Product Review~Dauber Dawgs Dot Markers

I've seen dot marker sets in educational supply stores before, and thought they would be fun for kids. I have a four-year-old grandson, Daniel, who loves to do arts and crafts so this was a perfect fit for us. Our Dauber Dawgs Washable Dot Markers came in a sturdy reusable cardboard box. There are eight markers with washable ink in these colors: Red, pink, blue, purple, yellow, orange, green, and brown.

The markers are comfortable in your hand, and chunky enough for toddlers. The bright rounded caps make it easy to know which color you are choosing, and there is no leaking if  you put the caps on correctly. The Dauber Dawgs are 3 fl. ounces each, non-toxic, and bpa free. Included in your purchase is a link to three PDF dot marker coloring books.

Our experience with Dauber Dawgs was mixed. I downloaded the animal coloring pages, and my grandson was so excited to use the markers. We both loved the bright, bold colors! Daniel had a  hard time getting just a dot to appear.  Sometimes it would work, but other times it looked more like a 'splat', or way too much ink came out. I assumed he was pressing too firmly, so then I tried. I was able to do a little better than he did, but still had the same problems no matter how carefully I applied the marker. After seeing all the great reviews, I'm thinking maybe I got a defective set. Here is Daniel's picture he made, which he ended up smearing the paint around after the dots didn't work as he had hoped, and using them more like a paintbrush. The next one is my attempt.

I really think Dauber Dawgs are a great product, but my markers definitely had problems with ink flow. The worksheets are adorable! Despite them not working how he had hoped, my grandson is still enjoying using his Dauber Dawgs Washable Markers.

You can buy a set for your children, give as a gift, or for adult use at Bingo, available at Amazon.

A fun, messy Christmas treat!

I saw this idea in a magazine (and of course I can't remember which one it was now to give credit where it is due) and we tried it out yesterday.  Very simple and fun.   All you need are cone-shaped ice cream cones, frosting, and sprinkles or whatever decorations you want that can stick to frosting. 

Add green food coloring to make the frosting nice and green.  Decorate as you wish with sprinkles, etc.

Here is Chad with his finished Christmas tree.  He says it was very yummy!!

Autumn Craft-Another use for the Laminator!!

I love my laminator.  It's awesome.  My family will tell you that I get excited when there is something that needs (or I want) to laminate.  And they're right-I do!  Our backyard is a beautiful mix of greens, yellows, oranges and reds right now, and I wanted Chad to do a craft with the leaves.  So he collected different leaves and placed them in the laminating pouch how he wanted them, and I (very carefully so the leaves wouldn't fall out) laminated it!  Turned out like a mini-placemat, and it looks pretty on a window with the light shining through it.  I tried to take some good pictures, but it was hard to get really good ones that show how pretty it is.  Here is the finished project up against the window:

 and laying on the table:

I'm sure there are tons of variations you could do with this.  I thought it would look pretty just loaded with leaves all mixed up and overlapping, but Chad was feeling rather orderly today apparently and this was what he wanted!!  This activity is also good to get outside and have a nature walk.  Now go use those laminators!!!!!

Cute idea for keeping kids busy while shopping!

Here is a great idea from Tip Junkie!  This site has TONS of great ideas and crafts!

Shop With Me Bingo {Printable Bingo Cards for Kids}

"Keep your kids busy while you are at the grocery store with this fun printable shopping bingo game. There is also an I Spy version for preschool age children. Print, laminate, and enjoy a shopping trip free of fits." (Wouldn't it be great if there was a guarantee with this??)


Here is the link to the post so you can make your own:
Tip Junkie Shop With Me Bingo Cards- I am definitely going to use these next time we go to the store!!