorsy type – like mine – create a camp of sorts inside!

sheet-tent

1. Get Moving
Get your girls off the couch! Summer is a great time to try new activities. Gather all the necessary safety gear and encourage your faithgirlz to meet their friends for a bike ride, test out their roller blades, take a swim, paddle board or canoe on a nearby lake… anything to stay active (and tear them away from spending all summer on the computer or binge watching TV shows on Netflix). Just be sure to set parameters on where they can go, when to be back and who they can go with, etc. Use these ideas to give your girls a memorable, safe and FUN summer!

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A Look at Redo Your Room

Faithgirlz Redo Your Room

 

Have you heard about our latest release?! Redo Your Room is a great DIY book we developed with Girls Life Magazine. Whether you’re looking for an all-out room redo or a few new tricks to brighten up your space, Faithgirlz has tons easy how-tos that’ll morph your room into a true expression of y-o-u. Give your walls a burst of color (even without a bucket of paint!)  and turn your fave pics and keepsakes into inspiring art.

These floor-to-ceiling secrets help nix those piles of clothes decorating your space in favor of awesome add-ons, like mini murals and a magical ribbon chandelier (psst: we won’t tell anyone it took you a half hour to whip up).

We’ve already heard some great feedback about this book and are so thankful for the positive reviews. The YA Gal shared her thoughts:

Redo Your Room: 50 Bedroom DIYs You Can Do in a Weekend is a how-to book for jazzing up a tween girl’s bedroom. It’s full of bright pictures, easy projects, and good advice. At only 5 and a half years old, my daughter is not the target age for Redo Your Room, yet she was enthralled by the photography and studied every picture closely. We will definitely be holding onto this book for the future.

For me as a mom, what I really liked was that the projects were doable and not too expensive. One trip to the craft store and $100 later, you’d probably have everything you need to do at least five projects. I hate decorating books that build unrealistic expectations. Redo Your Room is not one of them. (Btw, this book would be a really cool present grandmas could give combined with a generous gift card to Michael’s.)

Ideally, *ahem*, I would have loved to see an entire chapter devoted to the art of cleaning your room and keeping it that way. But that’s the mother in me talking, not the twelve-year-old girl!

purchase-the-book

If you want a little inspiration – check out some FUN projects from Girls Life Magazine on our Pinterest Board!

 

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St. Patrick’s Day Crafts + Recipes

StPatsCrafts

Did you know?

At the age of just sixteen Patrick was captured by a group of Irish pirates.
The raiders brought Patrick to Ireland where he was enslaved and held captive for six years. Patrick writes in ‘The Confession’ that the time he spent in captivity was critical to his spiritual development. He explains that the Lord had mercy on him. While in captivity, Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd and strengthened his relationship with God through prayer eventually leading him to convert to Christianity.

A lot of mystery surrounds his life. To read more, check out this interesting Wiki read.

Now, there are a ton of themed crafts around this holiday and your faith girl is most-likely looking for something green to wear! Create something special with your faith girl, share some of St. Patrick’s story and start a great conversation!

St-Patricks-Day-Pinterest-Board

Visit our Pinterest Board to explore several great themed crafts & recipes:
https://www.pinterest.com/zkidzfaithgirlz/st-patricks-day-crafts-and-recipes/

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