Rain Sticks that really do sound like rain.

Looking for a great idea to keep the kids busy… how about these Rain Sticks? I came across this cute craft looking for something to do with my daughter. She had a blast. Here is the link... and the instructions…

Materials: long tubes from gift wrap or paper towel, strips of cardboard, paper, tape, seeds or rice

• Cut out two 4 inch circles out of the paper (trace a cereal bowl for the shape). Put one over the end of the tube, and fold the sides down, and tape around the tube. Make sure it is well taped on and use sturdy paper so that your Rain Stick won't leak!
• 
  Cut cardboard strips are narrower than the tube (about 1 inch wide should work). Fold them back and forth like a fan. Put the strips into the tube.

• The first one should fall to the bottom of the tube. Keep adding strips until they reach the top of the tube.
• 
  Pour in 1/4 cup of rice and 2 tbsp of seeds (dried peas, popcorn, or lentils) into the tube.
• 
  Tape the other circle over the open end of the tube and tape in place.
• 
  Decorate the tube with markers, paints or by gluing on paper or ribbon.

Decorating the sticks can be the most fun. The kids can decorate the sticks before or after they have filled them. Just remember that paper circles will be taped part way down the sides if the kids want to do the decorating first.

thanks,

Frances ;o)

Armor Soldiers Host Women’s Craft Bazaar

See EVERBODY CRAFTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

U.S. Soldiers buy from a vendor during a women’s bazaar at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiya, Feb. 17, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jamie Vernon.

— Soldiers with the 63rd Armor Regiment got the chance to buy homemade products and souvenirs and further the cause of Iraqi women and their families recently when they hosted a bazaar to sell the women’s handiwork.”This is a great way for local women to improve their small businesses and take care of their families,” said Army Capt. Sara Woods, with the regiment’s 445th Civil Affairs Battalion. “It also allows our Soldiers to purchase authentic Iraqi souvenirs and gifts.”

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