Every year when we trimmed up all the trees on our large lot, my hubby would set aside any branches between 1 to 2" across. All summer long he would build bird houses with a removable side (for cleaning). Come late fall, those branches would be cut in half length-wise on his band saw, and then he and our two little granddaughters would get to work. All the bird houses were sided with 'log' siding. and given to all the respective families for Xmas presents.

It was something to watch 4 and 5 year olds learn to use a hammer and pound a nail. Some were sold at craft fair booths set up in a local mall.

Such a great lesson for kids to learn about starting a small business with hard work.

Some of you could teach preservation of dried flowers and decorating grape vine wreaths.

This gramma taught her little grands how to make microwave fudge. It was quite a hit with all the extensive family.

For all you moms and dads and grams and gramps out there; hey, put your ingenuity to work.

Also, pass on any worthwhile ideas for the rest of us.

Especially if it uses garden products.

Pondy