Paper Dolls & Puppets

Last Friday the three elementary-school-aged kids in our house had early dismissal from school. (The two older boys were not happy they had a whole day of school.)

Knowing that the minute my children walk in the door, they start arguing and fighting about who is getting on the computer first, I was armed with ideas. I printed some Christmas word searches and mazes for each of them. The website I found had different levels, so each child got the appropriate-aged puzzle. And that kept them quiet. For a bit.

Spenser then worked on addressing her class Christmas cards.

And then we decided to break out the new Cricut cartridge I had bought on clearance the week before: Paper Doll Dress Up. Now, I have to admit that this was as much for myself as it was for Spenser. I'm not going to lie about this. I felt a little giddy when I saw it. And I seriously cannot believe I waited a week to break it out. I should also admit that it was my first cartridge purchase. (Although not the last.)


Anyway, we started to make paper dolls out of scrapbook paper and cardstock and we had a grand time. Then a few boys joined in on the fun.

The next morning (on our way to my nephew's baptism), I stopped at Michaels to pick up craft sticks to turn the dolls into puppets. (How could I have not foreseen that dolls turn into puppets, which turn into family puppet shows?)

I started to think about all the things I we could do with this cartridge and decided that I would make a puppet kit as part of a gift exchange at Sawyer's preschool. The gift is to be in the $5 range. I picked up a clearanced $2 set of Legos at the store yesterday and thought a puppet kit would be a fun addition.

I made an elf, Santa, and Mrs. Claus kit, each in their own labeled zippy bag.

They were placed inside a clear page protector with extra craft sticks, a glue stick and miscellaneous pieces, like a Christmas tree, sleigh, reindeer and gingerbread men, plus two plain people to decorate/color.

I hope it is well received. I mean, I would love it. And so would my children.

[I thought it would be a fun craft for a class (i.e., Spenser's Kindergarten class) holiday party, but sadly, I don't think they are allowed to have parties like that anymore. I think everything they do now is low-key. They exchange cards and maybe have a snack, but with political correctness, food allergies and store-bought food only, it's not as fun as it was in my days.]