Artsy Ummi blogs

Baking – We got a gift a few months ago that we didn’t have time to use.  Baking sets with interesting cookie cutter shapes, sprinkles and shaped baking trays can be fun …. And you can use them for iftaar too.

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Play doh -  Although my child gets plenty at school, I haven’t brought any home for a good year or two. Endless possibilities for young minds.

This time around I bought a pack that has colors that resemble food.  When she was younger I made simple shapes like sausages and balls and flat circles.  This time around my strategy is to give her a cooking set she hasn’t played for in a year and let her make veggies and interesting food shapes.  The child may need you to demonstrate the first few times to understand what could be made.  Once she gets the hang of it my daughter can cook it for all my little stuffed toyed grand-children. Here is another cute idea: http://crafts.kaboose.com/play-doh-activity.html?source=tok&kw=shoppe19aug09

Oh and just in case the play dough food is very tempting to bite into- try making some edible play dough for some care-free fun! http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/edible_play_dough-2.shtml

Paints large surface/outdoor – I went out and splurged on new paints and rolls of paper.  I’ve dug up all old crayons and paintbrushes.  Usually my child has a book with white and colored paper at her disposal.  This Ramadan I got her large chart paper.  If you live in a warm place a balcony, garden or open space is best.  If not, washable paint and non –spill pots with an old bed sheet spread out might be good.  It’s no fun if you get stressed out over what the paint may go on.  The plan is to let them go wild with paints as long as they understand that it’s meant just for the paper.