You are truly missing out if you have yet to play with your food, or have let your kids make art with food. That’s why we’ve brought in lifelong crafter, Jodi Levine. She is also the author of Candy Aisle Crafts (P.S. We’re giving away TWO of her books below!), so we’re letting her take over today, to tell us all about this fun after-school playdate activity that works for boys and girls of all different ages – cookie faces!

Good decorating supplies to have on hand are almond slices, sunflower seeds, mini and regular chocolate chips, and sliced fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, bananas and apples. As for your cookie “canvas”, use classic plain supermarket cookies such as Nabisco’s round chocolate “Famous Wafers” (of icebox cake fame), tea biscuits with their pretty scalloped edges, vanilla wafers, graham crackers or shortbread.

These treats get a little nutritional boost from fruit, nuts, seeds, and peanut butter “glue”. Chocolate hazelnut spread and chocolate chips are a sweet addition. The blocky-headed funny-face people, animal and made-up creature possibilities are endless!

I love crafting with food but I often end up using candy (as in my book Candy Aisle Crafts) simply because the colors are pretty and I am making things for birthdays or holidays. This particular craft was inspired by my desire for a more everyday food craft to do with my boys that utilized slightly healthier food items like seeds, nuts, and fruit with peanut butter and hazelnut spread rather than frosting.

And because we know the kiddos will want to participate in this yummy activity again (and again), Jodi’s DIY Planet Cookie Idea is a fun idea for next time!

Now for the giveaway! We’re giving away two copies of Jodi’s Candy Aisle Crafts. It will give you a whole new way of looking at all those colorful, sugary sweets at the grocery store. Giveaway runs through Sunday, August 31st. Winner will be chosen on Monday the 1st. Enter below. Good luck!

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