Every year as the snow covers our roofs with its cold blanket and our yard displays a beautiful white canvas, we venture outside to make snow angels and ‘snowbears’.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature has not given us much snow yet this year as the weather has been unusually warm. It was close for 50 F on New Year’s eve, which is unheard of for this part of the country!!! I’m not saying I’m not enjoying this little break from the harsh Canadian winter, but we do look forward to our snow fun during the winter break and we were not able to do that with the kiddies this year. And so, we had to take matters into our hands….
We made some fake snow…
…and were able to build some snowbears….an entire family of them.
And some snowmen as well…
While it wasn’t as fun as the real thing, we didn’t have to leave the comfort of our home and we had no need for mittens or boots…
Here’s what you’ll need:
3 bars of Ivory soap
4 rolls of toilet paper
Warm water
(I purchased both items at the dollar store; the bars came in a pack of 3 and the toilet paper in a pack of 4)
Grate the soap into a large bowl
Rip the toilet paper into little pieces and place in large bowl. The kids really enjoyed this part as it’s not often they are allowed to throw toilet paper rolls down the stairs or have toilet paper roll races. I even got into the fun with this one (notice the blue ceiling? it’s just the lighting)
Once the paper is all ripped up, slowly pour enough water to get the paper wet but not too much that it’s soaked. It is now time to add the soap to the paper and knead it. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, until it makes a nice doughy consistency. If it’s too wet, you will need to add more paper. This is a great sensory activity for little hands, however, because you will be using soap you need to monitor them at all times while playing with this fun dough.
This is what you end up with. A big batch of clean mud!
As the kids played with their fake snow, I read them the following books and used the pictures for inspiration (all books published by Scholastic)
Playing with snow is fun outside or in! I hope you find some time to play today!
much love,
Lucy
Lucy- How cute is that! You know they used to make Ivory Flakes and I seem to remember some kind of craft with that too..for molding purposes…but I don’t think they make those anymore. My grandkids would love this and I think it is what you would call Good Clean Fun! Hugs to you- you creative, talented Canandian Gal! xxoo Diana
So fun! My kids would die if I would let them do something like this!! Thanks for sharing!
What an adorable idea! The bears are beautiful. I’m saving this idea for when my girls are a little older.
Oh how fun!!! And how cute! What a clever idea!
I would LOVE for you to join us at Kids Get Crafty (every Wednesday on Red Ted Art) – current link up http://www.redtedart.com/2011/01/05/kids-get-crafty-3-kings-dressing-up/
Hope to see you there!
Maggy
Hi Lucy:D
I like your fun with the snow.Ivory soap + toilet paper + warm water + lot of good fun = winter wonders. The snowbears & snowmen are SUPER !
Happy day
Kate from TCH
Such a fun idea, i am featuring it on my blog if you don’t mind. Great idea.
This is a fantastic idea— especially since we don’t get ANY snow down here in Florida! I’m going to do this with my son’s 3rd grade class. I’ll be sure and credit you for this clean and simple craft!
That’s about the cutest idea ever!!! I love it!!!!
Thanks bunches for linking up at All Things Inspired! I sure hope you come back next Wednesday and link up more brilliance!
xo
Robin
Love it! I remember making Christmas trees with readers digest books and Ivory soap. Anyone remember that? I would love to make on some day and post it. I’ll put it on my to do list!
Great article and recommendations!
Much obliged for sharing. I took note of some tips.