It’s almost time for the holidays! It's December. It’s dark outside. It’s cold and rainy. The kids are out of school, running around the house, stuck inside. Do you ever find yourself wondering…what are we going to do to keep these kids happy and calm them down a bit?

Here are a few easy steps to make bath-time fun and add a little bit of learning and making!

We’re going to make a little ball of wool felt – any color you choose. Practicing this activity with my own kids and my own passion to teach young kids about materials in a fun and meaningful way, inspired a series of children’s book that I wrote/illustrated about a little guy who is made of wool, his name is Woollard. The books are available for purchase on Amazon.

KJ: Hey, kids…time to take a bath.
Sam: Mommy, did you know that Batman has bat that he can throw at bad guys?
Katie: No bath!
KJ: Want to make Woollard in the bathtub?
Sam: Yes!
Katie: Woollard!
KJ: Go get in the bath, the water is warm, I’ll add some soap. But first I have to go get some wool… do you guys know where daddy put the sheep?

Follow me on Pinterest for more woolly inspiration...

Step 1: Step 1: Smoosh It!

Roll some wool roving or very loose wool yarn between your hands until it becomes a semi-firm ball. When the wool fibers are rolled into a ball in your dry hands, the fibers are compressed (or – smooshed!) into a new shape.

Step 2: Step 2: Get Wet!

Ask your kids to continue rolling the ball of felt in warm bath water. When the wool fibers are rolled into a ball under warm water, the fibers shrink to fit the shape that you are rolling.

Step 3: Step 3: Soap It!

Add some soap to the ball of felt and continue rolling. When the wool fibers are rolled into a ball with soap bubbles, the fibers twist and lock against each other to hold the final shape.