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It’s a new year and we wish you all the very best. So many crafts await in 2016 and we hope you and your kids enjoy every minute. We can’t imagine a better way to spend quality time with the kids than doing some good old-fashion crafts. So as we start a new year, we’ve got some timeless tips on how to keep craft time with your children simple and fun. Out motto is “no glue gun needed.”

It’s more than a motto. It’s really a philosophy. I raised three daughters on a budget, so we’re all about keeping things simple … and fun! Crafting is great but can get hairy for Mom, Dad, and the kids. That defeats the purpose. Keep it simple and fun. But how? Well, we hope you’ll put some of the following suggestions to use.

1. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Find the craft the kids want to make and then make a list of all the supplies you’ll need to make the craft.

2. Write it down. If you do not have everything on hand, add the supplies you need to your shopping list so you won’t forget them. You’re busy and no one will blame you if you forget because you’re carrying everything in your head. (Except your kids, of course:)

3. Keep it clean. Put a plastic table cloth down where you’ll be crafting. Trust us on this one. You’ll breathe easier and that makes all the difference.

4. Set it up. Have all supplies laid out before you announce craft time to your kids.

5. Keep it safe. Use non-toxic paints, glues, etc. There’s tons of hacks for this. The kids want to finger-paint? Great. Using pudding and some food coloring and your safe.

6. Be ready. Have wet wipes and paper towels handy for spills.

7. Load up. Always try to have extra supplies in case something is lost or torn, and so on.

8. Get comfy. Let them wear old clothes so you won’t be stressed out over ruining what they are wearing.

9. Hands off. You certainly want to show the kids how to do the craft, but make sure to let them do it in their own way. If you insist on it being perfect, then you might as well do the craft yourself and forget about having craft time with the kids. It also makes the children think that everything has to be perfect and that their best is not good enough. Nobody wants that. Sometimes little hands need help but you know you’ve gone too far when you’re the only one left at the craft table.

10. Be a kid, again! Don’t worry about a little paint on their hands and faces, take pictures instead. Savor these wonderful, special moments with your children. To us, it’s what having a family is all about.