5 things to do this week: get your creativity on

You may or may not be aware of the Baltimore area's fabulous blogging community. Fun, creative, inspiring individuals that are always whipping up fantastic idea that I could never dream up on my most imaginative of days. So today's five things come directly from them: ways to cultivate creativity at home, courtesy of some amazing local bloggers. Who just so happen to be moms, too.

Edward De Bono once said: “There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”

Go ahead. Get your hands dirty. Get creative.

"Bake" Cupcakes for the Birds: This fun idea comes from the fabulous Hesselberth Family at Kid Baltimore. Although Joyce posted this almost a year ago, I think it's a perfect activity for a chilly January day.

Break Out the Magnatiles + Mirrors: I just love this idea Miranda posted on her blog, Miranda Makes last week. Blocks and Magnatiles are fav toys of ours... but add some mirrors and you have a whole different construction experience. Recipe for gorgeous photos, too.

Create a Photo Shape Book: This idea from Katie at A Childhood List is ah-mazing... I can't wait to try it! The idea is super simple: grab that camera and go on a shape hunt in your house with your kiddos. Take pictures of different shapes and create your own photo book. Brilliant. I love it! Science and Math meet Art.

Make a Lava Lamp: Pretty sure even the craftiless of us can pull off this fun activity from Classic Play (you didn't know they were Baltimore-based, did you? Now you do. :)) All you need is a jar with a lid, food coloring, water, oil and salt. Betcha have those in your kitchen cabinet. Too (cool).

Watercolor Sketches: I have fallen in serious aww with this fabulous idea from Thien-Kim who blogs at A Cup of Creativi-Tea. Each day, she's taking some time out to sketch a visual diary. Take some time for yourself this week and get in touch with your inner artist. It's a fabulous idea for kids, too. One of those 'real life' activities that are fantabulous for developing pre-reading and literacy skills. {Yeah, you CAN do that without flash cards or workbooks}.

How are you getting your creativity on this week?