Ginger and I have been REALLY into painting lately. Probably because it’s so cold, I’m super pregnant, and I don’t like getting out of my sweat pants. When we ARE at the craft store (which is basically the only place I go) occasionally I will let her pick out some acrylic paints. Especially if they are on sale 3 for a $1. She gets absolutely giddy picking out the colors.

As I mentioned in my potato stamp post, when we paint I cover the table with freezer paper. This allows no paint to soak through. The other day we were getting bored with paper, so I dumped some noodles on the table for her to paint on and with. They ended up looking so cool I decided we should make necklaces out of them and send them to our cuzzies for Valentine’s day.

Read on for the free download, details on how we made these, and to see Ginger covered in paint.

We also really enjoyed this project because it took two afternoons. Which is a GOOD thing when trying to kill time with a toddler. As you can see below, she had a WHALE of a time painting in her jammies. And then a few days later we strung the necklaces.

Ginger is almost 2.5, and though she is EXTREMELY chatty and verbal, I’d say she’s not advanced with motor skills. I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to string the noodles, but I was pleasantly surprised. The trick? Wrap a piece of tape around the end of the string!

The tape wasn’t dangerous like a needle, and she got such a sense of accomplishment. Each time she strung a noodle she shouted, “I DID IT!”

We also used foam heart stickers from Wal-mart as stoppers for the noodles. Ginger was also able to squish two stickers together, and then sport some on her cheeks while crafting. She does make her mama proud.

You can download my noodle valentine’s here!

One says, “You make me lose my noodle.” And the other says, “I’m noodles for ya’ Valentine!” I know, I’m like, so clever.

In other news, I’m totally overwhelmed and seriously so touched by all the love and support you gave me for my post yesterday about our new life!

So many inspirational stories, and words of encouragement. It’s 100% the reason I started blogging. Yes I LOVE sharing craft ideas, and having an audience to say, “LOOK AT THIS!” to, but when it comes down to it I’m in it for the love and the connections. Thank you so much for being a part of this world. Feel free to sing that like Ariel.

Happy crafting and lots of love!

xo,
Alison