Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
FIFTY Study Page- Wisconsin "Love Finds You"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Wisconsin Territory and Statehood.
Storybox Playlist: The Fairies All Around Us
There are so many fairies. Here are some of our favorite fairy stories.
Inclusion, Teasing, and Bullying with Kim John Payne. SparkleCast Episode 16
In this episode, Kim, David, and Rebecca use the Junkyard Tales story “Buster” to talk about what is traditionally called "teasing" and "bullying" and is a broader way of discussing "inclusion" and "exclusion."
sparkle craft- "move mountains" t-shirt stencil
If you've never tried freezer paper stencils before, you're in for a treat. It's an awesome way to jazz up a plain t-shirt or even strategically rescue a stained one.
Sparkle Kitchen: Banana Soft Serve Ice Cream
Did you know that if you freeze and blend bananas they turn into a substance with exactly the same creamy texture as soft-serve ice cream? It's a neat trick, particularly if you consistently end up with one leftover banana about to go bad. Follow the steps in this recipe to make your own!
FIFTY Study Page- Wyoming: "The Golden Rule"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of coal mining and railroad in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountains.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of "The Golden Rule"
Here are more stories about the golden rule and how it heals and builds community.
Friday's Kind Words: Lovely Stories
My son loves Junkyard Tales. He has built a whole Lego junkyard, complete with Ben and Sergeant, etc. ~ Giselle
Beaded Window Catchers: DIY Kid-Friendly Project
This week's craft project—a beaded light catcher—isn't a magic polish, but it will transform the light coming in your window into beautiful colors. What's more, it would be a great boredom buster for a kiddo who's feeling under the weather.
sparkle kitchen: rainy day ramen
If a chilly, damp spring is getting you down, give yourself a pick-me-up with a bowl of this “rainy day” ramen soup.
Storybox Playlist: In Celebration of Mexican Culture
Here are some stories celebrating festivals, culture, food and the international gifts of Mexico.
Friday's Kind Words: Thank you for the Magic
Thank you for the magic — we grown-ups are amazed at how you are able to create such consistently high-quality stories of so many different kinds!~ Dorian
Sparkle Craft: Recycled Bird Feeder
Inspired by Lady Jovial's love of birds, this week's craft project—a recycled bird feeder—attempts to capture a bit of her lovely, old-fashioned sensibilities, too.
Sparkle Kitchen: Lilac Oranginas
“Orangina” is a bottled drink that originated in France. While the exact formulation now varies by the country you're buying it in, it's essentially orange juice diluted with fizzy water to make it extra refreshing. In this homemade version, though, I've added something even more special—a generous dash of lilac simple syrup.
May Tips for Creating a Day of Rest
The carpe diem spirit that comes with the spring can be a glorious thing, full of possibility and joy and long-awaited plans. But with it can also be found a shadow side of stinginess, a desperate clinging to the opportunities that come with fine weather and a determination to pursue one’s own vision of a perfect spring day at all costs.
FIFTY Study Page: Virginia "Twigs and Trees"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of African American Civil Rights, post Civil War, and examples of when a small change had huge results.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Little Acts of Service
When we serve others — in ways big and small — we all thrive. Here are some stories that have service as their center.
Beeswax Travel Candles: Kid-friendly Craft
These fun beeswax travel candles are lovely to keep as treats for yourself, but they also make a pretty, little gift.
sparkle kitchen: grilled salmon with pickled blueberries
Blueberries, huckleberry, elderberry, and wild raspberries all grow in Tlingit territory. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but really, you can't go wrong with fresh berries.
FIFTY Study Page: Connecticut "My Daughter Can"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Revolutionary War in Connecticut.
