The Lorax at the Tacoma Mall

The Tacoma Mall is hosting an event to celebrate the release of The Lorax on dvd.  The event includes crafts that your kids can do and meeting several of your favorite characters from the movie.  Saturday July 28 from 1-3

If you already plan on going to the mall, (Back to School shopping anyone?) this is a great way to take a break between stores, and give the kids some time to let loose.  Typically these events are part of the Simon Kidgits program. If I remember correctly has a small annual fee $5 per child, they get a t-shirt and access to year round programs, like breakfast with Santa/Easter Bunny and craft fun like this.

I really use it more in the winter time because the weather can get so icky, and its nice to get out of the house.  The staff are nice and are great to answer your questions.

Nature Journal

I love fun crafty ideas.  Some stuff is just too skilled and takes years to learn to do right, like my friend who can sew anything.  Other things, that take an eye for balance, maybe color and a little bit of time…that is more my bag.  In an effort to keep my kids engaged, I try to do some interesting craft type things that have some hold-over value.  It builds the fine motor skills, but is also something they can tell a story with.

This next craft is a Nature journal and is inspired by two things: Pinterest (of course) and a tweet I saw from @ThurstonTalk.

From Pinterest

A nature journal is something you write down what you observe on your walks through parks, beaches, and even in your own backyard.  By having children write down their own ideas of what is interesting, you can gain insight into what they find fun and it also builds critical thinking skills.

In Thurston County, the LOTT Wet Science Center has a FREE craft where you can create your own nature journal activity.  Kids can make their own books Saturday, June 2nd between 10-4pm.

500 Adams Street NE

Then, you can take the kids on any number of trips later that day down in Olympia.  (all ideas from the Thurston Talk website:

• Bird watching at East Bay
• Family Bike Ride
• Tumwater Historical Park for the NW Run for Rhett event. (It starts at 9, so the kiddos will have to make the books after)
• The water at Port Plaza

Crafts from the Past

Fort Nisqually, due to a grant, is hosting a weekly event starting May 26th through September 2nd where participants can learn a new craft from a visiting artist.

The artist series looks really interesting and Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms including from 11-5pm:

• May 26-28  - Chris Berryman (Woodworking)
• June 2-3 - Anna Grzankowski (Textile/Needle Arts)
• June 9-10 – Darryl Hall (Calligraphy/Knotwork/Finger Weaving)
• June 16 - Cooking Event
• June 17  - Anna Grzankowski (Textile/Needle Arts)
• June 23-24 - Judy Bridges (Native American Basketry)
• June 30-July 1 - Chuck Larsen (Native American Beadwork)
• July 7-8 - Heather Kibbey/Mickey Pedersen (Spinning & Indigo Dying)
• July 14-15 - John Salicco (Banjo making
• July 21-22 - Glenn Sutt (Horn making/wire inlay/gunsmithing)
• July 28-29 – Blacksmithing
• Aug 4-5 - Chuck Larsen (Native American Beadwork)
• Aug 11-12 - Brigade Weekend
• Aug 18-19 - Judy Bridges (Native American Basketry)
• Aug 25-26 - Mickey Pederson & Heather Kibbey (Textile Arts)
• Sept 1-2 - Rich Repp (Horn making & Scrimshaw work)

Regular Admission *Family admission only $22

Adult (18-64)	$6.50	Senior (65+)	$5
Active Military/Spouse	$5	Student	$5
Youth (4-17)	$4	Ages 3 and under	Free