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Step 1: Gather materials

• 2 wooden dowels (one about 1/4 smaller)
• large piece of paper or fabric
• tape
• thread
• lightweight string, twine, or fishing line
• craft knife
• ruler
• pencil, pen, or marker
• scissors
• ribbon

Step 2: With the craft knife, carve a notch into both ends of each wooden dowel.

Step 3: Place the shorter stick crosswise over the longer stick, 1/4 of the way down. When the sticks are laying down, all the notches should run parallel to the ground. Take the string and wrap it tightly around the center of your sticks, making an “X” shape, binding them together. Double check that the notches remain parallel to the ground.

Step 4: Thread the string through the notches, creating a diamond shape. Wrap it around a couple times, making sure the string is taut. This is will be the frame of your kite. Tie the string back towards the center of your kite and tie it off with a knot.

Step 5: Cut your paper or fabric so that it is slightly larger than the kite frame.

Step 6: Fold the paper or fabric over the string frame, and either tape it down if using paper or sew it if using fabric.

Step 7: Reinforce the top and bottom ends of your kite with strong tape. Then, punch a hole through these reinforced ends.

Step 8: Cut a of string, and knot one end of the through the top hole and the other end through bottom hole. This will form the bridle of your kite. Take the remainder of your string, and tie one end of it to the bridle, about 1/3 of the way down. This will be your flying string.

Step 9: Using string and ribbon create a tail for your kite, about 2 meters long. This will help stabilize your kite when flying.

Step 10: Fly and have fun!

I know, I know… it’s August…. it’s hot… and no one wants to be inside anymore than they have to. But, here’s a fun summer project, for you and your kids, that’ll get you back outside enjoying the weather before you know it.

- Check out the full tutorial here

If you’re kids enjoy spending all day riding around on bikes then this is the project for you. A cute little fabric bicycle bucket for their handle bars. They can use it to store all their favorite treats and treasures as they spend their summer days exploring the neighborhood.

And while you’re at it… why not make a few cute things to help fill the bucket?

You could pack them a picnic lunch with a reusable sandwich wrap, snack bag and water bottle holder. Or how about some fun things to play with? Make your own sidewalk chalk, or some fun travel games like checkers or memory. If you’ve got a budding artist on your hands, try this drawing case, or crayon roll. And last but not least… try a picnic without the mess. This felt food is fun to play with and can be used over and over again for endless picnic fun.

These handmade crayons are completely edible. Made from nuts, berries, dried fruits, marshmallows and fruity pebbles, then pressed into a crayon mold. Click here to see all the photos of how they were made.

More Halloween goodness coming your way. Maritza from Soto Softies, has a fantastic bat pattern for sale on her Etsy store. A bunch of these strung from the ceiling would make fantastic Halloween decorations.

Not sure you’re ready to take on a whole softie? Why not take a start with Maritza’s free batty finger puppet pattern here.

Ok so today is October first and you know what that means… Halloween is only a month away! In honor of that, and to get your creative juices flowing here is a super cute costume idea for all you knitters out there with little ones!

Frog not your style? Alison Jenkins’ book Wacky Baby Knits, has all kinds of projects, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

Check out the frog tutorial here

Fall is quickly approaching, and bringing with it thoughts of spending cold and rainy days by curled up in front of a roaring fire, playing games with friends and family. If that’s what comes to your mind as well, when you think of fall then this adorable fabric checker board is just what you need.

I heart linen has a great tutorial which was also just published in the fall issue of Sew News.

- Full tutorial here

Ok so I know I’m a little late for back-to-school. But now that all the rush is over, the school supplies are all bought and everyone’s settling back into routines, you might have a little more time on your hands. If so why not make a very cute reusable lunch bag.

See the full tutorial here.

Or check out these other great ideas for lunch bags:

- Note Book Lunch Bag from design*sponge
- Fabric Lunch Bag from Etsy
- Sandwich Wrap from Craft Stylish

I stumbled across this amazing playhouse made out of woven willow while browsing treehugger for some work related research. Judith Needham, is a basket maker and willow weaver from England, who set out to make a beautiful and magical playhouse for her daughter as an alternative to the all too common plastic playhouses, found in every suburban neighborhood.

Handmade from natural English willow, not only is this playhouse beautiful to look at, but it’s also incredibly eco-friendly. The structure gradually degrades over time, due to sun and rain exposure, but when your child out grows it and it becomes brittle, it may be recycled: shredded and used for garden mulch, added to a compost bin, or used as kindling for building a fire.

Currently only available in the UK, and with a hefty price tag it’s definitely not something for everyone. But I hope this inspires you to consider building something imaginative and creative for your child.

For more about the ‘Dreaming Spires Playhouse’ visit http://www.judithneedham.co.uk/