Metamorphosis

We finally released our last frog!

I can't believe we started this project on August 8th 2009.

Who knew it would take six months for nine tadpoles to change into frogs?
Considering they were hatched into a drainage ditch that dried up ages ago, I don't know how any of them ever survive in the wild.

The one in the first picture is about the size of a small pea. That's a Bromeliad he's sitting on. I thought that since they hold some water and we have a lot of them, the bromeliad garden was the best place to let them grow up.

When researched, we discovered that they were all Southern Chorus Frogs at different stages of development. We put together a simple unit study to document our findings.

Some things we learned along the way:

1. Not all tadpoles turn into frogs at the same time, it took 30 days for the first one.
2. You have to change the water weekly and make sure the water you use has been aged.
3. As they start to grow legs you have to add some stones and lower the water so they can climb out.
4. They love goldfish food!
5. Adding some floating live plants will help the water stay clean and provide additional food.
6. You can't release Florida frogs during an unexpected freeze!
7. Be prepared to care for them for months, depending on the species of frog.
8. Keep your frog habitat away from new kittens.
9. Don't expect to ever see them again once you release them (so try not to name them).
10. Don't put them in your aquarium with other fish, they will get eaten!

Musical Instruments Felt Board Set

I finished another set of felt board images this week.

Musical Instruments, inspired by my son.

This is a set of fifteen laminated paper images mounted on card stock and backed with hook and loop dots. They are approximately 2'- 5' tall and will stick to any felt or flannel board.

For other sets, please visit my Etsy shop.

Sandhill Cranes

First there was one.

He came to eat.

He was not afraid. So his friends came to feast.

Thanks for coming! Bye!

Baby Animals Felt Board Set

I did manage to make a new set of felt board images

for my Etsy shop this week.

Cold weather always makes me feel more crafty.

This one is a set of baby animals and mothers with babies.

It really came out cute.

You can see this one and more in my Etsy shop.

Mommy's Cold!

Yes, it froze. No, it didn't snow.

My son loves the cold weather. Mommy is over it!

Making a Box Banjo

Our first project of the new year is about music and recycling. My son has been asking me to help him a make a string banjo from a cardboard box. Following the basic instructions I found at Enchanted Learning, we made this one.

I made the oval hole a little larger than I wanted but it still works. Also if you use different thickness rubber bands, the sound really changes. I used striped gift wrap to cover the box which also matched the different colored rubber bands.

My son has been having a blast strumming out a tune. After breaking a few rubber bands initially, he got the hang of it and now plucks the strings more fluidly. If you haven't tried this easy craft, I highly recommend it!