Chalkboard Terracotta Pots

My youngest daughter and I have always loved gardening.  We've been gardening together since she could walk.  It's been difficult with her environmental allergies but we manage.  This spring we decided to make a herb garden for our deck.  But to have an herb garden, you need cute pots to put them on right?  Solution?  We made them!  Take a look what a bit of primer, chalkboard paint and time can do (all in one day).

We planted container tomatoes but I realize that it may need to be replanted in a bigger container once it grows bigger.  For now it works :)  Here's how we did it:

MATERIALS:

• Terracotta Pots w/ Plates
•  Spray Primer (the directions for the chalkboard paint called to prime before painting but I think you can skip this but I haven't tried...proceed at your own risk!).
• Chalkboard Paint - I bought can of this stuff that I had to paint on but later I found that there is a spray paint!  Ugh wish I had known, it would have gone faster but oh well!
• Good quality Foam Brush - omit if you happen to find the chalkboard paint in a spray can.
• Painters Tape
• Drop Cloth (or newspaper)
• White Chalk

 The Lineup

DIRECTIONS:

1. Tape off the top brim of the pot (see above picture)
2. Place the pot upside down (super important!)
3. Spray paint the bejesus out of it with the primer *NOTE* When spray painting, use even strokes around.  It doesn't matter if your first stroke doesn't cover the pot completely (it shouldn't) because you'll do another pass over it.  The idea is not to place the spray can in one area and continuously spray that one spot.  It'll create a leaky mess causing your pot to have a blob of drippy paint.
4. Let it dry
5. While upside down, paint the chalkboard paint with the foam brush.  Use even strokes going in one direction, from the bottom to the top.  You'll see some stroke marks but no worries.  It'll be hidden once you go over it again.  Yup I said "again".  You'll have to let the first coat dry and repeat 2 more times for a good all over cover
6. Once all 3 coats have dried, carefully peel off the tape.
7. Write on your pretty new pot with white chalk!

Upside down is muy importante

Mama went mid-evil on the pot with primer!

Let your little one paint until she's bored and decides to cover herself with sidewalk chalk *off to shower*

Viola!  Basil, Tomato & Thyme

Cioa!

Summer Craft Camp Ideas

So I'm thinking of hosting a craft workshop during the summer for my daughter and her friends. I'm calling it, Summer Craft Camp. Original I know. Problem is I'm lacking ideas. I have a few but I need more.

Here's where you guys come in. I need craft ideas that follow these guidelines:

1. Geared towards 7-9 year olds
2. No use of foods as many of the kids have food allergies
3. Low budget
   
4. Must be fun!

If you can suggest some great craft ideas for my kiddos & friends, please add them to the Linky list below. Just click on the "Click Here To Enter" link.  By the way, the easiest way to add a picture is to click on the "Web" option.  You'll get list of images from that particular link for you to choose from.