Super Simple Pencil Holder - This pencil holder will hold everything... markers, crayons, paint brushes, scissors, etc. and it's quick and easy without any worry about sharp edges. All you need is a terra cotta pot (4 inch works pretty well). Cut a round piece of foam or cardboard and glue it inside the bottom of the pot to plug up the hole. Now you can decorate it any way you want... glue on buttons, beads, beans, yarn, paint it, use permanent markers to draw on it, etc.

CD Locker Magnets - This is a quick way to add a little personality to a child's locker. Simply paint an old CD with paint markers, let dry, and glue a magnet onto the back. CD's can be painted in fun random designs, the child's name, or anything else they desire.

Fall 5 Senses Nature Walk - Autumn is my favorite time of year to go for a nature walk with the kids. There are so many projects that tie into it and so many things to see and talk about that it's a real treat to be outdoors. It is also one of the best times of year to talk about the five senses and explore them outdoors.

Coffee Filter Fall Leaves - Cut leaf shapes out of basket-type coffee filters. Fill an ice cube tray with water and then put a few drops of food coloring in each of the sections (orange, red, yellow, and brown). Make each section a different color. Flatten out each of your pre-cut filter leaves and use an eyedropper to make designs on them. Each color will spread and run into the other colors. This is a lot of fun for the kids (and the grownups) and makes a good lesson for what happens when you mix colors. Let the filters dry completely and don't forget to put down some newspaper or your table will likely be stained.