text:
##  introduction

As a new parent I was always told not to buy my sons expensive toys because, at the end of the day, they would always end up playing with the box. I smiled and nodded at the time (as you do!), but now my sons are four and three I can put my hand on my heart and say it's absolutely true!

Boxes, and other such household junk, have become treasured possessions in our house. My four year old is currently obsessed with cash registers and it is amazing to see him turn a cardboard box into a complex machine using little more than his imagination. Using household objects for crafting makes so much sense. It's cheap, kind to the environment and encourages kids to use what's around them for creative play.

Kids will need help and supervision for all of the projects in this book. To what degree depends on the child's age and ability. Needless to say, all steps involving sharp scissors, craft knives or ovens should be carried out by a grown-up and please remember that small objects, such as marbles, may be a choking hazard.

Some of the projects in the book are also a bit messy, so make sure you gather all your supplies beforehand and have a washing-up bowl on hand for a speedy clean-up afterwards. Please don't be put off doing the messy projects, though, because they are the most fun and your kids will love you for it!

My sons, Seth and Tom, have road-tested all of the projects in this book. We've had a blast along the way. I hope you do too. Happy crafting!

##  Printing the templates from your iPad

1. Tap on a template to make it open in full-screen mode.

2. Take a screenshot by simultaneously clicking the power button (on the top right corner of your iPad) and the centre home button (underneath the screen). You will hear the camera click and see an on-screen flash. The screenshot will be saved in the Photos app on your iPad.

3. There are three ways to print out the saved screenshot:

  * If your iPad is set up to use AirPrint printers, print the screenshot directly from the Photos app.
  * Email the photo to yourself, using the Photos app, and print out the screenshot from your computer.
  * Using iTunes, sync your iPad to copy the screenshot to your computer, and print it out from there.

#  homemade materials

##  playdough

Making playdough is a science experiment, cooking lesson and craft project all rolled into one. We spend hours playing with it in our house, and there is always a lot of excitement in the air each time we whip up a fresh batch!

####  materials

  * ½ cup of flour
  * ½ cup of water
  * ¼ cup of salt
  * ½ tbsp cream of tartare
  * 1 tbsp cooking oil

###  hints and tips

  * Needless to say, this recipe is for a non-edible playdough!
  * Remember not to let your little one/s anywhere near hot or boiling water.
  * Natural dyes can stain, so it's best to wear an apron when preparing them. I've never had a problem with playdough staining hands or clothes once it is made.

###  Step 1

Get your helper to put all the ingredients in a pan and give it a good old stir. You can add some natural dyes to the basic recipe to make coloured dough (see Natural Dyes for Homemade Playdough).

###  Step 2

This step is for grown-ups only! Put the pan on a medium-low heat and continue stirring. Pretty soon it will start to look like something from a science fiction film and will stick to the pan – rest assured it will come good in the end! Once it forms a ball, turn the heat off and scrape the playdough onto a floured worktop.

###  Step 3

Allow the dough to cool, then knead it for a few minutes until smooth.

###  Step 4

Soak your pan in warm water for five minutes. After a quick wipe round with a cloth it will be as good as new!

##  natural dyes for homemade playdough

Using natural plant dyes to tint your playdough is lots of fun and a lovely way to teach kids that some of the most beautiful dyes can be found in your own back yard.

###  turmeric

Stir 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder into the dry playdough ingredients, then follow the basic playdough recipe. To make the colour more intense, knead some more turmeric into the playdough once complete.

###  raspberries and blueberries

Put a big handful of your chosen berries in a pan with a cup of water. Bring the mixture to the boil then gently simmer on the stove for about five minutes. Once the liquid has cooled, pass it through a sieve, then follow the basic playdough recipe using half a cup of your natural berry dye to replace the water.

###  tree bark

Don't take bark directly from the tree – if you hunt around, you will find plenty on the ground. Put a big handful of bark in a pan with 1½ cups of water. Bring to the boil then gently simmer for 20 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to about a third. Once the liquid has cooled, pass it through a sieve, then follow the basic playdough recipe using half a cup of the tree bark dye to replace the water.

###  beetroot/beets

Chop up one medium-sized beetroot and put in a pan with a cup of water. Bring to the boil then gently simmer for a minute. Once the liquid has cooled, pass it through a sieve, then follow the basic recipe using half a cup of the beetroot dye to replace the water.

###  cocoa

Stir 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder into the dry playdough ingredients, then follow the basic recipe. To make the colour more intense, knead some more cocoa into the playdough once complete.

###  red cabbage

Chop up a handful of red cabbage and put in a pan with a cup of water. Bring to the boil then gently simmer for a few minutes. Once the liquid has cooled, pass through a sieve, then follow the basic recipe using half a cup of coloured liquid to replace the water. Red cabbage produces a blue dye, but it turns bright pink when added to the playdough mix!

eco info

This craft uses readily available materials with no toxic chemicals!

##  watercolour paints

I was amazed to find out you can make your own paints and, luckily, my kids think it's amazing too. It's also a two-fold activity, which means double the fun!

####  materials

  * 3 tbsp bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
  * 3 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
  * 3 tbsp white vinegar
  * 2 tsp liquid glucose syrup
  * Bowl
  * Containers for paints (e.g., old bottle tops or ice-cube trays)
  * Food colouring
  * Toothpicks

eco info

This is a great way to re-use any old bottle tops and lids.

###  hints and tips

You can make your own liquid glucose by adding ¼ cup of sugar to ⅛ cup of water in saucepan. Heat until the liquid begins to boil and all of the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool before use.

###  Step 1

Get your little helper to mix the bicarbonate of soda, cornflour, vinegar and glucose syrup in a bowl. Keep stirring until the mixture stops fizzing.

###  Step 2

Pour the mixture into small containers to a depth of about 1cm/½in.

###  Step 3

Add 5 drops of food colouring to each container and stir with a toothpick. If you want a stronger colour, add a few more drops and continue to stir.

###  Step 4

Pop your paints on a sunny windowsill to dry. It usually takes 1–2 days, depending on the weather.

###  Step 5

Once your paints have dried out, give your little one some paper, a brush and a pot of water and let the painting commence!

##  homemade chalk

Making your own chalk is really easy and lots of fun, and the end result provides you with a brilliant excuse to get outside and be creative – hurray!

####  materials

  * Toilet rolls/cardboard tubes
  * Masking tape
  * Greaseproof/wax paper
  * Scissors
  * Old plastic container 1 cup of water
  * 1 cup of plaster of Paris
  * 1tbsp powdered tempera paint
  * Stick (for stirring)

eco info

This project is a good way to re-use old toilet rolls.

###  hints and tips

  * If you feel your tube is too chunky, then cut it along the length, overlap the edges and tape them in place to reduce the diameter.
  * Tin or silicon muffin pans also make great moulds and don't need lining with paper.
  * Once you have made your chalk, go outside and play all manner of games. You don't even need to clean up – just wait for the next shower of rain to wash it away.
  * Take turns to lie down on the ground and draw each other's outline. Add hair, face and clothes. If you are feeling adventurous, turn it into a biology lesson and draw some internal organs!
  * Draw lots of roads and buildings then crack open the tub of cars and take them for a drive.
  * Play beanbag toss. Draw lots of shapes on the ground with different numbers in. Take turns to throw the beanbags in and see who can score the most points.
  * Play noughts and crosses/tic-tac-toe.

###  Step 1

Tape up one end of each cardboard tube with masking tape making sure that it is sealed.

###  Step 2

Line the inside of the tube with a piece of greaseproof paper. Stand each tube, taped side down, on a level surface. Make sure you stand them on a piece of kitchen paper in case you get any leaks.

###  Step 3

Pour the water into a plastic container then sprinkle the plaster of Paris on top (generally it's a 1:1 ratio, but check the instructions on the packet).

###  Step 4

Add one heaped teaspoon of powdered paint to the mixture and give it a really good stir. If you want a deeper colour, add more paint.

###  Step 5

Pour the mixture in to the tube and tap lightly to get rid of any air bubbles.

###  Step 6

When the plaster has set you can remove the cardboard tube and greaseproof paper. You will need to allow the chalk to dry fully for a few days before using.

##  recycled rainbow crayons

This is a great way of breathing new life into all those broken (or half-eaten!) crayons. The result: beautiful, chunky rainbow crayons that are easy to hold and difficult to break – brilliant!

####  materials

  * Old wax crayons
  * Saucepan
  * Empty, clean tin cans
  * Sticks (for stirring)
  * Oven mitt
  * Cylindrical containers to use as moulds, such as small yoghurt pots

###  hints and tips

If you are short on time, make muffin pan crayons instead. Simply break crayons into small pieces, pop into a muffin pan, and put into the oven on a low heat. As soon as the crayons have melted, remove them from the oven and leave them to set.

###  Step 1

Ask your little one to snap all their old crayons into small pieces. Once this is done, sort the pieces into different coloured piles.

###  Step 2

This step is for grown-ups only! Pour 5cm/2in water into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Put each pile of broken crayons into an empty, clean tin can and place the cans in the pan. Wait for the crayons to melt. You can use a stick to stir the crayon mixture, but don't forget to wear an oven mitt because the can will get hot!

###  Step 3

Carefully pour the first can of melted crayons into several moulds, making sure you pour roughly the same amount into each mould. Pop the containers in the freezer for at least 5 minutes to set.

###  Step 4

Once set, pour the next colour on top of the first. Repeat the process for each colour until you have used up all of your melted crayons.

###  Step 5

Once the colours have set, tap the mould on your countertop to release the multi-coloured crayon.

#  music
##  cardboard box guitar

You can make a pretty cool guitar from a simple cardboard box. I'd be lying if I said it was capable of knocking out Purple Haze, but Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is well within reach!

####  materials

  * Sturdy cardboard boxes
  * Sticky tape Craft knife/scissors
  * Thick card or cardboard
  * Ruler Pencil
  * Double-sided tape
  * 12 paper fasteners 6 rubber bands Felt-tip pens/markers or crayons

eco info

This project makes good use of unwanted cardboard boxes.

###  hints and tips

  * The tighter your rubber bands the clearer and higher the sound. It's essential to use a fairly strong box as otherwise it may collapse under the tension.
  * Ask questions about how the sound changes when the the tension in the rubber bands is increased/decreased. Your little helper will notice that tighter rubber bands produce higher pitched sounds and looser rubber bands produce lower pitched sounds.
  * If you are running short on time you can make a super-quick guitar by stretching some rubber bands across an open cake or cookie tin (square tins work best).
  * Make sure there is enough space between the rubber bands so that they don't touch.

###  Step 1

Take the cardboard box and tape the openings shut. Using a craft knife or scissors (grown-ups only!), cut out an 8cm/ 3¼in hole two thirds of the way down the face.

###  Step 2

To make the raised bridge, take a piece of card measuring 12 x 6cm/5 x 2½in and score three horizontal lines along the length with a ruler and pencil. Fold the card as shown, and stick it to the box using the double-sided tape.

###  Step 3

Push six paper fasteners in each end of your box, centred about 1cm/½in below the top edge. They need to be spaced about 1cm/½in apart.

###  Step 4

Cut your rubber bands, then wrap one end around the first paper fastener. Pull the band to the paper fastener at the opposite end and wrap around again. Repeat with the remaining rubber bands.

###  Step 5

To make the neck, take a piece of card measuring 20 x 35cm/8 x 13¾in. Score three lines along the length, 5.5cm/2¼in apart. Fold the card to form a triangular prism and secure the overlapping edge with sticky tape.

###  Step 6

Using a craft knife or scissors (grown-ups only!), cut out a triangle with sides measuring 5cm/2in from the top of the body. Slot in the guitar neck. Once your guitar is complete, let your little one decorate it using felt-tip pens/markers or crayons.

##  all-in-one bongo, shaker & guiro

This homemade instrument is a bongo, rice shaker & güiro all rolled into one. The best thing about it is that it's a doddle to make! Use chopsticks to bang on the drum or scrape down the sides of the güiro.

####  materials

  * Empty, clean tin cans
  * Uncooked rice or lentils
  * Balloons
  * Scissors
  * Rubber bands

eco info

This craft uses household and recycled materials.

###  Step 1

Scoop a small handful of uncooked rice or lentils into a clean can. Make sure the cans have smooth edges (most can openers today tend to leave a smooth edge on the tin). Coffee or infant milk formula tins also provide a great alternative to tin cans.

###  Step 2

Cut the neck off the balloon. You may need to use sharp scissors, in which case this is a job for a grown-up.

###  Step 3

Stretch the balloon tightly over the end of the tin. For extra durability use two balloons.

###  Step 4

Secure the balloon/s in place with a rubber band. You're now ready to shake, rattle and roll!

##  ankle bells

Jingly-jangly ankle bells = lots of dancing fun. They also look amazing and make wonderful handmade presents for your children's friends and dance partners!

####  materials

For each anklet you will need:

  * Wool/yarn (2.4m/96in)
  * Scissors
  * Pin
  * Scrap piece of cardboard or polystyrene
  * 13 small craft bells (7.5mm/⅓in)

eco info

This project uses wool, which is a renewable resource. If you want to be extra eco-friendly, try unravelling old jumpers or scarves and re-using the wool to make these ankle bells.

###  Step 1

Cut two lengths of colourful wool/yarn, each one measuring approximately 1.2m/48in. Fold the wool in half.

###  Step 2

Knot the folded ends of the wool together to form a small loop.

###  Step 3

Pin the wool, by the loop, to a scrap piece of cardboard or polystyrene. Now the wool is secured you are ready to start tying knots in the four strands of wool.

###  Step 4

Tie four square knots. This technique requires adult help. Tying square knots may seem a little tricky at first, but once you have done it a dozen times you'll be sorted. Bring the right strand over the two middle strands. Then bring the left strand over the right strand, under the two middle strands and through the loop formed by the right strand. Pull the right and left strand until the knot tightens.

###  Step 5

Bring the left strand over the two middle strands. Then bring the right strand over the left strand, under the two middle strands and through the loop formed by the left strand. Pull the right and left strand until the knot tightens. Yippee...you have tied a square knot! Repeat until you have tied four square knots.

###  Step 6

Thread a bell on to the left-hand length of wool and tie two square knots. Repeat 13 times. Tie two square knots.

###  Step 7

Trim the ends leaving about 6cm/2½in excess. Fasten the anklets as you would a friendship bracelet.

##  rainstick

The rainstick is a Peruvian instrument traditionally made from dried, hollow cacti. Luckily for us, you can make a pretty good version from an old postal tube and a few scoops of uncooked rice!

####  materials

  * Long cardboard tube (a postal tube is ideal)
  * Washable PVA glue
  * Long strip of tin/aluminum foil
  * Small cup of dried beans or uncooked rice
  * Coloured paper
  * Sticky tape

eco info

This craft uses household and recycled materials. Please always recycle your tin/aluminum foil after use!

###  hints and tips

To play your rainstick, simply tip it to a 45-degree angle. As you tip the rainstick, turn it slightly to keep the sound going for a longer time. You can also use it as a shaker.

###  Step 1

Seal one end of your tube. Postal tubes usually come with a plastic cap. If yours does, glue the cap in place. If it doesn't, use cardboard and tape instead.

###  Step 2

Take a long piece of tin/aluminum foil that's about twice the length of your cardboard tube. Scrunch it up tightly to make a long snake shape. Push this snake into your tube, coiling it around like a spring as you go.

###  Step 3

Pour the uncooked rice into the open end of your tube.

Seal the other end of your rainstick and decorate. We used cut paper but felt-tip pens or crayons are great too.

##  bottle xylophone

Here is another great musical instrument you can make straight from your recycling bin. Children will love experimenting with the changing pitch as they increase or decrease the water level in each bottle.

####  materials

  * 6 glass bottles, jars or drinking glasses
  * Water Jug/pitcher
  * Funnel Food colouring Chopsticks

###  hints and tips

When you tap your bottle xylophone, you will notice that more water produces a lower pitch and less water produces a higher pitch. But if you blow across the top of the bottle, rather than hitting it, you will see that the reverse is true!

###  Step 1

Stand your bottles in a line and have your little helper fill them with water using a jug/pitcher and funnel. Add a little more water to each bottle as you move along the row.

###  Step 2

Add a few drops of different coloured food colouring to each bottle. You can mix the food colouring if you want to make additional colours (this gives you a great excuse to talk about colour theory, too).

###  Step 3

Give your little one a chopstick (or other wooden implement) and let them tap the bottles to discover the different sound each bottle makes.

##  ribbon rings

Kids love to dance and move to music, and it's even more fun when they have a funky ribbon ring to wave around at the same time. You can take the ribbon rings outside and watch them flutter in the breeze.

####  materials

  * For each ring you will need:
  * Satin ribbon, 16mm/⅝in wide (6m x 6½yd in total)
  * Scissors Thread
  * Cigarette lighter
  * One wooden curtain ring (6cm/2½in diameter)

eco info

If you don't have spare curtain rings lying around the house, go on a hunt for the perfect stick instead.

###  hints and tips

Fold one end of the ribbon through the ring and secure the fold with tightly wrapped thread. Repeat for each length of ribbon.

You can use silk ribbon instead of satin ribbon for a more floaty effect.

###  Step 1

Start by cutting six lengths of ribbon. I used rainbow colours, but you can use whatever you have to hand. Each length of ribbon needs to be about 1m/40in long.

###  Step 2

This step is for grown-ups only. Heat seal both ends of the ribbon with a lighter in order to prevent the ribbon from fraying. To do this, hold the end of the ribbon a couple of millimetres away from the flame until the edge of the ribbon starts to melt.

###  Step 3

#  nature

##  seed bombs

Get your kids involved in a bit of guerrilla gardening and make some seed bombs with them. They are a perfect way to introduce new vegetation into forgotten or unloved public spaces.

####  materials

  * 1 cup of air-drying modelling clay
  * Container for mixing
  * 1 cup of compost
  * Water
  * 2 packets of native wildflower seeds

eco info

This craft uses natural materials and benefits the local environment.

###  hints and tips

Do make sure you use a seed mix native to the country in which you live!

###  Step 1

Break the clay into small pieces then pop it into a mixing bowl along with the compost and a splash of water. Rub the clay into the compost with your hands or a fork until the two are well combined. This can be a messy job so make sure there is a bowl of soapy water on hand for a quick clean-up afterwards.

###  Step 2

Sprinkle a couple of packets of native wildflower seeds into your clay/compost mix and gently mix.

###  Step 3

Roll your mixture into small, grape-sized balls and put on a tray. Put the tray of seed bombs on a sunny windowsill to dry out. This usually takes 24–48 hours.

##  nature stones

Going for a nature walk gives everyone a great excuse to get out of the house. Next time you go, pick up some natural treasures along the way. When you get home you can preserve their shape and texture in clay.

####  materials

  * Block of oven-bake modelling clay
  * Knife
  * Natural objects, such as leaves, flowers, seed pods or shells
  * Flat baking sheet
  * Oven mitt

eco info

This activity uses all natural materials.

###  hints and tips

Bear in mind that the natural objects you choose will need to be robust enough to be pressed into a ball of clay. Items that might make good impressions are shells, flowers, leaves and seed pods.

###  Step 1

Go for a nature walk and collect lots of different items that might make interesting prints in the clay.

###  Step 2

Cut your clay and roll each piece into an egg-sized ball.

###  Step 3

Press each item into your clay ball to create a print and place the ball on a baking sheet.

###  Step 4

Bake the nature stones according to the manufacturers' instructions on the packet of clay.

##  bug house

Kids love bugs (sometimes a little bit too much!), so why not give the bugs a bit of lovin' back and make them their very own home.

####  materials

  * Old wooden box
  * Drill String/twine Ruler
  * Bamboo cane and sticks
  * Saw Cardboard Craft knife

eco info

This activity uses natural and recycled materials and benefits the local environment and wildlife.

###  Step 1

To make a handle, drill two holes in the top of the box and thread some string through (grown-ups only). The box will be considerably heavier when finished, so make sure the handle will be strong enough to support the weight.

###  Step 2

This step is for grown-ups only. Measure the depth of your box. Now, using a handsaw or circular saw, cut your sticks and cane to the same length. Next, cut your cardboard to fit the depth of the box and roll up. The number of sticks and cardboard rolls you need depends on the size of your box.

###  Step 3

Now your little helper can begin to fill the box up with the cut pieces of cane, sticks and cardboard. Keep going until the box is completely packed.

###  Step 4

Hang, or sit, your bug house in a dry sheltered space and wait for your insect friends to move in.

##  walnut shell boats

I just adore these little boats. You can take them to your nearest stream for their maiden voyage or, if you want to stay closer to home, the washing up bowl will do just fine.

####  materials

  * Whole walnuts
  * Nutcracker
  * Plasticine/Blu-Tack
  * Toothpick/wooden skewer (cut into 8cm/3in lengths)
  * Paper (5 x 4cm/2 x 1½in) Hole punch

###  Step 1

Using a nutcracker, carefully crack some walnuts in two. Try to crack the nut around the middle where there is a raised ridge. This way, the nut should crack neatly into two halves.

###  Step 2

Roll a ball of plasticine that's small enough to fit into a walnut half and push this onto one end of the skewer. Take the small rectangle of paper and punch a hole at either end, about 5mm/¼in in from the edge. Now gently thread the paper onto the mast.

###  Step 3

Push the plasticine ball firmly into the base of a walnut shell. Now you're all ready to go sailing!

##  easy birdfeeder

If the weather outside is frightful, why not make some munchies for your feathered friends. They are great fun to make and the birds will love you for it.

####  materials

  * Jug/pitcher or bowl for mixing
  * Gelatin ½ cup of water
  * 1 cup of birdseed Fork
  * Cookie cutters Vegetable oil Wooden skewer Twine or ribbon

eco info

This project provides our feathered friends with much-needed food during the winter months.

###  hints and tips

When you hang your birdfeeder, make sure it is in a sheltered area as rainwater will dissolve the gelatin. If you want your feeder to be waterproof, use lard as a substitute for the gelatin; simply melt the lard and pour it over the birdseed then pack it into a muffin pan to set.

###  Step 1

Make up your gelatin according to packet instructions. For this recipe you need half a cup. Leave the mixture to stand until it starts to congeal. Add your birdseed to the congealed gelatin. Mix together briskly using a fork until the birdseed is well coated.

###  Step 2

Rub the inside of your cookie cutters with a little oil. Then, using a fork, press the mixture into your cookie cutters. Pop your moulds in the fridge and leave them to set for an hour or two.

###  Step 3

Carefully remove your birdfeeders from the cookie cutter moulds and leave them on a plate to dry completely. This usually takes about 2 days at room temperature.

###  Step 4

Once your birdfeeders have dried, make a small hole in the centre of each birdfeeder with a wooden skewer, thread through a length of twine, and hang in a tree.

#  recycling bin

##  kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscopes are timeless toys and you can make a great one from household scraps. Kids will be fascinated by the wonderful colours and shapes they spy inside.

####  materials

  * Clean, empty cookie or potato-chip tube
  * Hammer Nail
  * Double-sided mirror card (or aluminum foil glued onto card)
  * Scissors Ruler
  * Sticky tape
  * Transparent plastic (from the recycling bin)
  * Pencil Tracing paper
  * Small colourful transparent objects, such as beads

eco info

This project demonstrates the importance of reusing materials that still have a useful life, rather than throwing them in the bin.

###  hints and tips

  * Before you make your kaleidoscope, send your little one on a treasure hunt around the house to find lots of small, colourful (preferably transparent) objects to put inside the object chamber.
  * If you don't have an old biscuit/potato chip tube you can improvise and make one from an old kitchen roll tube instead.

###  Step 1

Using a hammer and nail, pierce a hole in the metallic end of the tube (this step is for grown-ups only).

###  Step 2

Create a reflective prism by cutting your mirror card into three strips (grown-ups only). The strips should be 2cm/¾in shorter than the length of your tube. To calculate the width of your strips, measure the diameter of your tube and multiply it by 0.866. Using sticky tape, stick the three strips of mirror card together to form a triangular prism.

###  Step 3

Push the prism into your tube so that it is flush at one end. Secure in place using sticky tape.

###  Step 4

Stand the tube on top of a piece of transparent plastic and, using a pencil, draw around the outside of the tube. Cut out the circle of transparent plastic and place it on top of the prism. Tape into place. Pour your beads on top of the transparent plastic. Be careful not to overfill as the beads need to be able to move around.

###  Step 5

Stand the tube on top of a piece of tracing paper and, using a pencil, draw around the outside of the tube. Cut out the circle of tracing paper and use it to line the plastic lid for your tube to create a frosted effect.

###  Step 6

Put the lid back on the end of the tube. You can secure the lid using some tape or glue. Once your kaleidoscope is complete let your little one decorate it using paper, felt pens/markers and crayons.

##  marble maze

If you have any nuts and bolts left over from DIY projects, this marble maze is a brilliant way to use them up. Once your little one has mastered the current maze, you can move the rubber bands around to create a new one!

####  materials

  * Old wooden box (shallow boxes work better)
  * Pencil Ruler
  * Drill and 3mm drillbit Nuts and 3mm bolts
  * Rubber bands
  * Stickers
  * Marbles

eco info

This project uses up all those rubber bands the postman/mailman always seems to drop!

###  hints and tips

If you are running short on time or don't have a suitable wooden box you can make a marble maze from a cardboard box instead. To do this, cut down the sides of the box to create a shallow tray, then position thick drinking straws on the base of the box to create the walls of the maze. You can fix the straws into place with sticky tape or glue. Quick and easy!

###  Step 1

Using a pencil and ruler, mark out a grid on the underside of your box. The number of squares in the grid will be dependent upon the size of the box. As a general rule, each grid square needs to measure about 3cm/1¼in².

###  Step 2

Carefully drill a hole at each intersection on the grid. (Grown-ups only!)

###  Step 3

Working on the back of the box, push a bolt into each hole then screw on the nut on the inside of the box to hold the bolt in place.

###  Step 4

Now attach rubber bands to the bolts to form a maze. If you need inspiration, then search for a 'maze generator' on the internet and you will find a program that will generate a pattern that you can follow.

###  Step 5

Use some stickers to define the start and end point in the maze. Then pop the marble in and play!

##  paper cup popper

Pompom poppers are great fun and fantastic for hand/eye co-ordination. Even better, you can whip one up in no time at all – great for children's parties or a rainy afternoon.

####  materials

  * Paper cup
  * Craft knife/scissors
  * Balloon Pompoms
  * Rubber band

eco info

This project is a good way to reuse take-away paper coffee cups. First wash and dry them, then cover the outside with scraps of giftwrap from the recycling bin.

###  hints and tips

If you don't have any pompoms handy, make balls from screwed-up paper. It's better to use something lightweight; that way your little one is not likely to leave a dent in your ceiling...or somebody's head!

###  Step 1

Carefully cut out the base from your paper cup using a craft knife or a pair of scissors. (This step is for grown-ups only.)

###  Step 2

Tie a knot in your uninflated balloon. Using scissors, cut a small opening at the other end.

###  Step 3

Stretch the balloon over the base of your paper cup. You may wish to add a rubber band to hold the balloon firmly in place.

###  Step 4

To play with your popper, place the pompom in the base of your cup and pull the knotted end of the balloon. When you let go, the pompom will fly out of the cup. Try to catch it in the cup as it falls back down to earth.

##  magnetic fishing game

Fishing games are easy to make and great fun for playing with in the bath or paddling pool. Use the fishing rod to catch as many of the slippery paperclip fish as you can.

####  materials

  * Thin stick Saw
  * Sandpaper
  *
  * Craft knife/scissors
  * Drill
  * 50cm/20in length of strong thread (or string/wool)
  * Magnet (we used a neodymium ring magnet) Coloured acetate sheets Pencil
  * Paperclips
  * Hole punch

###  hints and tips

This project uses coloured acetate, but scrap plastic, thin card or cardboard from the recycling bin works just as well. If you are using cardboard, remember you won't be able to play the game in the bath!

Shortening the string will make the game easier for younger kids.

Please remember to supervise your kids around water at all times.

###  Step 1

Find a stick to use as your fishing rod. Cut the stick to size, sandpaper the ends and shave off any knobbles with a craft knife. Drill a small hole in one end of the stick. (This step is for grown-ups only.)

###  Step 2

Thread the wire or thread through the hole in the stick and wrap it around the stick to secure.

###  Step 3

Tie the other end of the thread or wire to the magnet.

###  Step 4

Photocopy the fish template (see Using templates). Cut out the template and place it onto a piece of coloured acetate or scrap plastic. Draw around the fish shape then cut it out.

###  Step 5

Punch a hole in the 'nose' end of each fish and thread through a paperclip.

##  bubble discovery bottle

If you have a budding scientist on your hands, this discovery bottle will be a real hit. It's great fun to make and intriguing to play with. Shake the bottle and watch the colourful bubbles fill the bottle.

####  materials

  * Small transparent plastic bottles
  * Water
  * Washing-up liquid
  * Food colouring
  * Electrical tape

###  hints and tips

  * When making your discovery bottles, make sure you use small plastic bottles as they are much easier for kids to hold and manipulate.
  * These discovery bottles also make great toys for babies (with the exception of the magnetic bottle). If you are worried about the lids coming off, then glue them into place with a hot glue-gun before applying the tape.

###  Step 1

Pour about 2.5cm/1in of water into the bottom of your clean plastic bottle. Add a generous squirt of washing-up liquid.

###  Step 2

Now add a few drops of food colouring. Vibrant red or green both work well.

###  Step 3

Screw the lid tightly onto the bottle. Wrap electrical tape around the lid to prevent it from coming off. Shake the bottle to make lots of colourful bubbles.

##  more discovery bottles

From a gloopy bottle full of glitter to a bubbly ocean scene, there are so many different discovery bottles you and your little helper can make.

###  glitter bottle

Pour liquid glucose syrup into your bottle until it is ¼ full. Add ½ tbsp of glitter. Screw the lid tightly onto the bottle. Wrap electrical tape around the lid to prevent it from coming off. Turn the bottle and watch the glittery mixture slowly ooze around the inside of the bottle.

###  ocean bottle

Pour water into bottle until it is ⅓ full. Add a few drops of blue food colouring to the water. Pour baby oil or cooking oil into the bottle until it is about ⅔ full and then drop in a toy boat or fish. Screw the lid tightly onto the bottle. Wrap electrical tape around the lid to prevent it from coming off. As you turn the bottle you will see the waves gently roll. You can also shake the bottle to mix the oil and water and then watch the two separate.

###  electrostatic bottle

Cut up some small squares of tissue paper. Alternately you can use polystyrene balls or regular polystyrene broken up into small pieces. Put the tissue paper/ polystyrene in the bottle. Do not add any water! Screw the lid tightly onto the bottle. Wrap electrical tape around the lid to prevent it from coming off. Rub the outside of the bottle on your clothes and watch all the pieces of tissue paper/polystyrene cling to the sides of the bottle!

###  magnetic bottle

Put a handful of small metal objects such as paperclips, pins, nuts and old jewellery into an empty bottle. Screw the lid tightly onto the bottle. Wrap electrical tape around the lid to prevent it from coming off. Rub a large magnet around the outside of the bottle to manipulate the objects on the inside.

eco info

This project is a great use for all those plastic water bottles that mount up in the recycling bin.

##  cardboard castle

This cardboard castle is a great gift to make, it won't cost the earth and your little one can have a great deal of fun customizing the outside before playing with it.

####  materials

  * Scrap paper
  * Pencil Scissors
  * Scrap corrugated cardboard
  * Craft knife
  * Metal ruler
  * Felt pens/markers
  * Crayons
  *
  *
  *

###  hints and tips

Once your castle is complete, let your little one decorate it. Stick to felt pens/markers or crayons because paint will make the box go soggy.

eco info

This project is a great use for a large cardboard box of the type that new appliances or pieces of furniture are delivered in.

###  Step 1

Photocopy the castle templates (see Using templates) and then cut them all out.

###  Step 2

Place each template on a scrap piece of corrugated cardboard then draw around it using a pencil.

###  Step 3

Cut the castle shapes and the slits out using a metal ruler and craft knife (this step is for grown-ups only).

###  Step 4

Once you have cut out all the shapes, slot them together to create the castle as shown.

#  paper and card

##  shadow makers

These shadow makers give your little ones a good excuse to run round the house in the dark with a torch/flashlight in hand. They work just as well in front of a sunny window too.

####  materials

  * Scissors/craft knife
  * Coloured card
  * Pencil
  * Sticky tape
  * Wooden lollipop sticks/coffee stirrers
  * Torch/flashlight
  *

###  hints and tips

If your little one is keen to put on their own productions why not help them to make their own shadow puppet theatre? All you need is a big cardboard box, a white sheet and a lamp. Once rehearsals have finished, make a big bowl of popcorn and round up some family members to watch the show!

eco info

Be even more eco-friendly and use a wind up torch/flashlight!

###  Step 1

Photocopy the templates (see Using templates). Cut out the templates and place them onto a piece of card then draw around the shapes.

###  Step 2

Cut out the shapes using a craft knife (grown-ups only) or a pair of scissors.

###  Step 3

Use a piece of sticky tape to attach a sturdy wooden stick to the back of each shape.

###  Step 4

Pull the curtains and use a torch/flashlight to project the shapes onto the wall.

##  jar of love

This little 'jar of love' is a fun gift for your kids to make for their loved ones. Roll up a sheet of paper containing a special message or an original piece of artwork and pop it in the jar.

####  materials

  * Small glass jar
  * Water
  * Sheet of white paper
  * Scissors
  * Pens or coloured pencils
  * Thread
  * Paper confetti
  * Glitter

eco info

Homemade gifts made from recycled items are much more eco-friendly than store-bought ones!

###  Step 1

Take an old jar and soak the label off using warm water. Dry thoroughly.

###  Step 2

Cut a piece of paper (grown-ups only), no higher than the jar, and get your little one to write or draw a special message on it. Roll the piece of paper up and tie with some pretty thread.

###  Step 3

Pop your message in the jar, along with some coloured confetti, glitter and any other keepsakes you wish to add. Screw on lid and give to a loved one.

##  catapult plane

These catapult planes are fantastic for improving hand-to-eye co-ordination. When your little one has got the knack of it, get ready to duck – the planes can fly a long way!

####  materials

  * A5/½ letter size sheet of paper
  * Hole punch
  * Rubber bands
  * Wooden lollipop/craft sticks

###  hints and tips

  * Your little ones can have a lot of fun decorating their paper planes. Just remember to avoid anything that might make the paper go soggy.
  * When it's time to launch your planes bear in mind that they can fire a long way. For best results (and to avoid any breakages or injuries) get outdoors!

###  Step 1

Fold the sheet of paper in half along the length. Crease sharply and unfold.

###  Step 2

Using the photograph above as a guide, fold the top corners down to meet on the centre line and crease.

###  Step 3

Fold the two edges against the centre line, as shown.

###  Step 4

Make a mountain fold along the centre line (so that the crease faces upwards).

###  Step 5

Create two wing creases on either side by folding the long edges into the centre so that the end of the folds meets the base of the mountain fold. Crease.

###  Step 6

Punch a hole in the bottom of the plane as shown in the photograph, below.

###  Step 7

Pinch the sides of the rubber band together then push the looped end through the hole in the paper plane. Pull the other end of the rubber band through the loop and carefully pull tight.

###  Step 8

Wooden lollipop/craft sticks make great launchers. Wrap a different-coloured rubber band around the top of the stick to act as a marker. Loop the plane's rubber band over the top of the stick, pull the plane back until the rubber is taut, and let go.

##  pac-man mobile

Feeling a bit retro? If so, make a Pac-Man mobile for your little ones' room and introduce them to an '80s icon. Hang the mobile from the ceiling and watch the friendly ghosts hover in the air.

####  materials

  * Card (red, orange, blue, yellow and black)
  * Pencil
  * Scissors/craft knife
  * Clear scrap plastic/acetate
  * Double-sided/glue
  * Thick cotton
  * Drinking straws
  *

###  hints and tips

Get creative with your mobile shapes and hang a moon and stars or simple flowers or cars. If your little one is a budding artist why not ask them to draw their own template and choose their own coloured papers.

eco info

This craft uses recycled paper.

###  Step 1

Photocopy the Pac-Man and ghost templates (see Using templates). Cut out the templates and place them onto pieces of coloured card. Draw around the templates and cut them out using a pair of scissors (kids) or a craft knife (grown-ups only). You will need to cut out a front and a back shape in the same colour for each Pac-Man and ghost character.

###  Step 2

Take one of the ghost shapes and lay a piece of clear plastic over the holes where the eyes will go. Tape into place. Cut out two circles of black card for each of the eyes and centre on plastic. Tape/glue into place.

###  Step 3

Tape a 20cm/8in length of cotton to the back piece of each of your characters. Place the front shape on top of the back shape and tape or glue into place.

###  Step 4

Place a drinking straw vertically on a flat surface and tie a ghost to each end of the straw. Next, tie your Pac-Man to the centre of a drinking straw. Attach two different lengths of cotton to either end of the straw and tie on the ghost straws.

##  paper jumping beans

These paper jumping beans are a homemade version of the childhood classic. Your little helper can have fun drawing faces and shapes on the beans. Make sure you make lots because everyone will want a go.

####  materials

  * Pencil
  * Scissors
  * Pieces of thin card
  * Crayon or pen
  * Sticky tape
  * Marbles
  *

eco info

This is a great way to give old marbles a new lease of life.

###  hints and tips

  * Your little ones can have a lot of fun decorating their jumping beans. Just remember to do this before cutting and folding the bean and try to avoid anything that might make the paper go soggy!
  * When it's time to test out your jumping beans you can experiment with how different surfaces affect the movement of the jumping beans. Do tilted, flat, rough or smooth surfaces make the beans go faster?
  * If you want to make some 'super grippy' jumping beans why not make them from a sheet of fine sandpaper instead of card.

###  did you know?

  * Real jumping beans are native to Mexico and grow on the jumping bean shrub (Sebastiana pavoniana).
  * The beans themselves are actually seedpods through which the larva of a small grey moth has chewed. After consuming the seed within the seedpod, the moth larva throws itself, with great force, from one side of the capsule to another, causing the capsule to 'jump'.

###  Step 1

Photocopy the template (see Using templates). Cut out the template and place it onto a piece of thin card. Draw around the template then cut it out (grown-ups only). Bring your jumping bean to life by drawing a face right in the middle of the template as shown, below.

###  Step 2

Place the card shape face down on a flat surface. Fold in each side section as indicated on the template.

###  Step 3

Now fold up one long end and bring it to meet the side tabs. Fix it in place using sticky tape.

###  Step 4

Next, place a marble inside the jumping bean.

###  Step 5

Fold up the other long end and stick it in place. Use sticky tape to reinforce the join.

#  sewing and threading

##  paper bead necklace

There is something really therapeutic about making paper beads and they make great threading practice for little hands. You might love them so much that you decide to make a stash just for yourself!

####  materials

  * Colourful origami paper
  * Pencil
  * Metal ruler
  * Scissors/craft knife
  * Wooden pencil or skewer
  * Glue
  * Cut-out paper flowers

###  hints and tips

  * If you have a patient pre-schooler, they will have no problem making their own beads with a little help from you. Make sure they use a pencil rather than a skewer and begin by wrapping the paper around for them. Then, let them roll the pencil along the table to wind the rest of the paper up and blob on the glue at the end.
  * You can coat your beads in an acrylic glaze if you want them to last longer.
  * The cut-out paper flowers were made using a craft punch but you can buy similar ones from craft stores.
  * If you don't have time to make the rolled paper beads, try threading cut straws instead.

###  Step 1

Take a piece of origami paper measuring 15 x 15cm/6 x 6in and mark out 20–30 triangles measuring 15 x 2cm/6 x 1in. Cut them out using scissors (kids) or a craft knife and metal ruler (grown-ups only!).

###  Step 2

Starting with the flat end of the triangle, wind the paper tightly around the pencil or skewer. When you have about 2cm/1in of paper left to roll, pop a dab of glue on the point of the triangle and carry on winding.

###  Step 3

Hold the point in place until the glue sets. Carefully slide the bead off the skewer and leave it to dry.

###  Step 4

Once you have made approximately 20–30 beads, cut a length of strong thread and start to thread them on, alternating the beads with cut-out flowers.

##  Cardboard box loom

Learning to weave does not require expensive equipment. All you need is a sturdy cardboard box, some scraps of wool in bright primary colours and the boundless enthusiasm of a little kid!

####  materials

  * Sturdy cardboard box (such as a shoe box)
  * Ruler
  * Pencil
  * Darning needle
  * Wool
  * Scissors
  * Lollipop/craft sticks

###  hints and tips

  * Small fingers may find it easier to weave with a lollipop/craft stick rather than a darning needle. Pierce a hole in one end of the stick and thread through the wool, then pass the stick through the warp threads.
  * This project works best if the marking of the holes and piercing of the cardboard is left to you. Then you can help your little one with the threading and weaving.

###  Step 1

Begin by marking out holes along the two short edges of the box. Measure the box and make a mark at the centre point. Then mark 5 points either side of the centre point, each one about 1cm/½in apart. Now pierce a hole through each point using a sharp darning needle.

###  Step 2

Thread the darning needle with a long piece of wool and tie a knot at the end. Starting at the right hand side, thread the wool through all the holes in the box. When you reach the end, tighten any loose threads before tying off. This wool, running lengthwise, is called the warp.

###  Step 3

Thread the darning needle with another length of wool and start to weave it over and under the warp threads, making sure you alternate on each row. The threads that go from side to side across the loom are called the weft.

###  Step 4

Real looms use something called a 'reed' to compress each row as it is woven. We used a lollipop/craft stick instead, and it worked really well!

##  sock hobby horse

This super-cute hobby horse is made from an old sock and a broom handle. The project is best carried out by a grown up, but when finished it makes a perfect handmade gift for any little kid with a big imagination!

####  materials

  * Felt
  * Scissors
  * Plastic toy eyes
  * Man's hiking or ski sock
  * Toy stuffing
  * Pencil
  * Pins
  * Needle
  * Thread
  * Wool
  * Piece of cardboard
  * Darning needle
  * Rickrack braid
  * 2 jingle bells
  * Broom handle
  * Twine/rubber bands
  *

###  Step 1

To make the horse's eyes, cut out two circles of felt, each one approximately 3cm/1¼in in diameter. In the middle of each circle cut a small slit (grown-ups only) and push the plastic toy eye through the slit in the felt.

###  Step 2

Using the point of a pair of scissors (grown-ups only) make small holes in the sock where you want the eyes to be positioned. Now push the eyes through the holes and fix them securely in place using their plastic washers.

###  Step 3

Push the stuffing into the sock. To avoid a floppy head make sure you pack in as much as you can. Use a ruler to push the stuffing right to the end of the sock.

###  Step 4

To make the horse's ear, photocopy the template (see Using templates). Cut it out and place it on a piece of felt. Draw around the template twice then cut out two ears.

###  Step 5

Pleat the felt ears as indicated on the paper template and pin them to the sides of the horse's head. Using a needle and thread, sew the ears securely in place.

###  Step 6

To make the mane, fold a 10cm/4in square of cardboard in half. Wind a length of wool around the card. Then, using sharp scissors (grown-ups only), cut through the wrapped loops along the gap in the cardboard.

###  Step 7

Using a darning needle, pull a length of wool through the sock on the back of the horse's head. Remove the needle and knot the wool into place. Repeat this process until your horse has a good mane of hair. This process is very easy but can take a bit of time, so it's the perfect thing to do in front of the TV when the kids are in bed!

###  Step 8

Cut some lengths of rickrack for the bridle, and, using a needle and thread, sew into place as shown. Add a jingle bell on either side of the head.

###  Step 9

Place the sock head over the end of the broomstick and bind it in place using thick twine or rubber bands.

##  threaded paper garland

Geometric shapes are really fashionable at the moment and this cheerful rainbow-bright garland will look really cool hanging up in any kids' bedroom. The garlands also make great party decorations.

####  materials

  * Scissors Pencil
  * Thin card in rainbow colours Craft knife
  * Metal ruler Hole punch
  * Darning needle
  * Wool or cotton thread for threading
  * Sticky tape (optional)
  *

###  hints and tips

Threading is great for developing fine motor skills.

###  Step 1

Photocopy the geometric shape templates (see Using templates). Cut out the templates and place them on pieces of coloured card. Draw around the shapes using a pencil.

###  Step 2

Cut out the shapes using a craft knife and metal ruler (grown-ups only) or a pair of scissors. For every metre of garland you will need about 16 shapes.

###  Step 3

Punch two regularly spaced holes exactly in the centre of each shape.

###  Step 4

Thread a darning needle with a long piece of wool, tie a knot at the end and start to thread on the shapes. If you don't have a needle, wrap a piece of sticky tape around the end of a length of wool and use that instead.

##  sewing cards

Sewing and threading is a fun activity that's great for honing fine motor skills and improving hand-eye coordination. These jolly cards are always useful to have in your bag when you are out and about.

####  materials

  * Scissors/craft knife
  * Pencil or pen
  * Thin card Hole punch
  * Shoelaces/wool
  * Blunt darning needle (optional)
  * Pipe cleaner/chenille stem (optional)
  *

eco info

If you are short of time, you can make great sewing cards from cereal packets rescued from the recycling bin or old greeting cards. Just cut out interesting shapes and punch some holes at regular intervals around the perimeter. Easy!

###  hints and tips

  * If you don't have any shoelaces, use a long piece of wool instead, winding a little sticky tape around the end to create a 'point' and to prevent the wool from fraying.
  * Older kids could use a large darning needle, or make their own 'needle' from a pipe cleaner/chenille stem.

###  Step 1

Photocopy the sewing card template (see Using templates). Use scissors (kids) or a craft knife (grown-ups only) to cut out the template. Place it onto a thin piece of card, draw around the shape and carefully cut it out.

###  Step 2

Draw a smiley face in the centre of the card.

###  Step 3

Use a hole punch to make holes at regular intervals all the way around the perimeter of the sewing card.

###  Step 4

Shoelaces are perfect for your little ones to 'sew' with.

#  science

##  magic potion

This is a fabulous colour-changing experiment that your little one will want to try again and again! It's so easy to do and uses only natural foodstuffs that you are likely to have in your fridge.

####  materials

  * Red cabbage
  * Knife and chopping board
  * Microwavable container
  * Water
  * Mixing bowl
  * Sieve
  * Several small white containers, such as old jars or yoghurt pots
  * Pipette (or medicine dropper)
  * Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

eco info

This craft uses natural materials and is entirely non-toxic but please don't be tempted to taste it!

###  how it works

Red cabbage contains a pigment molecule called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is a natural pH indicator that changes colour according to the acidity of the solution. Very acidic solutions, such as lemon juice, will turn the anthocyanin a red/pink colour, whereas basic solutions will turn the anthocyanin blue/green.

###  Step 1

Put a handful of roughly chopped red cabbage into a microwavable container and cover it with water. Microwave on full power for two minutes then let the mixture stand until the water has turned blue.

###  Step 2

When the blue water has cooled, sieve it into a mixing bowl. Decant the blue liquid into smaller containers for the experiment. We keep a stockpile of glass jars and yoghurt pots in the house for occasions such as this! Pour some lemon juice into a bowl then use a pipette to squeeze a few drops of the juice into each pot. Watch the blue water turn the most incredible shade of pink!

##  coloured flowers

As well as being quite magical, this classic science experiment demonstrates the way in which water travels through a plant in a process known as transpiration.

####  materials

  * White long-stemmed flowers such as carnations
  * Scissors
  * Several glass jars
  * Food colouring
  * Warm water

###  hints and tips

You can create an amazing bi-coloured flower by slitting the stem of your flower up the middle and putting each side into a separate jar of coloured water.

###  Step 1

Trim the stem of your flower to fit in your glass jar. Next, make a slanted cut at the base of the stem (under running water if possible).

###  Step 2

Pour warm water into your jar until it is ¾ full. Add food colouring to the water. You need approximately 20–30 drops of food colouring for each half cup of water.

###  Step 3

Place the flower in the coloured water. The petals should start to take on colour after a few hours. Best results are achieved after 24–48 hours.

##  invisible ink

Got a budding secret agent on your hands? Why not help them to make (and reveal) their own secret messages.

####  materials

  * Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
  * Bowl
  * Cotton buds/Q-tips or small paintbrush
  * White paper
  * Iron/hairdryer

eco info

This experiment uses all-natural, non-toxic materials.

###  how it works

Lemon juice is acidic and weakens the paper. When the paper is heated, the remaining acid turns the writing brown before discolouring the rest of the paper.

###  Step 1

If you are using a fresh lemon, squeeze some of the juice into a bowl.

###  Step 2

Dip your cotton bud into the lemon juice and write a message onto a sheet of white paper. Try not to use too much juice. Now allow the paper to dry thoroughly.

###  Step 3

You can reveal your invisible message by either ironing the piece of paper (grown-ups only, please!) or by waving a hot hairdryer over it.

##  oobleck

Is it a solid...is it a liquid...? No, it's Oobleck! Oobleck gets its name from a Dr. Seuss story called Bartholomew and the Oobleck in which a green, gluey goo falls from the sky and gums up everything in sight.

####  materials

  * 1–2 cups of cornflour/cornstarch
  * 1 cup water Spoon
  * Food colouring (optional)

###  hints and tips

  * This is a messy activity, so make sure you wear appropriate clothes and have a bowl of soapy water on stand by for a quick clean up.
  * Remember not to pour Oobleck down your drain!
  * There are lots of ways you can experiment with your Oobleck. Try squeezing the mixture to form a ball. Now lay your ball on your open palm...what happens? Move your fingers through the mixture slowly; now try to move them quickly. Slowly lower your hands into the Oobleck. Now try to remove them quickly.

###  Step 1

Pop 1 cup of cornflour/cornstarch into a mixing bowl. Pour a cup of water into the cornflour/cornstarch, mixing as you go. You can use a spoon for the mixing, but hands work just as well.

###  Step 2

You may need to add more cornflour/cornstarch to the mix to achieve the perfect consistency. The mixture you are aiming to achieve should be fairly thick and will harden if you tap on it. If you pick the mixture up and squeeze it, it will form a ball but if you lay your hand flat the ball will lose its shape and run through your fingers.

###  Step 3

Once your Oobleck is the perfect consistency you can add a few drops of food colouring.

##  boredom busters

It's always great to have a few ideas up your sleeve in case of a boredom emergency. Here is a selection of fun, easy ideas that you can pull together in no time to keep little ones happy and out of mischief! If you are super-lucky you might even get five minutes to grab a quiet cuppa!

###  sensory play

  * Pour a bag of rice or pasta shapes into a big, deep container. Get out some smaller jugs, tumblers and bowls. Perfect for scooping, pouring and measuring.
  * Fill balloons with playdough and tie the ends securely to create fascinatingly squashy stress balls.

###  messy fun

  * On a sunny day, take a jug of water outside and make mud pies in the back garden.
  * Make some cloud dough: combine 8 cups of flour with one cup of baby oil for squidgy fun.
  * A bag of flour + a bowl + a sieve = hours of fun!

###  crazy art

  * Create bubble prints. Stir together ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of paint, and 1 tablespoon of washing-up liquid in a shallow, wide plastic bowl. Gently blow into the mixture using a straw until bubbles start to ooze out of the top of the bowl. Carefully lay a piece of paper on top of the cup to create the print.
  * Ice-cube painting. Add a few drops of food colouring
  * to water and freeze it in ice-cube trays. Once they are frozen, pop the cubes out and have fun painting with them on a big sheet of paper.
  * Create a marshmallow and toothpick sculpture.
  * Make a Paper Me. Stick together enough pieces of paper to make one piece that's big enough for your little (or not-so-little) one to lie down on. Now take a thick pen and draw all the way around him or her. Once your child get up, you'll be left with a life-sized body shape for them to decorate however they like!
  * Make a play mat. Get a large piece of paper, place on the floor and draw in roads, traffic lights, houses, rivers and shops. Then get your toy cars out and let them zoom all the way around the 'town'.

###  science

  * Make a volcano! Place an empty baby food jar on a tray. Surround the jar with playdough and mould it to look like a mountain. Put a drop of red food coloring and a tablespoon of baking soda in the jar. Then add some vinegar to it and stand clear as it erupts!
  * Raisin Rising: Pour clear carbonated soda water into a clear glass. Drop four or five raisins into the glass. Watch and see how the air bubbles make the raisins rise and fall.
  * Get to work cleaning old copper coins using a mixture of vinegar and salt and scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

###  nature & outdoor fun

  * Collect a selection of natural objects – shells, roots or seeds, for example – for a nature table.
  * Adopt a pet snail...but remember to let him go again at the end of the afternoon.
  * Try some outdoor water painting. Simply use a cup of water and a paintbrush – great on a dry sunny day!
  * When it's raining, go worm collecting. Put on your rubber boots and grab the washing up liquid – the worms will soon surface!

###  recycling bin

  * Make a postbox from an old cardboard box. Cut a slot to post your letters through, then write (or draw) some letters to post.
  * Create your own bowling set using empty plastic bottles and a ball. This is a good indoor game for rainy or wintry afternoons!
  * Make crazy masks from paper plates decorated with items found in your recycling box, such as paper, plastic lids and baking foil.

###  bathtime

  * Make fun and foamy bathpaints by mixing up shaving foam and food colouring in plastic beakers.
  * Have fun pouring and squirting water from old shampoo, soap or handwash bottles.
  * Try a sink/float experiment: gather a selection of household objects together, then have fun guessing which ones will sink and which will float!
  * Play with ice cubes in the bath.

###  role play

  * Do the washing. Make a child-sized washing line with some string and a couple of sticks stuck in the ground. Then have some fun 'washing' clothes and pegging them on the line.
  * If you have a large cardboard box, put it on its side and open a shop or café. Stock it with bits and pieces from around the house.
  * If your little one is into transport, line up all your kitchen chairs – they make great buses and trains.

###  miscellaneous

  * On a rainy day, get out a pile of blankets, bedcovers and sheets and drape them over chairs and tables to make a hideaway or den.
  * Make some homemade bubble mixture and bend pipe cleaners/chenille stems into wands, then get blowing!
  * Sit around the kitchen table and make straw necklaces.

##  directory of suppliers

###  Superstores

Hobbycraft

<http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk>

Chain of UK crafting superstores that will meet all your crafting needs. Either check out the store locator on the website to find your nearest store or shop online.

Michaels

<http://www.michaels.com>

A chain of North American crafting stores that will meet all your crafting needs. Either check out the store locator on the website to find your nearest store or shop online.

Paperchase

<http://www.paperchase.co.uk>

Nationwide UK chain that's great for coloured paper, metallic gel pens, card and ribbon as well as unusual gifts and cute stationery. Check out the store locator on the website to find your nearest store or shop online.

Screwfix (UK)

<http://www.screwfix.com>

Great for nuts, bolts and any other tools and fixings you may need for the projects in this book. Check out the store locator on the website to find your nearest store or shop online.

Spotlight

<http://www.spotlight.com.au>

Australian website and chain of craft stores. Fantastic for all things crafty. Check out the website to order a catalogue and find your nearest store or shop online.

###  Smaller retailers

The Bargain Home Shop

<http://stores.ebay.co.uk/The-Bargain-Home-Shop>

Untreated wooden curtain rings for the Ribbon Rings project.

Beadingcrafty

www.beadingcrafty.com

Great for beads, charms and jewellery findings.

Cakes, Cookies and Crafts

www.cakescookiesandcraftsshop.co.uk

Large selection of different food colourings and tints in every imaginable shade. Also cookie cutters for the Easy Birdfeeder.

Guy's Magnets

<http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Guys-Magnets>

Supplier of neodymium magnets for the Magnetic Fishing Game.

Jaswallhead

<http://stores.ebay.co.uk/jaswallhead>

Supplier of threading laces and other craft supplies.

Jodie's Stencils and Punches

<http://stores.ebay.co.uk/jodiesstencilsandpunches>

Supplier of craft punches.

Little Crafty Bugs

www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk

Good selection of kids' craft punches and colourful card and googly eyes.

Maxumtradecraft

<http://stores.ebay.co.uk/maxumtradecraft>

Great for bells, beads, charms and findings.

Patteson's Glass

<http://www.jarsandbottles.co.uk/>

Small glass bottles and jars for the Jar of Love project.

Purpleroomcrafts

<http://stores.ebay.co.uk/purpleroomcrafts/>

Suppliers of mirror card and other crafty supplies.

Shipwreck Beads

www.shipwreckbeads.com

Large selection of plastic beads in every colour and shape imaginable. Good for the Kaleidescope project.

###  Blogs and websites

Chez Beeper Bebe

<http://www.chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/>

Crafty blogger with an Etsy shop.

How About Orange

<http://www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com/>

A blog that's brimming with craft tutorials, DIY projects, free downloads, decorating tips, and design inspiration for adults.

Say YES! to Hoboken

<http://www.sayyestohoboken.com/>

Inspiring blog all about stylish and crafty living. Aimed at adults, but includes some kids' crafting projects.

Poppytalk

<http://www.poppytalk.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html>

Poppytalk is a Canadian design blog dedicated to promoting emerging design talent. Gorgeous projects and printables.

Whipup

<http://www.whipup.net>

Whip Up was founded in 2006 by Kathreen Ricketson. Its aim is to bring the best original and exciting crafts to the attention of many. Worth visiting for the cute tutorials from guest bloggers.

Ikat bag

<http://www.ikatbag.com>

Cute, colourful blog that focusses on sewing and cardboard crafts.

Meet me at Mikes

<http://www.meetmeatmikes.com/>

If you want to learn to crochet, this is the place to visit. Great for recipes and general chit-chat!

Red Ted Art's blog

<http://www.redtedart.com/>

Hundreds of fun ideas for crafting with kids.

Oh Happy Day!

<http://www.ohhappyday.com/>

Gorgeous and inspiring design blog aimed at adults.

What I Made

<http://www.whatimade.com/>

A quirky arts and crafts blog containing an eclectic mix of do-it-yourself craft projects all accompanied by fun hand drawn tutorials.

The Journals of Giddy Giddy

<http://blog.giddygiddy.com/>

Inspiring blog of designer and crafter Teri Dimalanta. Features experiments with felt, paint and textiles.

Made by Joel

<http://www.madebyjoel.com/>

Made by Joel is a space to share art, craft, and handmade education projects for children and their care givers.

Tinkerlab

<http://www.tinkerlab.com>

Rachelle Doorley's blog contains hundreds of creative experiments for you to try out with your kids.

Arvindgupta Toys

<http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys.html>

A wonderful website with lots of fascinating experiments and heaps of tutorials on making toys from trash.

E-coloriage

www.e-coloriage.com

French website with free cute and quirky colouring pages for kids, all with an environmental theme.

Curly Birds

<http://www.curlybirds.typepad.com/>

Curly Birds is a blog devoted to crafts for children and the art of play. Lots of whimsical ideas for crafting and decorations and particularly good for cute sewing projects for preschoolers.

##  acknowledgements

I would like to say a huge thank you to Carolyn Barber for all her wonderful photography. Thanks also to Sonya Nathoo and Annabel Morgan for their general support and for all the super work they have done on the design, layout and text.

Thank you to all the gorgeous kids who modelled for the book and played with all the projects so enthusiastically.

And, finally, thank you to Seth and Tom, for inspiring me, and for making me a really happy Mum!

Ryland, Peters and Small would like to thank all the children who modelled for this book, including Giselle, Hope, Jack, Lola, Lucas, Mia, Rosie, Ruby, Sammy and Zak.

##  about the author

Kate Lilley has a degree in Fine Art and a Master's Degree in Visual Communication. She then went on to work as a web designer before landing the best job in the world: becoming a Mum! After spending an increasing amount of time trying to find 'green' activities for her sons, Kate set up her blog, www.minieco.co.uk, which chronicles her adventures in crafting with her two young sons using inexpensive materials found around the home. Mini-eco has just celebrated its second birthday and currently receives approximately 150,000 visits a month.

##  about the photographer

Carolyn Barber is a well-known interiors and lifestyle photographer. Her work is greatly sought after by clients such as Debenhams, Crabtree & Evelyn and Jane Churchill and is featured in magazines including Livingetc and House & Garden.
Senior Designer Sonya Nathoo

Editors Annabel Morgan and Miriam Catley

Head of Production Patricia Harrington

Art Director Leslie Harrington

Editorial Director Julia Charles

Stylist Liz Belton

Published by Ryland Peters & Small

20–21 Jockey's Fields

London WC1R 4BW

and 519 Broadway, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10012

www.rylandpeters.com

Print edition 2012

Digital edition 2012

Text © Ryland Peters & Small 2012

Design and commissioned photographs © Ryland Peters & Small 2012

The authors' moral rights have been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

ISBN 978 1 84975 204 6

eISBN 978 1 84975 311 1

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

US Library of Congress cataloging-in-publication data has been applied for.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaBook


text:
Elisabeth af Bayern (25. juli 1876 i Possenhofen ved Starnberger See - 23. november 1965 i Bruxelles) var dronning af Belgien som ægtefælle til kong Albert 1. af Belgien.

Hun blev født som hertuginde i Bayern og var datter af Karl Theodor, hertug i Bayern og prinsesse Maria Josepha af Portugal. Hun var niece til sin navnesøster, Kejserinde Elisabeth af Østrig-Ungarn.

Ægteskab og børn
Den 2. oktober 1900 giftede hun sig med Albert 1. af Belgien. Hun blev først prinsesse af Belgien og derefter dronning for belgierne (1909- og helt indtil sin død i 1965). De fik tre børn:

 Leopold (3. november 1901 – 25. september 1983). Efterfulgte sin far som konge fra 1934.
 Karl, (10. oktober 1903 – 1. juni 1983). Regent af kongeriget fra 1944 til 1951. Han giftede sig den 14. september 1977 med Jacqueline Peyrebrune.
 Marie José, som senere blev dronning af Italien (1946).

Dronning Elisabeth døde 89 år gammel i 1965.

Eksterne henvisninger

Dronninger af Belgien
Huset Wittelsbach
Ikke-regerende dronninger
Kongelige fra Tyskland
Hertuger i Bayern

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Can Peter Dutton repair the democracy 'loyal opposition'.
Democracy is under threat, and a significant part of the problem stems for the distortion of the current model of 'opposition'. While the politics of division and polarisation of the USA Trump republicans vs Biden democrats attracts most attention on the world stage right now, what happens in Australia following the recent election which saw democracy strike back (page coming soon), has the potential to provide the world with an alternate blueprint for the role of the opposition party, which could reinvigorate democracy and spread to the US and elsewhere.
Is there an alternative to the current Republicans vs Democrats style, where 'opposition' is about each party demonising the other?
Democracy is under threat, but change is coming.
The topic of how democracy is under threat justifies not only its own separate page, but also books such as "The Good State" by A.C. Grayling which suggests "The foundations upon which our democracies stand are inherently flawed, vulnerable to corrosion from within".
Also consider that Russia, China and North Korea are all in theory democracies even though we do not necessarily see them that way. It is clear that a democracy can evolve into a democracy in name only, as is the case with Russia which was thought to function as a democracy prior to the reign of Putin, but many now see as no longer a functional democracy.
Historically, democracy is an aberration, and a quick search reveals that those who analyse the situation come to the conclusion that "Democracy is on life support in the US. And if democracy can die there, it can die anywhere".
Existing for an extend time on life support clearly undesirable. Realistically, either a change restores health, or the future is bleak. Either breakthroughs will restore the health of democracy, or situations in that in Turkey (Turkiye?) where a quick search reveals many also believe has democracy has died, will continue to spread around the globe.
The key threat to democracy discussed here, is that the role of the opposition has fallen from the theoretical 'loyal opposition', to that of a destructive opposition, which is one of the major threats democracies face.
This means one of key pillars of democracy: a free press, a legal system preventing corruption, and an opposition able to ensure the arguments against policies put forward are considered, is failing. The result is not only democracy under threat, but the risk of people being denied from living under a well functioning government.
The threat of destructive oppositions.
The theory behind a 'loyal' opposition.
Parliament, or congress, is intended to allow for debate of issues.
In competitive debates, there are two teams, one presenting the yes or affirmative case, and another presenting to the no or negative case, with an audience left to vote on the winning case. This is somewhat similar to the legal system where there is prosecution and defence, and then a jury to votes on the case.
When governments propose laws, someone should ideally consider the arguments against those rules, and look for unintended and negative consequences.
The need to have the 'no' case presented by people not invested in the 'yes' case creates the need for a team to represent the 'opposition' arguments. To ensure balance, this teams needs similar resources to those available to the the team presenting the 'yes' case.
The concept is a 'loyal' opposition, as their goal is to debate and oppose propositions put forward by the government, while being loyal to the laws and constitution of the country. The opposition is to be loyal to the appointed government for the duration the term of that government in office.
While the opposition will normally be seeking to be elected as the party or team of government at some point in the future, up until that time a 'loyal opposition' will debate against the government, but accept the outcome of those debates.
'Loyal' Oppositions vs alternative governments.
The conflict between acting as a loyal opposition and as an alternative government.
Ideally, an opposition would debate the 'no' case against any government legislation in an unbiased manner, just as a defence lawyers is required to present arguments against the guilt of their client, without themselves prejudging guilt or innocence.
A problem is that arguing a 'no' case you do not necessarily support has little appeal, and you would hope governments will more often win such debates as they are choosing the topics to be debated.
In reality, oppositions pick only fights where opposing the government fits with the position of their policies. True debating style opposition, would require a separating the stance taken during debates from the policy of the party. True debating would require the 'loyal opposition' to have a completely neutral stance on policy, in order to be able to raise the case for the 'opposing' view to that taken by the government. For example, in the USA, if the current government is proposing continuing to allow sale of assault weapons to the public, the opposition should argue the 'against' case, regardless of their own policy. As politics operates today, this would be confusing for voters, who have only ever seen parties debate their own policy. So if the opposition policy is in agreement with the government, there is no real debate as to the merits of policy at all.
The completely disloyal alternative government.
Opposition political parties in practice focus solely on positioning themselves as an alternative government. Their goal becomes unrelated to the 'loyal opposition' goal of ensuring good government during the current parliamentary term, and instead their goal becomes all about trying to persuade voters the current government should not be re-elected. To achieve this goal, the focus very often becomes about undermining the elected government, and trying to ensure their term in office is a failure.
Destructive vs 'loyal' oppositions.
While oppositions normally remain loyal to the constitution and laws, they are often in no way loyal the the overall parliament, despite being members of that parliment.
In practice, in place of a 'loyal' opposition devoted to ensuring the current government produces the best outcome for the people, as an 'alternative government', the goal becomes that of convincing the voters that the current government should not even be in power.
In reality, opposition parties will often do whatever they can without voters blaming the opposition, to ensure the current term of government unsuccessful.
So in practice, members of the opposition parties, can end up being paid by taxpayers to sabotage government.
Normally, in theory, all members of parliament are funded by taxes to perform their duties in running the government, quite separately form any funding available for election campaigns, but in practice, sometimes the only function of the opposition is an ongoing campaign for their re-election.
The threat: dictatorships in order to eliminate destructive oppositions
When it becomes reality, or is perceived as possible to become reality, that the opposition will simply be an application of taxpayer funds focused solely on overthrowing the party in power, it should be no surprise that governments take steps to hinder the efforts of opposition parties. However, without effective opposition parties, the result what we see in North Korea, China, many would say Russian, and even since 2019, Turkey.
The climate for a change in Democracy, in Australia, and beyond.
The 2022 Australia Election: A Record vote against the two main parties.
In the 2022 national election in Australia, the victorious Labor Party, previously in opposition, won government from opposition despite a fall in their primary vote from the losing 33% in 2019, to an even lower winning 31.9% in 2022. How do you lose voter support and win? Answer: The other major party loses even more support.
Approximately 1 in 3 voters voted for either a minor party, or an independent candidate, and a record number of independent candidates were elected to parliament.
What was the recipe for the change in voting.
Conventional thinking is a lobby group can persuade both parties to adopt a position unpopular, as once both parties are on board, there is no reason for voters to change their vote. But what if, at election time, voters are given an additional choice of well funded independent candidates in in key seats?
At least one unpopular policy shared by both major parties, together with general voter disillusionment with the political parties, can provide the wedge for well backed candidates to win in targeted electoral districts, breaking the two party stranglehold on 'owning' all representatives.
I will explain the strategy in more detail in another page coming soon, but although a bigger challenge without Australia's preferential voting system, the same system could even be applied to win a number of seats in the US congress.
The key ingredient is to have at least one policy that can be high profile frustration for voters, where both parties are supporting a lobby groups over voters. In Australia the frustration it was fossil fuel lobbyists over climate action, in the US it could easily be gun control.
Independents vs party reform: alternate paths for change.
In Australia this first battle against the parties has already changed the landscape, but whether this is a movement, or just a temporary phase is not yet determined. There are two possible futures:
Political parties address the issues triggering voter disillusionment.
At least one of the main parties fails to adapt, and spirals into decay, ending two party dominance.
It will could take a full term of government before there is sufficient evidence of real change for other countries to have confidence to try and follow.
The Peter Dutton 'loyal opposition' risk factor.
A new and unexpected opposition leader.
The confusingly named centre right 'Liberal Party', not only lost the recent election, they in the process also lost key representatives, including Josh Frydenberg, who it was expected would become the next party leader. The result is that Peter Dutton, with a reputation of being a further right candidate, to lead a party needing change. With the election result representing a shift to the left centre, does the Liberal party take the risk of moving further right as to be expected with Dutton as leader, or can Dutton defy expectations, and reposition to the centre.
I heard one comment: "If they think Peter Dutton is the answer, they do not understand the question."
However, that is the attitude of those who would not choose Dutton, and believes the party needs to move towards the centre. While the party has chosen Dutton, if Dutton can change, the party can still return to the centre.
so either they see a different question, or have a different version of Dutton in mind.
A party at a cross roads: Who is the Liberal party.
A big question becomes "where should the Liberal party position itself on the political spectrum?".
Some blame the election loss on Liberals deserting their 'core' conservative values. I will add more to this section with comments, but it all comes down to a question as to what cores values Liberal party members decide it should have going forward. The party was created by Robert Menzies who, like most people born in the 19th century, held views that would today in the 21st century, be regarded as very conservative, even if in his time, Menzies thought of himself as liberal.
At least Peter Dutton declares the Liberal party is NOT the Conservative party.
"We aren't the Moderate Party. We aren't the Conservative Party. We are Liberals. We are the Liberal Party. We believe in families, whatever their composition, [in] small and micro businesses, [we are] for aspirational, hard-working 'forgotten people' across the cities, suburbs, regions and in the bush," he said.
Peter Dutton: Abc.net.
'I will change' didn't work for Morrison, but for Dutton the question is "to what?"
This will be interesting. For me, the start is not good:
Dutton said he has had "tough jobs" in the past and hopes the public can see "the rest of his character".
"I've had tough jobs — firstly as a policeman dealing with serious sexual assaults and murders, to home affairs minister where I deported drug traffickers and child sex offenders."
To me, Peter Dutton's own words highlight the problem. For background, note that some these people Peter Dutton deported have lived their entire lives in Australia.
To me, that background puts the thoughts expressed as following the extreme right characteristic of banding people as either innately "good" or "bad", and in some of the deportation cases, purely on the basis of their ancestry. The concept of the "the innocent child assumption" is not accepted at all.
Yes, people who commit crimes must be punished. But the saying that "it takes a village to raise a child" becomes relevant. Deporting people criminal bad behaviour, when they were raised their whole life in the "village" of Australia, seems to be declaring these people innately "evil", solely on the basis of their ancestry.
The applied by Dutton is that of "othering", even though the people in question were raised as children of the Australian village. When your child does something wrong, you know they must be punished, but you are still sad, and wonder how you failed. A leader needs to be able to think as a parent for a large group, but this mindset of "othering" is still part of the mindset of Peter Dutton, so he does not yet understand how other people see his actions.
The appearance is that Peter Dutton does genuinely want to change, but he does not yet understand how he needs to change.
The real problem: Missing the message and the 'disloyal' opposition.
"By the time of the next election in 2025 we will have presented a plan to the Australian people which will clean up Labor's inevitable mess and lay out our own vision," he said. "We won't be Labor lite."
Peter Dutton quoted by the Guardian on day of elevation to party leader: May 30, 2022.
Is declaring that it is inevitable the other party will create a mess a sign of a Peter Dutton's softer side? This sentiment, and the declaration that "this is bad government", prior to the government even being appointed, have been repeated several times by Dutton already.
The tone is more a commitment to the politics of polarisation, than any suggestion of a constructive role in opposition. In an ideal world, the words would have been something like: "by the time of the next election people will realise it has been our voice in parliament and ideas that have provided the greatest contribution during this term of government". But sadly, no.
At some point, the Australian people may begin to question why all the members of such an opposition are highly paid, given their intent to ensure the current government is dysfunctional.
The new loyal opposition: 'changed' Dutton or Independents?
The structure of the Australian government for 2022.
Governing Labor party: 77
The coalition opposition:
Liberals (27) and Liberal Nationals (21): 48
Nationals: 10
Crossbench:
Greens: 4
Others: 12
The coalition is a complex alliance that while technically being three parties, acts as two parties each with their own leader: the liberals led by Peter Dutton and the Nationals led by David Littleproud.
The liberals, as the largest non government group, could act alone as opposition, but require the additional numbers from the Nationals to present as having numbers feasible to be alternative government.
The possible paths in Opposition for Dutton and the Liberal/National Coalition.
There are two possible paths to the opposition led by Dutton:
Transform into a true 'loyal opposition' to win back support lost to the independents.
Increase polarisation even further in the style of Trump, with a hope of attracting new voters currently supporting the Labor party now in government.
The problem for the opposition led by Dutton is that they do not yet even understand how they need to transform. They are addressing symptoms, but not the core problem. In a post election recent interview, the new leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, when asked what message they received from voters on the need for climate action, basically stated that he saw the message as they need to keep up their good work. He would not acknowledge the fact that voters disapproving of his parties stance on climate was a key reason they are no longer in government. Was it the wrong time to acknowledge the problem, or does he genuinely miss the point?
What is clear, is that as overall opposition leader, Peter Dutton has failed to read the message that a significant part of the electorate, in voting independent, was frustrated with the adversarial current two part system. Either Peter Dutton gets this message and adapts, or he is left with strategy number 2.
The alternate path is to try and build outrage not against the political system, but against the other party. Unlike Donald Trump, Peter Dutton cannot claim to be outside the political system, so all the outrage needs to be built against a party that has not even yet started its time in power. With looming inflation, energy price shocks, and a housing affordability crisis, it may be possible to generate outage in a new group of voters, but it is a big gamble to try and pin problems that began when you were in power on a new government.
Independents as the real 'loyal opposition'?
Logically, a genuine 'loyal opposition' cannot be focused on deposing the government. The independents and Greens would make a more logical choice to present as 'loyal opposition'. There are many challenges, but separating 'loyal opposition' from 'alternative government' has the potential to solve a key problem of democracy if it could be achieved formally.
The independents formally being 'loyal opposition' is not yet even on the radar, but achieving this role in practice is very realistic. If the actual opposition fails in its attempts to remain relevant, given that strong support from independents is all the government requires to secure legislation, the role of the liberals in opposition could become sidelined.
To me is seems clear, Peter Dutton has received the message that he needs to change for the electorate to find him acceptable as the leader a the Liberal party that could win government.
What is not yet determined is how he will change.
What is not yet clear, is if he understands the very different position his party finds itself in now it is in opposition. Not since WWII, have so many independents been elected. With a clear expression of voter frustration at the two party system, he can either try to somehow channel frustration towards his enemies, or look to reduce the frustration.
The very real prospect is that the independents will end up acting as the real opposition, and the electorate may find that far more appealing. Then the next step, would be how to ensure government remains with an independent opposition, in place of a government funded team of insurgents trying to undermine government.
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A different perspective: Humans maybe the greatest threat to life on Earth but also the only hope.
The title 'one finite planet' can be mistaken to be yet another proclamation of how we live on this amazing planet which could even be unique, and we humans are foolishly placing it all at risk. Boring.
No. Instead, the perspective is we are living on a planet that is naturally hostile to humans, where nature dictates only a limited total amount of life, can only exist for a limited time, and that time is almost at an end. When seen from this perspective, even the environment mission changes from just not interfering, to the more complex task of tackling the challenge of overcoming nature, while yes, quite importantly, not bringing life to an early end in the process.
COP27: Climate change action sabotage?
Reports from COP27 seems indicate the key initiative this year to make wealthy nations cover the cost of the damages poor nations will incur as a result of emissions that have main originated from those wealthy nations.
The proposal as it stands has a missing an essential piece, and trying to cover for that essential piece, appears most to likely to increase emissions, and move COP away from a focus on solving the climate crisis and instead toward just fighting over the cost.
This is a troubled look at the key flaw in what has been put forward and the real solution that should be in place.
Fragile Democracy: Was Scott 'Scomo' Morrison autocrat of Australia?
Democracy collapses when a leader, who is able to bypass the checks and balances, uses their position to retain power.
Steps by recent leaders Scott Morrison and Australia and Donald Trump in the USA, raise questions as to whether current reliance on conventions and constitutions reliably protects democracy.
China, Russia and even North Korea are all technically democracies, and all proof of how technically being a democracy does not necessarily deliver real democracy.
News & Updates.
News and updates for early May 2022. Climate at +1.5 within 5 years confirmed as realistic threat.
News In Brief.
It is now war until the end for Putin. If Putin is to win in Ukraine, he would simply have to start a new war elsewhere, as relations with Russia could never again return to 'normal' without charges of war crimes being held.
WWIII?
Was Feb 24th, the start of WWIII? Is it a world war of sanctions, troops and tanks, or nuclear?
NATO, and specifically the US, seem to feel the risk of WWIII is so real, that they refuse Ukraine any assistance that could defeat Putin's forces and anger him further. Their hope seems to be "let him win on the battlefield but lose through sanctions".
Topics: Leaders, Followers and Propaganda, News

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Elephant rejuvenation camp likely to be postponed due to pandemic
R. AKILEISH
Coimbatore, December 06, 2020 00:05 IST
Updated: December 06, 2020 00:05 IST
The annual rejuvenation camp for temple and mutt elephants held at Thekkampatti, near Mettupalayam, in Coimbatore district is likely to be postponed this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Official sources at Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department here told The Hindu on Saturday that the State government is yet to announce a date for the camp. The HR&CE Department officials from Coimbatore recently sent the details regarding the camp to Commissioner of HR&CE Department S. Prabhakar, but a reply is awaited, the sources said.
With preparatory works yet to commence at Thekkampatti, the elephant rejuvenation camp is expected to begin either in the last week of December or the first week of January 2021. The previous elephant camp began on December 15, 2019 and ended on January 31, this year.
Sources said that the State government is examining the feasibility of conducting the elephant camp amid the pandemic, given the logistical challenges of transporting nearly 30 elephants from prominent temples and mutts across the State. The mahouts, veterinarians, officials and staff from the HR&CE Department as well as the Forest Department who participate in the camp may be required to undergo COVID-19 tests.
With the annual camp also attracting many visitors from across the State and the country every year, safety protocols such as personal distancing norms will most likely be put in place when held. The State government may consider these factors and will make an announcement, according to the sources.
When contacted, Coimbatore Collector K. Rajamani said that the district administration has not received any direction from the State government regarding the camp as of Saturday.
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Printable version | Jan 15, 2021 11:11:52 PM | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/elephant-rejuvenation-camp-likely-to-be-postponed-due-to-pandemic/article33260592.ece
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