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Brr…winter has officially arrived in Central Virginia! It has been snowing and sleeting non-stop, so we’ve had a very quiet day inside cleaning up from Christmas. Remember that turkey from dinner last night? I simmered the carcass on the stove this morning, making stock for future soups.

Meanwhile, the boys bundled up and went outside to play in the snow. Unfortunately, I spent more time dressing them than they spent outside. They have not yet figured out that mittens are supposed to stay on your hands, so their jaunts in the snow are very short lived.

Snow bunnies Snow bunnies

 This was before the cold fingers.

And now that Christmas is over (wah!!!), we are looking forward to the New Year. When I was thinking about quick projects that the boys would enjoy as we prepare for New Year’s Eve, a noisemaker instantly came to mind. Something loud that involves physical activity? Automatic hit in our house!

New Years Noise Maker

You know those recipes that are called “pantry meals” because they can be made at the last minute with ingredients that most people keep stocked in their pantry? Well this is a “pantry craft.” It was made entirely with materials that we have on hand (and I would bet most of you do as well). It’s always nice when I don’t have to shop for any additional stuff.

cans

I used an empty almond can and an empty can of baking powder. They are the perfect size for little hands to hold!

I started by washing out my tin can. I suppose this step is optional!

covered can

I then covered the can with a strip of construction paper and taped it at the seam.

covered cans

With some curled ribbons taped on top, I let Gibbs decorate the sides with markers, stickers, and glitter.

G decorating

G decorating 2

I decorated a can for Casey, since he preferred to sit and color with crayons, markers, and glitter glue instead.

C coloring

He was not very happy, though, when he got glitter glue all over his sticky fingers.

C glue on hands

When finished decorating, remove the lid and insert some rocks.

Rocks

Put the top back on and SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE. Obviously, this was the boys’ favorite part.

C shaking

C shaking 2

G shaking

Now we’re ready to celebrate and ring in the New Year!

New Years Noise makers

Here are the supplies to assemble 1 Noisemaker:

    • A small tin can with a plastic lid
    • A small piece of construction paper in any color
    • Some ribbon
    • Some tape
    • Markers
    • Glitters, stickers, or anything else that you want to use to decorate your noisemaker
    • A few small rocks, dried beans, or anything else that will rattle around and make noise inside your can

Blue New Years Noise Maker

Party time!

blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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