Now that the Stones are on tour- it's time to resurrect their grand musical extravaganza- The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus! The current tour is only hitting a select group of cities & probably not yours. So let's recreate the past, when Mick was the ringmaster- wearing glam makeup and holding a whip.

Let's start with the big top. Find an old ice cream container- the tub kind with the convenient handle. This is awesome because you- I mean the kids- can store the Stones inside when it's time to put everything away. Grab an old juice jug- the circular kind is preferable, but a rectangular shape will do. Carefully cut it off with a serrated knife. Cut an opening for the entrance into the big top. Place the juice top onto the ice cream lid, keep it in position with tape or hot glue. Now you are ready to begin the papier mache.

Use the recipe for papier mache listed here for the Skrillex Train project. Cover the lid with long strips of paper, keeping in mind that it should resemble a big top. Then cover the main tent. Allow to dry. Paint with acrylic paint. You can add a curtain to the entrance for added ambiance.

Next time we will work on The Stones themselves, well- clothespin versions of the Stones. Maybe a couple special guests will pay them a visit- Clapton, Tull, Lennon, did someone say Yoko- just like in the original Rock & Roll Circus.

Now that it is Spring, and right around the corner, Summer, make something that kids can use outdoors- Tin Can Stilts! Better yet, grab a seat in the shade & make these sparkly stilts from start to finish outside. 

Ingredients:
Two 28 ounce Tin Cans
A Tin Can Hole Punch Device
Rope or heavy duty twine
Elmer's Glue
Wide Paint Brush or Assorted Sizes
Glitter or decals

Clean cans thoroughly. Remove paper label.  Punch two holes opposite each other on the side that still has a metal surface in tact. Figure out the length needed for each child by measuring the string against them, then cut it. Make the second string the same length. Tie the string through the two holes and tie in a secure knot.

Now it's time to decorate! Dip the paint brush into the glue bottle and paint onto tin can. Douse with glitter. Repeat. Create any design imaginable- for thin stripes use a fine brush. Add Zig-zags or polka dots if you want to get fancy. Smaller children can decorate their with stickers or decals. The possibilities are endless.

Check out another awesome tin can project that kids love- Tin Can Telephones!

Blowout was held in both Hamtramck and Ferndale this year! This weekend it was Ferndale's turn to host the awesome music event. Bands in both cities got down and dirty, but Ferndale managed to hijack the vibe once exclusive to Hamtramck alone.

Ferndale came ready to rumble. The Ferndale Public Library rocked it out. One witness of the Rogue Satellites performance- after Detroit Party Marching Band blasted through- emptied out of the venue exclaiming "that was so badass!" And it was. Ferndale was in your face. People were screaming "Blowout" at the tops of their lungs- from the sunroof while rolling through town, while walking down Woodward, from the mic as they performed on stage at the WAB.

Lively banter hit the streets. An opera singer randomly joined pop-up band St. Zeta for a session, someone dressed up in a Grizzly bear costume, people complained about Jack White. Now that is the Blowout I remember.