Did you know teachers spend an average of $1200 of their own money on classroom supplies each year? Thatís $4 billion annually!

Portland artist, blogger and dad, Jole Henriques shares his art projects and toy designs on his blog, Made by Joel. He is incredibly generous with his talent providing templates and how-to information for creating modern and simple toys for your young ones.

I've been waiting for the New Year for my chance to wipe the slates clean! Have you?

If there was ever a holiday to make something with your own two hands, it's Mother's Day! Remember keeping that macaroni necklace and glitter-laden card a top secret as you squished it into your backpack and headed home on the friday before mother's day? I still have that bursting-with-pride-oh-I-hope-they-like-it feeling as I give a handmade gift! This year I'm giving my mother several framed pictures of my daughters and I, along with a little mini-book she can keep close-by with special pictures and space for her to write her memories in.