Ahoy Matey!!

We are in a stay at home build a fort kind of mode today, so my item of the day is something I wish we had...

It is a pop up pirate tent, by Schilling.  The best part, besides the cool pirate flag on top, is that it easily folds down so you can store it under a bed or in a closet.  Today we will be building our fort the old fashioned way (pillows and blankets).  

Here is a fun craft to do, for all of you sailing the seven seas with us today...

I found this on a great kids craft site: http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com

Here's how you make it...

1. Unfold your large piece of newspaper completely.

2. The amount you cut (or don't cut) from your newspaper will determine the size of your hat. We cut ¼ of the newspaper off so that it would fit a 3 year old. This size will most likely work best for 3-6 year olds. For older children you don't have to cut any off at all.

3. Fold your newspaper in half.

4. Fold both outer corners down, meeting in the middle.

5. Put a couple of pieces of scotch tape on each triangle.

6. You'll notice that there are two pieces of newspaper at the bottom of the hat. Take one piece and fold it up, secure with tape if you want; then turn the hat over and fold the other paper up.

7. Cut out the Jolly Roger from the center of the paper (keep the scraps, you'll be using them in the next step). Use the template as a stencil: Place the paper over top of the center of your hat and brush paint over top. Remove the paper and you'll have your Jolly Roger printed on your hat. Younger children will find the paint easier, older children can use a marker in the stencil. Note: You will need to print the Jolly Roger Stencil on heavy paper if you want to use it for more than one hat.

8. Cut out the eyes and nose from the cut out stencil and glue them in place, and you're all done your Newspaper Pirate Hat!