Grab those leftovers! No, I’m not talking ham and deviled eggs. I mean the eggshells and empty egg cartons you were going to throw in the trash.
Here are a couple ideas for some creative kid crafts that make great use of materials you’d otherwise just throw away.

Eggshell Planters

You’ll Need… Eggshells, potting soil (or dirt), bean or grass seeds, egg carton or cardboard, markers or tempera paints, or glue and glitter.

Egg Carton Critters

You’ll Need… An empty egg carton, markers, crayons, or tempera paints, pipe cleaners (or similar), googly eyes (if you have them).

Airplane, fish, dog and cat Mobiles

Detailed, printable instructions and mounds of more crafts can be found at EnchantedLearning.com and eggs.ab.ca

Spring has sprung! Here are a couple of educational, earth-friendly and fun projects to get little ones involved with nature…

This eco-friendly birdhouse kit is made of 100% recycled plastic bags, milk jugs, soda and water bottles. It’s a great way for kids to learn about recycling and helping mother nature. It’s easy to assemble (no nails), and includes stickers for decorating and a plush bird to get kids excited about the project. Also provided is some information about common backyard birds so they can birdwatch and stay interested and involved with the project for a long time to come.
$14.97 at WhateverWorks.com

Or why not make your own hummingbird feeder from an old plastic bottle? It’s a great way to teach children that you can transform everyday “trash” into useful products. With a kit from YankeeGardener, it’s easy and fun for kids. Simply empty and clean a plastic 16 or 20 ounce plastic soda bottle and fill it with sugar water or nectar solution and hang! The kit includes red netting (to attract hummingbirds), the plastic adapter base, a plastic hanging attachment, nectar recipes and a funnel to fill the feeder bottle. Another great way to get kids interested in nature and recycling.

$4.95-$7.95 at YankeeGardener.com

Finding activities to keep the kidlets occupied on rainy days is a difficult task at best. So why not nab two birds with one stone and let your kidlet decorate their very own umbrella? This very hip craft is a perfect indoor activity that has a very practical use. When they’re done, your kidlet will be proud to show off their creation and have fun in the rain, too.

These kits are available for kids in different age groups: permanent markers color umbrellas for ages 4 and up, while paint pots and glitter are available for ages 7 and up.

$15.98 at Hearth Song.

Don’t trust certain baby care products out there because of the scary ingredients? Want to know exactly what goes into the stuff you use? Well then why not make your own?
You can do just that with the Eco-Me Baby Kit, which includes everything you need to make your own natural, recyclable baby wipes, room freshening spray, and diaper pail deodorizer. All you need to add is white vinegar and water. Oh, and no need to worry about that vinegar smell - they supply a bottle of 100% natural essential oils made of lavender, chamomile, and mandarin orange. Mmm..!

This Kit includes:

1 Bottle with Sprayer to mix Baby Room Spray
1 Jar & Lid to mix Baby Wipes (25 recyclable cloths included)
1 Jar & Lid to mix Baby Diaper Pail Deodorizer
1 Bottle of Eco-Me Baby blend essential oil mix
1 Mixer
1 Scooper
1 Eco-Me cotton Baby Towel

$36.00 at Eco-Me.com
Be sure to check out their other kits too - for home, body, and even dogs & cats!

Aren’t these yoyo bunnies just adorable?

According to Kinderware, a great fair-trade company that works with Bolivian artisans, their assortment of yoyo dolls are “an update of the classic quilter’s doll made from scrap fabrics”. Additionally, they’re all tested for safety and okay for kids under 3.

This bunny yoyo doll is supercute and just in time for Easter, and would make a great handmade gift for inclusion in a little one’s Easter basket.

So what could be even cooler than this? Kinderware also sells simple DIY kits for the same dolls so anyone can make their own, no sewing necessary. Sounds like a great Easter Sunday activity to spend time with an older child.

Small handmade yoyo doll (8-10 inches) - $26.00
Large handmade yoyo doll (16-18 inches) - $50.00
Yoyo doll DIY kit - $23.00

While you’re at Kinderware’s site, check out the photos of the Bolivian women who sew the dolls.

(Quick Note: It seems a few of the dolls and kits are temporarily unavailable from Kinderware, due to high demand and difficulty getting some products out of Bolivia. Until their stock is replenished, you can purchase some of the items at Delight.com).