Have An Artsy Summer With Horizon Group Arts and Crafts #HGUHappyMail

Disclosure: I received samples in partnership with Horizon Group USA. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

As a child, some of my favorite summer activities involved arts and crafts. My love for creating things carries on today, although I do not always make the time for it. Looking back, those carefree summer days were the perfect time to express my budding creativity. Therefore, I am excited to share these Horizon Group art kits. They are a great way to spark a child’s imagination!

Bluey Paint Your Own Light Up Figurine

This painting kit would be super cool for Bluey fans. This paintable figurine features color-changing LED lights. It is nice how everything that you need is included in this kit, such as twelve colors of paint and a paintbrush.

Pop & Color Activity Sketchbook

The popping toy craze seems to continue, so I am sure kids will be excited about the smiley face one that comes with this kit.

The bright and colorful stickers are also a fun addition to this sketchbook. I have always loved stickers, and still do, in fact!

This would be a great activity book to pack for a road trip or plane trip.

Sand Dough Handprint Stone

Now that my son’s hands are bigger than my own, I can only wish I had captured his tiny hands in stone when he was younger. This handprint stone looks very easy to make, as it only needs to be air-dried. Being able to paint and customize the stone makes it an even more personal and precious keepsake.

Where to Purchase Horizon Group USA STEM and Art Kits

Horizon Group USA makes many different STEM and Art kits that are both educational and fun. Check out more of their offerings at their Amazon store here.

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Do Something Creative Everyday With Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens

Disclosure: I received a sample in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Do something creative everyday.

-Unknown

So much of our days are made up of routine tasks that we need to do. Using our creativity forces us to do something just for fun and encourages us to use different parts of our brain. Recently I had the opportunity to try out Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens-Set of 58 Colors with 2 Blending Paintbrush Pens. It was so much fun to bust out my sketchbook and start experimenting with these awesome pens!

As you can see, this set comes with a wide array of lovely colors. If you do not need quite that many colors, Chalkola also has a set that comes with 28 Watercolor Brush Pens.

As a fan of sweets, it is no surprise that my first project involved drawing desserts. I sketched first in pencil, which I highly recommend. After some trial and error and I learned that it is better to use these pens to color in your pencil drawings first. Then, trace the pencil outlines with a black pen. (Otherwise, the black pen ink may smudge from the colored markers).

I really like how these Watercolor Brush Pens have an actual brush as a tip. The ink flows nicely and the colors can be “built up” to create a shading effect. I plan on practicing with these Chalkola pens more and sharing my projects in the future.

My inspiration for these kawaii (cute) drawings came from How to Draw Cute Stuff: Draw Anything and Everything in the Cutest Style Ever! (Volume 1), by Angela Nguyen. This book is filled with super cute drawings that are simple enough for a beginning artist like me. This book plus a set of Chalkola Watercolor Brush Pens would make a fabulous gift for the budding creative in your life.

Where to Purchase Chalkola Products & Discount Code

Chalkola products are available on Amazon; use discount code CHALKOLA10 for 10% off your purchase. This code is applicable both in the US and UK, and can be used for all Chalkola products.

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Horizon Group Craft Kits For Kids

Disclosure: I received samples in partnership with Horizon Group USA. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Even though my kids are in middle school and high school now, they still like to do crafts at home. I think there is just something satisfying about creating with your hands. Crafting also offers a good non-technology break from studying/schoolwork.

Just My Style Radical Rainbow Tie-Dye Kit

The first kit we tried was the Just My Style Radical Rainbow Tie Dye Kit. I have always wanted to try doing tie dye with my kids, but never made the effort to gather all the materials necessary to do it. This kit has everything you need; I just bought a couple of cheap white t-shirts. My son also experimented on an old shirt he already had.

This is definitely an activity best done outdoors or where it is fine to make a mess. The clean-up actually was not that bad though. My kids were able to follow the directions and complete their projects on their own.

The vibrancy and variety of the colors was impressive. We had enough dye to complete several projects, so I think this kit is a good deal.

Made By Me Jungle Figurines Kit

The second kit that we reviewed was the Made By Me Jungle Figurines Kit.

This kit comes with two resin figures, paint and a paintbrush. The recommended age range for this kit is five and up. However, even my older kids had fun with this activity.

This type of painting is pretty straightforward and does not require a lot of guidance or instruction. Kids can use their creativity in choosing colors and painting details. Both the Just My Style Radical Rainbow Tie Dye Kit and Made By Me Jungle Figurines Kit would make great gifts for kids.

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Spark Your Creativity With Chalkola Chalk Markers

Dislosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. If you make a purchase through the affiliate links in this post, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

The art of lettering is something that I have always enjoyed doing. My daughter recently started dabbling in it too, and she has quickly surpassed my skill level.

We recently had the opportunity to try out Neon, Pastel and Metallic Colors Chalk Markers – 6mm Reversible Nib | Pack of 40 Pens and they are so satisfying to write with! The colors are bright and vibrant and go on so smooth.

This Chalkola chalkboard is the perfect writing surface for Chalkola chalk markers. I had my daughter write out an ode to my fall favorite, pumpkin spice!

Chalkola chalk markers come in a wonderful array of colors. I like how there are metallic and neon colors available too.

Although the ink looks permanent, it is easily erasable with a damp rag. Mistakes are not a big deal with Chalkola chalk markers! Some ideas for using these chalk markers include crafts, signs and seasonal displays. The possibilities are truly endless!

Where to Purchase Chalkola Products + Discount Codes

Chalkola art supplies may be purchased on the Chalkola website. Use discount code LAURENLI10 for 10% off your purchase.

Chalkola products are also available on Amazon. Use discount code CHALKOLA10 for 10% off.

Chalkola Chalk Marker Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Neon, Classic & Metallic Colors Chalk Markers with 6mm Reversible Nib – Pack of 21 Pens!

**Note this giveaway is open to the US and UK!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Scrapbook Paper Desk Organizer

I have a slight obsession with scrapbook paper. There are so many lovely designs, and I cannot help but pick up a pad (or two) when I go to Michaels, Joann’s or my new favorite, Tuesday Morning. However, I am not very good about using my paper up. I always find myself wanting to “save” my favorite papers for a special project, not just for something that will be thrown away. I have also been in an organizing mood, so here is a project that helps you use your scrapbook paper and organize at the same time!

I started with the $5 Antonius clear organizer from Ikea. Inspired by this blog post from I Heart Organizing, I made a “liner” from scrapbook paper for each section or the organizer. I decided to go one step further, and laminated each liner for extra durability. Now I can look at some of my favorite paper designs everyday, instead of letting them sit unused in a drawer.

Are you good about using up your scrapbook paper? Have you been tackling any organization projects?

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Gift A Green Kid Crafts Box To Your Favorite STEAM Kid

Disclosure: I received a sample box in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am loving all of the different subscription boxes that are available these days. Green Kid Crafts is a company that offers a wide variety of STEAM-focused boxes for kids ages 2-10.

We had the opportunity to review the Soaring Into Flight box. This box is full of fun projects, including:

  • Homemade Hovercraft
  • Bernoulli’s Experiment
  • Wooden Airplane Kit
  • Glider Kit
  • DIY Paper Airplane Kit (with 3 different designs)
  • Dragonfly Spinner Kit

The box also includes a booklet that has instructions for the projects, as well as kid-friendly scientific explanations regarding how they work.

n always enjoys making paper airplanes. I like how this kit challenges kids to make a “control” airplane and then modify the other airplanes to show how the center of balance and stabilizers can change the flight pattern.

Another project in this box has kids compare the flight distance of a glider, dragonfly spinner and a wooden plane. The project includes a measuring tape, and the booklet has a log to record data.

n’s favorite project in this box is the homemade hovercraft . We had actually recently seen a demonstration of this project, but we did not have all of the necessary supplies. I like how this box includes everything you need for each project–instant gratification!

Green Kid Crafts offers monthly subscriptions, as well as individual boxes with various themes that range from music to chemistry to animals. Keep this site in mind when shopping for gifts that are both educational and fun!

Green Kid Crafts is generously offering my readers the chance to win a 3- month subscription!

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Celebrate Fall & Support Local Artists At A Harvest Festival Near You

Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Our Family’s Experience At The Costa Mesa Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show

This past weekend, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show in Costa Mesa. The event took place at the OC Fair & Event Center. This was our first time, so we were not quite sure what to expect.

Upon arrival, we saw that there were two large halls with vendors selling a wide variety of products. (Unfortunately, there was a sign prohibiting photographs of the merchandise, so I cannot post any pictures of the booths). There were vendors selling a wide variety of unique handmade products. We saw everything from massage pillows to baked goods to wreaths to clothing and jewelry.

Between the two halls there were food stalls and family entertainment.

The booth that ended up catching our eye (or maybe it was more like our nose?) was Thru The Garden Window. This company sells lovely handmade wreaths, garlands, and potpourri with dehyrdated fruit, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. We ended up purchasing an Orange Blossom Garland. I love how it adds a touch of fall to our staircase, and the warm citrus/spicy scent is an added bonus.

Shopping at arts and craft shows like this is a great way to support local artists. Plus, they offer products that you will not find at the big box stores. Keep this show in mind if you want to kickstart your holiday shopping!

Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show Is Coming Up October 4-6!

For the real deal in handmade handiworks, don’t miss the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, featuring more than 24,000 original creations from hundreds of trend-setting artisans and crafters.

Festivities will be in high gear for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ventura showcase, a treasured tradition recognized as the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase, with live entertainment, strolling performers, mouth-watering foods, a Kidzone and pumpkin patch, contests, crafter demonstrations, and more.

Live entertainment adds to the festivities with entertainer Captain Jack Spareribs and the Hyjinx Band, joined by the Jack Kalvan Jugglers and other strolling performers.

Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust hosts a nature interactive in conjunction with the pumpkin patch, co-sponsored by Green Thumb Nursery. The Ventura County Star is the official newspaper. The annual Grand Prize Giveaway is a $200 Amazon gift card (register to win on site at the event).

General admission tickets are $9, Seniors (62+) and military are $7, Youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Hours are Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Go here to get $2 OFF your entry:

https://bit.ly/2L0NEXa

To see a full a list of Harvest Festivals near you, visit: https://www.harvestfestival.com

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Kickstart Your Back to School Shopping With STEAM Activities At Walmart

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WalmartSTEAM #CollectiveBias

It is hard to believe, but our summer vacation is already about halfway over! That means it is time to start thinking about shopping for school supplies. 

Walmart STEAM Day of Play

Hover over the picture to start your back to school shopping!

On Saturday, July 27, a select number of Walmart stores across the country (2,000 to be exact) will be hosting in-store STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) activities. Use the Walmart event locator to find a participating store near you!

Walmart’s STEAM Day of Play events will feature hands-on activities that parents and their kids can do together, such as making tie-dye shirts, slime, and cereal necklaces. Sounds like so much fun, right?

STEAM Activity: Easy Rock Candy Tutorial

I think it’s great how Walmart is promoting STEAM activities that can be done at home with everyday materials. Here is an easy tutorial for making rock candy.

  1. Combine 2 cups of water and 6 cups of sugar into a microwave-safe bowl. Put the mixture in the microwave and heat for two minutes. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Microwave for one more minute, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the hot mixture into jars and let the mixture cool. (We had enough sugar solution for three mason jars). We also experimented by adding flavored drink mix into two of the jars.
  2. Dip skewers into the sugar solution, and then dip them in a plate of dry sugar. Set the skewers aside and let them dry.
  3. Use a clothespin to hold the non-sugary end of the skewer and dip the sugared end into the jar with the sugar solution. Balance the clothespin on the edge of the jar so that the skewer does not touch the bottom of the jar.
  4. Set the jar in a cool place and watch the sugar crystals grow every day for a week. (The last picture is of our results after only one day!)

Remember To Visit Walmart on July 27!

Walmart is the perfect store to find all of the supplies my family needs in one place, both for school and home. Back to school time is a busy time for families, so it is important to stock up on the essentials now.Be sure to find a Walmart STEAM Play Day event near you and make it a combined play date/stock-up day for the whole family!

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Play, Study & Rest With Simply Earth Essential Oils July Recipe Box + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample box in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Sneak Preview of the July Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box

This month’s Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box is filled with fun essential oil recipes for kids! Here is what is included:

Fir Needle Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil (40/42)
Tangerine Essential Oil
Sweet Dreams Essential Oil Blend
Simply Earth Balloon
Psyllium Husk Powder

July’s recipe cards include:

  • Homework Diffuser Blend
  • Lavender Scented Bubbles
  • DIY Scented Stress Ball
  • Natural Slime
  • Sweet Dreams Bath
  • Sweet Dreams Roll On

These recipes would be a fun way to keep the kids occupied during summer vacation. My kids had fun trying out two of the recipes at home.

DIY Scented Stress Ball

The directions were easy to follow. I had never heard of making a stress ball with flour and a balloon. The essential oils were a nice addition. (I really like the tangerine scent!)

Natural Slime

I have to admit, I am not the biggest slime fan. Since this recipe uses natural ingredients, I was willing to let my daughter try it out. Because we did not have any natural food coloring on hand, it ended up being a not-so-appealing “natural” color-ha! But, thanks to the essential oils, it did smell good, and I liked not having to worry about my kids handling toxic ingredients.

Simply Earth Promo Code

Simply Earth is offering a great deal for my readers! When you start an Essential Oil Recipe Box Subscription, you will also receive a Big Bonus Box AND a free $40 gift card when you use the promo code LIMBYLIMFREE at checkout. (New subscribers only).

I am excited to announce that Simply Earth is also generously offering my readers a chance to win an Essential Oil Recipe Box plus a Big Bonus Box!

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Convenient Crafting With Home Made Luxe Craft Subscription Box

Disclosure: I received a sample box in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Who’s guilty of being inspired by Pinterest but rarely taking the time to actually craft? For me, the roadblock is usually being too lazy/not having enough time to go out and gather the necessary supplies. The Home Made Luxe craft subscription box offers a solution to would-be crafters by providing everything needed to make Pinterest-y type crafts in a box that is delivered directly to your home.

Home Made Luxe sent me the DIY Monstera Clay Bowls set to review. I was excited about this project because Monstera leaves are on-trend, and I have not worked with clay too much before.

For this project, the items included were:

  • Air Dry Clay
  • Green Paint
  • Gold Paint
  • X-Acto Knife
  • Foam brush
  • Lia Griffith Dish Template
  • Detail Brush
  • Sand paper
  • Written and Video Instructions.

The only additional items needed were a rolling mat and a surface on which to cut. The instructions had photographs and clear explanations for each step and were easy to follow.

Air-drying my bowl.

Once the kids saw that I was using clay, they wanted to get in on the action too. The kit came with plenty of clay to make multiple bowls or anything else that your creative mind can think of.

Here is my finished result. I opted not to paint my bowl green since I liked the neutrality of the white clay. I think using the gold paint marker to paint the edges of the bowl was my favorite part. Now I am inspired to use the gold paint marker for some other projects! I also like the versatility of the air-dry clay.

Home Made Luxe offers a wide-array of different types of crafts that can be purchased individually, or as a monthly subscription. This would make a nice gift for the crafter or would-be crafter in your life. I can also see these boxes as a good way to keep older kids occupied during the summertime.

Enter to win a Home Made Luxe Craft Box below! Please note that by entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to be added to the Home Made Luxe e-mail list.

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