Pause for a moment and ask yourself: when was the last time you stared up at the night sky? If you’re anything like me, you’re probably too focused on shuffling kids into the house to wash up for dinner or trying to get little ones to fall sleep at bedtime that you rarely give much thought to the moon and the stars. It’s amazing how much of our outside world we take for granted until our children (in all of their infinite wisdom) remind us just how magical the natural world truly is!
My toddler has recently become transfixed over outer space. She loves watching the day turn into night and talking about the differences between planets. I’d like to say that my husband and I are educating her, but really, she is the one teaching us so much about life!
We recently set up the Glow-In-The-Dark Space Capsule tent in her bedroom and it’s proven to be a huge hit. Not only is it large enough to accommodate adults and kids alike, but it glows in the dark. So much fun.
To inspire more thoughtful discussions about the solar system and give the tent a little handmade flair, we created simple moon and star banners that are a cinch to make. Here’s how you do it:
The supplies are basic and can be found at your local craft store. Here’s what you will need:
- White cardstock
- Scissors
- Twine or string
- Glue stick
- Glow In The Dark acrylic paint
- Optional: star and circle paper punches
Begin by covering sheets of white cardstock in glow-in-the-dark paint. This is the perfect time to include little ones in the creative process…just be sure to lay down some scratch paper underneath!
Next, punch out or freehand cut several stars from the painted paper.
STARS
Cut along strand of twine or string and adhere two stars together using a glue stick. Press down firmly to secure in place. Repeat all the way down the strand until your banner is complete.
MOON PHASES
To create a moon phases vertical banner, punch or cut out ten circles from the painted cardstock.
To create a crescent moon, use the paper punch to remove half of the full circle. To create a half moon, fold a full circle in half and trim along the crease.
Next, adhere the moons onto twine in the same manner as the stars banner.
Finally, hang up your banners in the tent and enjoy a little extra glow-in-the-dark flair!
Happy stargazing!