How to Make a Big Homemade Parachute for Kids

DIY parachutes are totally something you can make on your own. Here's how to make a homemade parachute for kids using dollar store shower curtains.

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I think I'm rather genius for making this homemade parachute, especially since it's a fraction of the price of a store-bought one. I ended up making it for only $6 using shower curtains found at the dollar store.

Yes, $6!!

The inspiration came to me a few months ago...we have a shower curtain that we use as a splat mat for K when we eat in the dining room as we have light colored carpet in there (who puts white carpet in a dining room in the first place??). I was attempting to fold the shower curtain when K started lifting it and wiggling it. So I started moving it up and down like a parachute. He thought it was awesome and couldn't stop laughing. And that's when I had my aha moment!

I wondered...could I make a big play parachute out of shower curtains?

Obviously the answer is yes!

Here's the tutorial for how to sew a parachute out of dollar store shower curtains.

Homemade Parachute: What You'll Need

The overall cost for this DIY parachute is pretty low considering I used materials from the dollar store to make it happen. As I mentioned above, I only spent $6 on materials.

It's also rather large. This tutorial will help you make a parachute that is roughly 10' in diameter.

Here's what I used to make this homemade play parachute:

• 4 shower curtains (not fabric ones) - I paid $1.50 for each one.

• Scissors

• Sewing machine

• Thread in a coordinating color

Tutorial: How to Make a Big Play Parachute for Kids

I should mention that I am terrible at taking photos while I make any project so I do not have pictures for every step in the tutorial. So hopefully I can describe the process clearly enough.

It took me about 2 hours to make the entire parachute.

Step 1: Find the top of the shower curtain where the curtain hooks would go.  Cut that part off.  Repeat for all four shower curtains.

Step 2: Lay the shower curtain on the floor and fold diagonally (i.e., match top left corner with bottom right).  Cut along the fold.  Repeat for all four shower curtains.  You should end up with eight pieces.

Step 3: Lay out all the pieces on the floor (or outside if you need more space).  Be sure to organize it in the order that you want the final parachute to be.  When all the pieces are laid out, it should form a rectangle.

Step 4: Pick two neighboring pieces to start with.  Sew the right sides together.  I used a 4/8" seam allowance.  Well, I tried to...I don't always sew straight.

Step 5: Find the next piece and sew right sides together.  Repeat until all eight pieces have been sewn together.  It should form the large rectangle that you had laid out back in step 3.  It was at this point that I realized that my crazy idea was actually working out!

Step 6: (Optional) Fold the rectangle until it forms a large diamond, with the center of the parachute at the top.  Try to flatten the material as best as you can.  Cut the top of the diamond in a semi-circle shape.

Step 7: (Optional, but necessary if you decided to do step 6) Unfold the diamond so that you return to your rectangular parachute.  There should now be a circle in the middle of the parachute.  Sew a hem along this inner circle.

Step 8: Cut your entire parachute into a circle.  This step took a few practice cuts on a piece of folded paper before I figured out the easiest way to cut the parachute.  I didn't want to screw it up, so that's why I practiced with paper first.  I suggest you do the same.  Or lay the parachute out fully and cut it in a circle that way.  Do whatever is easiest.

Step 9: Hem the outer edge of the parachute.  I made a really huge hem so that the kids would have a better spot to hang onto when playing with the parachute.

Step 10: (Optional) Make handles using the scraps and sew them onto the parachute.  I didn't make handles (too lazy!) and the kids have had no problem hanging onto the parachute so that's why this step is optional.

That's it! You did it. You made a big play parachute!

DIY Parachute: The Finished Result!

The parachute ended up being approximately 10 feet in diameter, so it is quite large.

We can play with it in our basement (which will be perfect for rainy days and cold winter days), but I can't wait to use it outdoors. Now if only the snow would go away...

I tried numerous times to take a picture of the parachute in action, but the kids ended up all blurry and I had to help hang onto the parachute. Regardless, here are a few pictures to show you what it looks like.

Here is how large the parachute is in comparison with an 18 month old toddler.

Here's the parachute, folded in half, laying on my couch.

Final Thoughts on this DIY Parachute

I love how well this parachute turned out. It's so bright and cheery!

And the fact that it's translucent is a bonus because I can always tell where a child is underneath it.

It's also homemade and inexpensive, which are two more reasons to love it.

**DISCLAIMER: Never leave your child unattended with the parachute.  It's essentially a gigantic plastic bag.**

Other DIY Sensory Tools & Autism Hacks You'll Love

DIY Mario Climbing Wall

How to Make a DIY Sensory Tunnel

DIY Sensory Bed Sheet

How to Make Pokeballs

Easy DIY pokeballs for kids. Find out how to make a pokeball with this quick tutorial.

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We've fully embraced the world of Pokemon in our house. And have for years.

Since things are a little Pokemon-obsessed around here from time to time, I thought it would be fun to let the kids make DIY pokeballs, as we've already designed our own Pokemon cards.

These homemade pokeballs make a great craft for older kids and are an awesome homemade toy for encouraging imaginative play. But I could see them making a great party favor for a Pokemon themed birthday as well.

How to Make a Pokeball - A Super Easy DIY!

Here's what we used to make our DIY pokeballs:

• Styrofoam balls - Pick a size that will fit comfortably in your child's hands.

• Permanent markers

I started off by making the regular Pokeballs for the kids. Then six year old J made one of this own as well, but of course, it disappeared by the time I could take pictures. His turned out really great though!

So depending on the age of your child, they could certainly make their own Pokeballs as well. It would be a great craft for kids who really love Pokemon.

Or have your child design their own Pokeballs using these free Pokeball coloring sheets before making the 3D version.

I also tried making some of the other types of pokeballs, including an Ultra Ball and a Great Ball, which the kids love as well. However, these two are K's favorite of the bunch.

These DIY Pokeballs are great for encouraging imaginative play since the boys pretend to be Pokemon trainers releasing their Pokemon for battle. Simply toss the Pokeball and call a Pokemon's name!

Other Ideas You'll Love

DIY Pokemon Cards {Free Printable Template}

Free Printable Pokeballs Coloring Sheet

Best Board Games for Kids

DIY Gift Idea: Perler Bead Coasters

These perler bead coasters would make a great homemade gift idea for the kids to make!

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My kids are obsessed with perler bead crafts and these homemade perler bead coasters are the perfect example of some of the DIY gifts that they can make all on their own. Next they want to try combining some more complex designs, such as our Mario perler bead designs, with these DIY perler bead coasters. Maybe for the next gift-giving occasion...

DIY Gift Idea: Let the Kids Make Perler Bead Coasters!

These kid-made perler bead coasters are the perfect homemade gift idea! They're easy to make and can be virtually any color and design your child can come up with. I kind of like the checkerboard style ones, personally.

The kids will love making them for their parents or grandparents as a Christmas gift, a birthday gift, or a just-because gift.

Or it's a good way to use up the colors of perler beads the kids rarely touch!

Regardless, this perler bead coaster craft for kids is so simple, but will require a bit of help from some grown-ups to melt and fuse the beads.

{Get the full tutorial on CBC Parents.}

Homemade Personalized Fabric Blocks for Baby

I love being an Auntie almost as much as I love being a mom.  I have a beautiful niece who is just about seven.  I also now have a nephew named Chase.  

The lucky little (okay, big - he was over 10 lbs!) guy was born on my husband's 30th birthday, so his birthday is going to be super easy to remember.  

Anyway, I wanted to spoil him, just like I spoil my niece.  I decided to make him a set of homemade personalized fabric blocks.  They have letters, ribbon taggies, and even make noise!

How to Make Fabric Blocks for Baby

What you'll need to make your own set of fabric blocks:

• Printable Template - You can find the free pattern at the end of this post.

• Fabric - I used flannel and faux fur

• Felt letter stickers

• Sewing machine

• Ribbons

• Jingle bell - I made one block jingle

• Small plastic Easter egg filled with dried beans

• Stuffing - I used quilt batting since that's what I had on hand.

• Hand sewing needle

• Thread

I know that list looks long, but I promise, these blocks were super easy to make.  I followed this homemade fabric baby block tutorial.  I added ribbon taggies to two blocks, put a jingle bell in one (letter E, I think!), and put the Easter egg filled with dried beans in another.  And since I used felt letter stickers, adding Chase's name to the blocks was easy too!

I love how they turned out and, honestly, my boys couldn't stop stealing them to play with.  Thankfully, they didn't destroy them before I finished the whole set!  Sewing with kids is a bit challenging sometimes, but fun too.

Download the Free Template for the Fabric Blocks

To get a copy of this printable template, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

Father's Day Gift: Homemade Tic Tac Toe

Father's Day is just around the corner and I tried hard, like really hard, to come up with a cute craft for the boys to make for their daddy.  But then my idea didn't work.  So I tried another idea and it had its own problems.  One, the boys weren't really into it and two, it ended up looking horrible.  Epic fail.  Twice.

One of the failed crafts, however, was going to make use of some wooden letters.  I had intended to spell DAD with them on the first project.  While I was brainstorming my next craft, J started playing with the letters and spelled dad twice, one right under the other.  

Then it dawned on me.  

We could make tic tac toe with the letters.  Good bye Xs and Os, hello Ds and As!

Don't worry if you haven't made the perfect gift for daddy yet, this craft has two steps and is easy enough for a toddler to make!  Read the full tutorial over at CBC Parents.

Personalized Nintendo Inspired Wedding Gift

The other night I was browsing through old photographs.  I stumbled upon a picture of a wedding gift that I made for two high school friends that got married last year.  I so wish that I took better pictures of the finished gift, but considering that I finished making it about 30 minutes before the wedding reception, a quick picture from my phone is better than nothing.  But, honestly, the picture does not do this personalized wedding gift any justice.

I brainstormed for weeks leading up to the wedding for the perfect homemade wedding gift.  I had no inspiration.  Then my husband mentioned something about old school Nintendo and a light bulb went off.  You see, the groom is a huge video game fan.  So what's better than a wedding gift inspired by the classic Nintendo controller?!  I know!  A wedding gift that also cost me next to nothing to make, but shhh, that will be our little secret.

The bride's and groom's names were perfect for the Nintendo controller since their names both start with S just like the start and select buttons.  And the A and B button?  They became the date of their wedding.  Then I replaced the Nintendo name with their last name.  

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Perhaps my favorite detail is the cord for hanging the finished wall hanging.  If you were like me as a kid, you often wrapped the cord of the controller around the controller itself.  That is why I decided to wrap it around each edge of the finished wall hanging versus just attaching it to the back.  To make the cord look even more realistic, my husband had a brilliant idea.  We happen to have lots of old computer mice kicking around, so he cut the cord off one of the mice for me to use.  It makes the gift look even more authentic.

The gift itself was pretty straightforward to make.  Although I do wish I was able to lay the vinyl straighter.  However, the pressing time deadline did not allow for perfection.  Regardless, the finished product is so awesome.  It is easily one of the most unique things that I have made using my Silhouette Cameo.

To make the personalized wedding gift, I used:

• A scrap piece of wood approximately 3' long
• Silhouette Cameo
• Acrylic paint
• Vinyl in black, dark gray, and bright red
• Mod Podge

Basically, I painted the wood with light gray acrylic paint.  I then painted some darker gray sections in the middle.  I then laid the vinyl pieces on top and as I mentioned, somewhat crookedly.  Then I sealed the entire project with  Mod Podge.

The most tedious part was designing the actual vinyl pattern in my Silhouette Studio Designer Edition.  Considering I was able to whip this gift together between the ceremony and the reception, I think that it turned out pretty fab.

Don't forget to check out my other Silhouette home decor ideas: 

Lovebirds Etched Mirror

Robson's Fine Art Gallery

Lovebirds Etched Mirror

I am a bit excited, and a wee bit nervous all at the same time, to branch out from the typical kids activities that you find on my blog to share something different.  I really do want my blog to reflect me and since crafting makes me happy, I thought it was time to showcase some of my other ideas.  I already mentioned here that I was planning on introducing some of my other crafts on a very occasional basis.  Besides, not everything is about the kids around here.  Okay, maybe it is like 99% of the time...

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Today's post also marks my 300th post!  300 - what a milestone!  So today is as good a day as any to share some of my DIY home decor ideas instead of the usual light table activity or quiet book page or sensory activity.  And if you've been following along for awhile, then you may have noticed my love for my Silhouette Cameo with these various projects.  One of the first projects that I did with my Cameo was this beautiful lovebirds silhouette etched mirror.

My mom, who is a ceramic artist, made us a beautiful custom mirror for our main floor bathroom.  It replaced this very plain dark brown framed mirror.  I decided to hang on to it, but not entirely sure what to do with it.  

Eventually I came across this lovebird wallpaper and fell in love with it.  I just knew that it would look amazing as an etched mirror.  One problem though.  I had never etched anything in my life.  I was hoping that my Cameo would make it a breeze.  It totally was!  Seriously, the Cameo is an amazing product for anyone that loves to craft.

Thankfully I had most of the supplies from the Silhouette etching starter kit already on hand from another Silhouette starter kit.  So I ordered myself some etching cream to try this process out.

I popped the lovebird image in my Silhouette Studio program and used some vinyl to make a stencil for my mirror.  Once the stencil was on the mirror, it was only a matter of applying some etching cream, washing it off, and removing the vinyl.  Then I was left with this gorgeous upcycled mirror.

The finished mirror now hangs in our back entryway.  And I absolutely adore it.  It is the perfect compliment to what was once a very plain wall.

15 Amazing No Sew Fabric Gifts for Kids

I love making homemade gifts and as you can tell by my plethora of quiet books, among many other felt projects, you know I love to sew.  However, I realize not everyone knows how to sew or enjoys to sew, so I thought I would share some fabulous no sew fabric gifts for kids.  Whether you've got a budding artist, a little bookworm, a dinosaur lover, or a babywearing mama in training, I have got something for every type of kid on this list.  So prepare yourself for a wicked list of no sew gifts!

1. Easy No Sew Tutu from No Time for Flashcards

2. No Sew Crayon Wrap from small + friendly

3. No Sew Fleece Pillows from Come Together Kids

4. No Sew Dinosaur World Playmat from Fun at Home with Kids

5. No Sew Fort Kit from Celebrate Every Day with Me

6. Upcycled No Sew Kids Quiver from Capital B

7. No Sew Portable Road Play Set from And Next Comes L

8. No Sew Dragon Sock Puppet (with free printable template) from My Little 3 and Me

9. No Sew Colored Pencil Roll from small + friendly

10. No Sew Tank Top Bag from Tutus & Tea Parties

11. No Sew Doll Carrier from Mama Smiles: Joyful Parenting

12. Easter Bunny & Garden No Sew Playmat from Fun at Home with Kids

13. No Sew Pretend Play Food from Munchkin and Bean

14. Easy No Sew Felt Racetrack from A Night Owl

15. No Sew Hanging Bookshelf from I Can Teach my Child

Looking for more homemade gift ideas?  Be sure to check out these 18 homemade toys for under $10 or browse all of my homemade gifts here.

18 Homemade Toys for Kids Made from Dollar Store Items

I love making homemade gifts for special occasions, such as Christmas and birthdays, and I know that many others do too.  So I've put together this unique list of homemade gifts for kids.  They can all be made for $10 or less using dollar store items.  Nothing beats inexpensive and homemade, especially when it uses easy to find dollar store items.

1. DIY Color Blocks from And Next Comes L - Make some gorgeous color blocks using a hot glue gun, some colored transparent file folders, and wooden blocks from a Jenga game.

2. Itty Bitty Building Set from 3 Dogs and a Boy - Some toothpicks and a small dollar store container, paired with some homemade play dough, make a perfect little gift idea.

3. Story Cubes from Red Ted Art - If you can find some little wooden cubes at the dollar store, then here's a great gift for kids who love to tell stories.

4. DIY Gel Boards from Play Dr Mom - These gel boards use a few simple dollar store items and provide lots of mess free sensory play.

5. Sensory Seek and Find Present from Creative With Kids - Create a portable sensory treasure hunt with dollar store items.

6. Homemade 100 Chart from And Next Comes L - Colored glass stones and a piece of a circle patterned shower curtain are all that's needed for this simple gift.

7. Easy No Sew Mailbox from Nothing if Not Intentional - Make an adorable mailbox for kids using some cardboard and felt.

8. Homemade Geoboard from And Next Comes L - Making a geoboard is so easy and for $1, how can you possibly go wrong with this gift idea?  Push pins, some colored rubber bands, and a piece of wood are all that's needed.

9. Ribbon Shaker Cup from The Eyes of a Boy - Grab some dollar store beads and ribbons to make this simple gift for babies and toddlers.

10. DIY Clipping Toy from Kids Activities Blog - What toddler wouldn't want to play with this homemade clipping toy?!  Find some dollar store buckles and ribbons (or maybe even substitute some dollar store pet collars!) and you are ready to go!

11. DIY Stick Horse from Red Ted Art - This stick horse could easily be made with a dollar store broom handle, sock, ribbons, and buttons.

12. Homemade Play Dough Kit from Mama. Papa. Bubba. - I know my boys would love to receive a play dough kit like this as a gift!

13. Magnetic Roads from And Next Comes L - This gift idea is great for little car lovers!  You could easily find all the items, down to the cookie sheet, at a dollar store.

14. DIY Shape Sorter from Kids Activities Blog - Some dollar store blocks and a cardboard box are all that is needed to make your own shape sorter.  We have down this before and it kept both boys busy for hours!

15. Homemade Sensory Books from The Eyes of a Boy - These sensory books are beyond adorable!  And the possibilities are really endless!

16. Pack and Play Stove from And Next Comes L - Toddlers will go crazy for their own set of kitchen utensils from the dollar store, especially when paired with this stove top made from a storage container.  The vinyl used for the stove top could easily be replaced with a printable template from here.

17. Homemade Craft Kit from Mama. Papa. Bubba. - Gather some craft supplies and a storage container from the dollar store and put together a thoughtful gift like Mama. Papa. Bubba. did.

18. Homemade Play Parachute from And Next Comes L - Turn some dollar store shower curtains into a 10 ft play parachute (comes with a full tutorial!).  I made one for less than $6.  Crazy, right?

Looking for more homemade toy ideas?  Be sure to check out all of our homemade toys here or browse my Homemade Toys board on Pinterest.

Light Table Gift Guide for Kids

I have put together what I am going to call the ultimate light table gift guide for kids.  It is filled with nearly 40 store-bought ideas, but you will also find lots of additional homemade alternatives throughout.  Then you will be prepared to spend countless hours enjoying light table play, just like we have!

This post contains affiliate links.

Light Tables, Light Panels, and Light Boxes for Kids

Constructive Playthings Ultra Thin Portable Light Panel

Artograph Light Tracer Light Box

Jonti Craft Lighted Activity Table with Storage

There's lots of variety when it comes to light tables.  You can purchase a light panel or use a small tracing table as a light box.  We actually used this particular light box up until we built our own light table.  Another option is this beautiful light table with storage underneath.

Finally, you can always build your own light table like we did.  You can read my full tutorial here.

Building Sets for Light Table Play

Magna-Tiles 100 Piece Set

Magna-Tiles 32 Piece Set

Translucent Wedgits

ALEX Translucent Prism Blocks

Giant Crystal Connectors

Q Ba Maze

Interlox

Building on the light table can be so much fun!  I really want a set of Magna-Tiles for our light table so they are definitely on the boys' wish list this year.  However, the Q Ba Maze looks like a fun mix between Lego blocks and a marble run, which I am sure the boys would get a kick out of.  Some other great building sets to consider are Wedgits, slotted connectors, translucent blocks, and Interlox.

Colorful Blocks for Light Table Play

Learning Resources Geometric Solids

Rainbow Sound Blocks

Plan Toy Water Blocks

Guidecraft Rainbow Blocks

Guidecraft Bead Blocks

Guidecraft Mirror Blocks

Guidecraft Sand Blocks

Rainbow Crystal Cubes

Guidecraft Shimmering Water Rainbow Blocks

There are so many wonderful blocks that would look amazing on the light table.  I especially want some mirror blocks for the boys!

You can always make your own translucent color blocks from dollar store items.  Surely I must be making this up, you wonder.  No, I am not.  You can read my full tutorial here about how I made my own set for just $3.  Prepare for your mind to be blown...

Imaginative Play on the Light Table

Human Body X-Rays

Broken Bones X-Rays

Animal X-Rays

Agate Light Table Slices

Spark your child's imagination with some fun light table play.  Be a doctor and check out some human body x-rays or even some broken bones too.  Or how about a veterinarian?  These animal x-rays would be a lot of fun.  Or maybe your kid wants to be a geologist?  Then these agate slices would be a perfect fit!

We have done some imaginative play on our light table before, such as this frog pond small world.

Literacy Ideas for Light Table Play

Letter & Number Magnets

Letter Construction Set

The boys love to use their letter magnets on the light table.  They may not be transparent, but the glow from the table shines through and enhances the color of the letters.  My boys would also love to build letters on the light table with this letter construction set.

How about some DIY literacy ideas?  Check out these homemade letter stones and transparent letter manipulatives.

Loose Parts and Sensory Materials for Light Table Play

Tube Shots

Reusable Ice Cubes

Overhead Tangrams

Colored Transparency Sheets

Blokus Game Pieces

Learning Resources Color Paddles

Transparent Counters

Light Table Pattern Blocks

Glass Stones

Translucent Dice

Acrylic Diamonds

Assorted Acrylic Gems

Acrylic Diamonds

Water Beads

Colorful Translucent Rulers

There are so many wonderful manipulatives that can be used on the light table and often, I just browse the dollar store and craft stores for anything translucent.  You'd be surprised what you might find!  Loose parts are wonderful encouraging open-ended play and there are so many to choose from.  We probably favor glass stones the most, but we have made use of many items from this list.

Other Ideas You'll Love

Light Table Play Guide: How to Get Started

100+ Light Table Activities for Kids

DIY Light Table Kit

DIY Light Table Tutorial