web.finds
When summer boredom sets in, simple but amazing crafts can save the day… as well
as a parent’s sanity. Here are a few we found that should help you turn whining cries
of “There’s nothing to do!” into shouts of “That’s awesome!”
A SIMPLE BIRD FEEDER
Megan, mom and former elementary school teacher,
blogs at CraftCREATECook. She created these inex-
pensive bird feeders using empty beverage cartons,
washed and dried; acrylic paint, paint brush, water,
paper towels, nail or screwdriver (to poke a hole in
the top of carton for hanging, string or yarn, scis-
sors, utility knife (used by adult or with supervision)
to cut out the sides, and bird seed with which to fill
the “houses.” Hang outside in a place that’s safe for
the birds, with a great view for the people who will
be watching them! Details can be found at: https://
www.craftcreatecook.com/birdhouse-crafts-kids/
FLOWER LEIS
Becky, Jamie, and Nikkala are three talented friends
who created TheCraftingChicks. These flower leis were
originally created for a preschool party, but we think
you can adapt them for any occasion and even older
age groups. Flowers were made with a flower punch
using cardstock and strung on yarn or thick string
(made easier for little hands with the help of dental
floss threaders) between 1-inch pieces of colorful
drinking straws. See all the directions and more
photos at: https://thecraftingchicks.com/homemade-
hawaiian-leis-kid-craft/
RECYCLED SAILBOAT
Anu is a mom of two and her family’s golden retriever
is her site’s — Nalle’s House — namesake! She created
this sailboat from a piece of cardboard covered in colored
duct tape for the “deck,” two empty plastic water bottles
for the “pontoon” floats, a scrap piece of fabric for the
sail, and chopsticks left over from sushi takeout for the
mast! Twine and thread secure the sail; more duct tape
attaches the bottles to the deck. You’ll find plenty of
details and great photos at: http://www.nalleshouse.
com/2013/06/from-trash-to-boat.html
MASON JAR FAIRY LIGHTS
These jars, found on D.I.Y Joy, are fascinating
and easy to make! Have older kids make them
at a family picnic and wait until dark to see
them glow! Any clean jar will do. Various col-
ors of glow in the dark paint and paintbrushes
(preferably with long handles to reach inside
the jar) are really all you need. But, you can
also use school glue and glitter to add some “pizzazz”
to the lid if you’re using a mason jar. You’ll find instructions as well as a video here:
https://diyjoy.com/crafts-for-teens-diy-mason-jar-lights/
What’s New...
IN THE KIDBIZ
ROCK AUTISM
MUSIC FESTIVAL
August 31st
Nonprofit organization Rock Au-
tism will hold its 2nd annual benefit
concert to raise autism awareness
and funds for music and art therapy
programs. The Labor Day weekend
event will take place August 31, 2019
at Village Park in Ellicottville, NY.
Max Muscato founded Rock Au-
tism to raise awareness and em-
power a new generation living on the
autism spectrum. Max, whose broth-
er was diagnosed with autism at the
age of four, knows firsthand the grim
reality youth living with autism face.
“When they turn 18 or 21, they’re
cut-off from creative arts services.
There’s nowhere for them to go; they
slip through the cracks and so do
their families.”
His brother Sonny was lost for
years battling autism symptoms, un-
employment, and drug abuse. The
only thing that saved him was play-
ing music. Rock Autism is shining the
spotlight on autism and raising funds
to develop and grow local music,
film, and arts programs that serve
youth and adults on the spectrum.
Rock Autism is supporting programs
that help individuals living with ASD
carve out a career path and gain em-
ployment in the creative arts.
The festival will showcase 6
bands, as well as offering food,
drinks, local vendors, and family fun
activities throughout the day! Orga-
nizers project 2,500 participants this
year with The Allman Betts Band
(sons of The Allman Brothers) head-
lining.
The gate opens at 4pm and the
festival runs until 11pm. Pre-sale
admission is $25 with VIP packages
at $75. Children 12 and under get in
free. Tickets are available at www.
rockautism.org
Rock Autism Music Festival di-
rectly develops Rock Autism Multi-
media programs and also benefits
music, art and vocational programs
at The Autism Center at Oishei Chil-
dren’s Hospital, People Inc., Autism
Services of Western New York & The
Summit Center.
August 2019 WNY Family 5