Tickle Their Fancy

 

So what's a mama to do when she has a few colored feathers left over from a project? Make Quill Pencils, of course!

 

I had this simple little project on my brain for weeks now and I don't know why it took me so long to get around to it. It took all of about ten minutes (actually two sittings of five minutes each; I had to wait for glue to dry). In fact, it seem that all of my crafty projects lately are of the ten-minute variety. I'm big on instant gratification crafting lately. And dreaming up bright ideas that are the perfect combination of form, function, and fun. This one definitely fits that description. Plus, it makes me smile!

Here's the basic how-to:

 

First, I glued feathers to the tops of small colored pencils. Then I went and did something else while the glue dried.

 

When I came back, I put some more glue around the top of the pencil and wrapped some embroidery floss around the spot where I had attached the feather. Done. Easy-Peasy.

And why, you ask, do we need colorful Quill Pencils? Let's just say, change is good. Novelty is very exciting for kids. It spices things up. I put these in the Writer's Workshop and sparked Jack's interest by saying, "Hey, check out the new pencils in your Writer's Workshop!"

And guess who was still writing an hour later?

(I was tickled pink!)

Comments

[Mama Bird]

What a cute idea! I love your blog - I've been dreaming about a Writing Workshop for my oldest chick since I read about yours. Thank you for great inspiration.

[Laura G.]

Those are so cute! And I totally agree - sometimes you just need a little change to spark the interest again :)

[amber]

you are so cute! love these & would love to see what other quick crafts you've been up to lately! :)

[mammagiramondo]

So cute!!! I'll do it for my 3 year's old little boy too. tahnks for sharing it!!

[Courtney]

Oh, those are great. Elliot would love those.

[rebeca]

What a great, simple idea! Keep em coming.

[katherine marie]

Fantastic as always!!!!!!! Love your new banner too. :)

[exhale. return to center.]

oooo...these will make a nice gift in my favorite little writers' easter baskets!!!

thank you!

[erika]

Such a clever idea, I can't wait to make this!!!

[Rachel]

What a great idea and they're SO pretty! I love this, I'll be linking.

[ginger]

Also be linking, so cute easy craft for all ages great tutorial!
Have a wonderful day!

[Michelle]

What a cute idea! Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I'm going to have to do this for a certain pre-k class. They'll love them. :)

[Amy]

I love your blog and wanted to give you a blog award! Go to my site http://simplemessyfun.blogspot.com/ and see all the details. I have a 3 1/2 year old that is just starting work on reading and writing and your site has been an awesome resource. Thanks!

[Andrea]

I love this blog! I just read the whole thing. My 5 year old is writing and right now she is copying words from her story books. Even though she mixes up the letters a bit. She gets them all. I will definitely be using some of your ideas with her. I would love to hear/see some of your ideas for older children too. I have an 8 yr old and a 12 year old. My 8 yr old love to write entries on my blog.