By: Syndi Victor; Editorial Assistant
Being quarantined at home during this pandemic forces us to get creative about what we can make at home since supplies and funds in many instances need to be saved and stretched for longer periods of time. Here are some ways you can make important homemade items to keep you and your family safe and occupied. Time magazine’s article, “DIY Alternatives for When Stores Are Out of Coronavirus-Fighting Products” lists a few do it yourself products:
DIY Hand Sanitizer
The ratio is typically 60% to 70% alcohol, and 30% to 40% moisturizer, something like aloe or glycerine. Simply stir the two together vigorously and thoroughly and funnel them into a pump bottle. There is a portion of the population that has eczema and for them, a lower content of alcohol should be used—perhaps 50-50
DIY Sanitizing Wipes
The best alternatives for sanitizing wipes use bleach as a base. Bleach is a bear against germs but it needs to be highly diluted as the fumes may damage the lungs and the chemical itself may damage surfaces. A ratio of five tablespoons of pure bleach to a gallon of water (or four teaspoons to a quart) is considered sufficient. A paper towel dipped in the solution can take the place of the wipe. The key is to make sure that once you swab down a surface you leave the solution in place for a long enough time.
DIY Toilet Paper
Tissues, paper napkins, and paper towels, to name a few may be very adaptable. Tough times call for tough measures, people!
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Simple cloth face coverings can be made at home and may help prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can find tutorials and guidance on sewing cloth face coverings on the CDC website and or on Youtube. You may also use a bandana, old t-shirt, or square cotton cloths for this purpose.
Additionally, if you want some other fun and entertaining projects to pass the long hours in the house with your family and loved ones, here are some great ideas from Lauren Nowacki at Rockethomes.com:
Homemade Ice Cream In A Bag
Making your own ice cream can easily become a lesson in science, and all the shaking your kids will do can help tire them out. Here’s how to make homemade ice cream.
Ingredients
Mix ½ cup whole milk with ½ cup cream.
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar
Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Add ½ tablespoon of chocolate milk powder or strawberry milk powder to suit your preference.
Method: Pour the mixture into a plastic bag that zips shut. Make sure the bag is sealed. In a second plastic bag, putr in one or two handfuls of ice and about ¼ cup of salt. Place the first bag into the bag of ice and salt and seal it. Then, shake the bags until the mixture freezes and forms ice cream. This can take 5 – 10 minutes. Keep in mind, it will not be as thick as normal ice cream. Once the ice cream forms, remove the bag of ice cream and wipe it down before removing the ice cream. There will be salt on the exterior of the bag. Cut a corner off and pipe the ice cream into individual bowls and enjoy.
Make DIY Noisemakers
First, clean and dry empty water bottles. Next, decorate the outside of the containers. Glue on streamers, paint the bottles, and apply glitter and gems. Then, search your craft supplies and kitchen cabinets for different items that would make noise when shaken. A few ideas of items to fill your bottles include dry rice or beans, popcorn seeds, small jingle bells, or beads. Once you fill the bottles (leaving a lot of space for the objects to move around), close the lid tightly and glue or tape it shut. Be prepared for the noise the kids will make – earplugs may be a good idea.
Make Your Own Stress Ball
All you need for this activity is some flour or cornstarch, a balloon, and a funnel. Start by stretching out the balloon, then stick the funnel in the opening and pour in the flour or cornstarch. You may need to tap the sides of the funnel to help the flour move down the funnel. Once the balloon is filled with flour (it will not expand much), simply tie it. You may want to consider placing it inside another balloon to make the exterior stronger. Once the stress ball is made, kids can use a permanent marker to draw a silly face or other images that will stretch out when the balloon is squeezed.
Go to the DIY Drive-In Theatre
Don’t just watch a movie, make it an experience by creating a DIY drive-in theater. Have kids decorate their own cars made from moving boxes or laundry baskets. Don’t forget to make a cozy interior of blankets or pillows, too. When they’re done making their car, have them help make signs for the drive-in and its concession stand, stocked with popcorn, juice, and candy. Make it more authentic by making drive-in speakers for each “car” using cups and string.
We can all use this time as a great opportunity to go revive some old-fashioned activities that children used to enjoy or add some new things that will bring joy, quality family time, and togetherness as we indulge in making things with special care that can be used over again. Turn the time being spent at home into a pleasurable experience of doing, learning, and sharing together as we practice ways of making homemade things a way to increase our available resources.
