Fall in Love with Learning: September at Creative Corner
September 6, 2025 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

Fall in Love with Learning: September at Creative Corner

Ever seen preschoolers light up at storytime, count proudly to three, or beam as they share what makes them special? That’s September at Creative Corner! Under our Fall In Love With Learning theme, kids explore shapes, colors, ABCs & 123s, family, and storybook fun. From Johnny Appleseed to playful experiments, every day brings hands-on discovery and joyful preschool moments.

Creative Corner July Curriculum
July 6, 2025 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

From Stars & Stripes to Safari Sights: July at Creative Corner

Ever seen toddlers roar like lions, march like superheroes, or create their own American flags? That’s just a glimpse into July at Creative Corner! Our new curriculum takes children on a journey through patriotic celebrations, wild animal discoveries, and imaginative superhero tales. Each day is filled with themed learning moments, messy fun, and unforgettable preschool adventures.

Tinkering Tots Painted Paper Plate Flowers
April 27, 2025 by Amanda Key 0 Comments

The Perfect Way to Celebrate Spring: Painted Paper Plate Flowers

This article is 391 words by Amanda Key—a 3-minute read.

Spring is almost here, and what better way to celebrate the season of blooming flowers than with a fun and creative craft? These painted paper plate flowers are a perfect activity to brighten up your day! With just a few simple materials, you and your child can create colorful, layered flowers that make great decorations, gifts, or even a playful classroom project. Plus, they help improve fine motor skills and encourage creativity.

This blog includes a short video from Mini Messengers, guiding you through each step of the process. Gather your supplies, and let’s get crafting!

What You’ll Need

🌸 Four paper plates
🌸 Scissors
🌸 Glue stick
🌸 Markers
🌸 Liquid watercolor
🌸 Paintbrush

Tinkering Tots Painted Paper Plate Flowers

Let’s Get Started!

Cut Out Your Flowers

Using scissors, carefully cut four different flower shapes from your paper plates. Each one should be slightly smaller than the last, so they can be stacked to create a layered effect. Don’t worry about making them perfect—flowers come in all shapes and sizes!

Paint and Decorate

Use liquid watercolor and paintbrushes to add vibrant colors to your flowers. Let your child explore color combinations and designs! Once the paint is dry, use markers to add details like dots, stripes, or even fun patterns.

Assemble Your Flower

Start with the biggest flower as the base. Apply glue to the center and layer the smaller flowers on top, one at a time. Press firmly to ensure they stick together.

Finishing Touches

Let your flower dry completely. You can even attach a paper straw or pipe cleaner to the back to create a stem, making it a fun display piece!

Tinkering Tots Painted Paper Plate Flowers

Creative Ideas

🌸 Turn them into a bouquet – Make multiple flowers and arrange them in a vase for a cheerful table decoration.

🎨 Experiment with textures – Try using tissue paper, glitter, or stickers for added dimension.

📸 Capture the moment – Take pictures of your child’s finished masterpiece and share it with us on social media!

Crafting is a wonderful way to bond with your child, foster creativity, and develop important skills. We hope you and your little ones enjoy making these painted paper plate flowers!

Check out the Mini Messengers video below for a step-by-step guide, and happy crafting!

Creative Corner Tinkering Tots Logo

Early Childhood Education and Care Department
April 11, 2025 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

​New Mexico’s Bold Childcare Reform: A Blueprint for Economic Mobility and Family Wellbeing

In a nation where the cost of childcare can rival a mortgage payment, New Mexico has emerged as a trailblazer. By making childcare free for most families, the state has not only alleviated financial burdens but also lifted 120,000 residents above the poverty line.

Carol's Curriculum
March 20, 2025 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

Inspiring Young Minds with Carol’s Curriculum

Early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong learning, and the right curriculum matters. Carol’s Curriculum supports childcare providers, centers, and homeschool families with a structured, engaging program for children from infancy to age six. With daily lessons, worksheets, projects, and crafts, it blends creativity and learning to spark curiosity and growth.

Pixar Win Or Lose
February 1, 2025 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Win or Lose is the First Ever Original Series From Pixar

Step up to the plate for Pixar’s first-ever original series, “Win or Lose”! This heartfelt and hilarious new show follows the Pickles, a middle school softball team, as they prepare for their championship game—each episode offering a unique perspective from a different character. With themes of teamwork, resilience, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, “Win or Lose” is a must-watch for kids and parents alike! Premiering February 19 on Disney+. Who’s ready to play? ⚾

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
January 16, 2025 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: A Blast From an Alternate Past

Spider-Man: A Blast from an Alternate Past swings into action, bringing a fresh twist on the beloved hero’s story. Packed with adventure, humor, and heart, this alternate take on Spidey’s past is a must-watch for fans of all ages. Discover what makes this version of Spider-Man truly unique! 🕸️

Disney Pixar Elio
January 16, 2025 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Exploring the Wonders of Elio – Pixar’s Cosmic Adventure

Pixar’s Elio takes audiences on an intergalactic adventure full of humor, wonder, and self-discovery. When Elio is mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, he’s thrust into a cosmic journey that challenges him to find his voice and embrace the unknown. This visually stunning film reminds us that the greatest adventures begin when we step outside our comfort zone. 🚀

Creative Corner Jukebox
November 27, 2024 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Creative Corner’s Ultimate Jukebox Picks

To celebrate National Jukebox Day, we asked our team to dream up their ultimate Creative Corner jukebox, and they didn’t hold back! Each pick has a story, vibe, or memory behind it—so turn up the volume and enjoy the fun facts and trivia about our staff’s must-have tracks.

Parent Teaching Child
November 19, 2024 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

It Takes a Village: How Parents Shape Early Childhood Education

In early childhood, every experience builds growth—shaping physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Research shows children thrive when parents are active in their education. At Creative Corner, we know parental involvement is essential: families are the first teachers, and partnering with educators sparks confidence, strong outcomes, and a love of learning.

National Business Women's Week
October 21, 2024 by Catina Ross 0 Comments

Inspiring Business Women: Lessons from Leaders on National Business Women’s Week

As we celebrate National Business Women’s Week, we take the opportunity to highlight the incredible accomplishments of women in business, both in the past and today, starting with our very own Quality Assurance Coordinator, Amanda Key!

October Education Milestones
September 30, 2024 by Catina Ross 0 Comments

October: A Month of Educational Milestones and Inspiration

As the crisp autumn air settles in, October arrives with its vivid colors and promises of change. It’s not just about pumpkins and spooky decorations—it’s also a month rich with historical moments that have significantly shaped the field of education.

Dog Man Movie
September 27, 2024 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Dog Man: A Paw-some Adventure Coming to the Big Screen

Get ready for a tail-wagging, action-packed comedy! DreamWorks Animation is bringing Dav Pilkey’s beloved Dog Man series to life with a feature film adaptation, hitting theaters on January 31, 2025.

Transformers One
September 25, 2024 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Discover the Origin Behind the Rivalry in Transformers One

For nearly four decades, the Transformers franchise has thrilled fans with its rich universe and iconic battles, and now it returns to its animated roots with the upcoming Transformers One, set on the war-torn planet of Cybertron.

Coach Hadassah of the Tennessee Gymnastics Athletic Center
August 21, 2024 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

Meet Coach Hadassah from the Tennessee Gymnastics Athletic Center

When it comes to inspiring young gymnasts, few people do it as naturally as Coach Hadassah at the Tennessee Gymnastics Athletic Center (TGAC).