Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia is a Homeschool Homerun!

Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia is a Homeschool Homerun!

We Are Connected Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Puzzle Book

 

“Are you looking to put your child’s math skills to the test and add a little fun to your homeschool day?”
Homework and Horseplay

I create dot-to-dot books so that children and adults can have fun. But there’s more to it than that. My books are educational (math, following instruction, and history, especially with the Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Book), artistic and creative (tap into your own creativity by coloring in the finished puzzle), promote cognitive thinking (think elder care), and are a great way to de-stress.

 

Timberdoodle Co.Timberdoodle Co., an online company that specializes in hands-on homeschooling, requested that my newly published Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Book be included in one of their customized curriculum kits. It’s an honor to have them request my most recent book. As a means of spreading the word about the many ways to enjoy my dot-to-dot books, Timberdoodle Co. offered to their Timberdoodle Blog Team a chance to review my book, and 10 of these homeschooling moms gave the Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Book rave reviews.

 

Cummins Life review“This Dot-to-Dot book, done by award winning dot-to-dot artist David Kalvitis, was created to honor the centennial of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a mile long cultural boulevard in Philadelphia. This book includes 23 challenging dot-to-dot puzzles of museums, public art, architecture, fountains and various attractions in the Parkway Museums District.”
“This is such a fun and inexpensive book. It’s a great add on if you are studying the United States, planning a trip to Philadelphia, or just want something to help you relax and de-stress from the busyness of life.” – Read the full review here: “Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Product Review” by Cummins Life | August 11, 2018

 

Family, Faith, and Fridays Review

We Are Connected Dot to Dot Philadelphia is a part of the Timberdoodle 11th grade kit, but can also be purchased separately.
It can be used for so many things –

  • fine motor practice
  • math practice (some of the puzzles count into the thousands)
  • history (think state studies)
  • and even art (you can color to your heart’s content)

– Read the full review here: “Can You Connect the Dots?” by Family, Faith, and Fridays | August 17, 2018

Homework and Horseplay Review

“I am very impressed with the Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia book so far. We homeschool year round, but in the summer I try to change up our math lessons to keep things interesting. This book is a fun way to keep the learning going, and challenge your children all at the same time!”
“As an added bonus we also spent quite a bit of time researching and learning more about Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway. I love when our homeschool lessons naturally led us from one subject to the next!” – Read the full review here: “Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Review” by Homework and Horseplay | August 15, 2018

Timeless and Treasured Review

 

 

 

“There is a map on the back of the book that shows famous landmarks with the corresponding page numbers. We have actually spent some time in Philadelphia quite a number of times these past few years so this book helped “connect the dots” quite literally to places we have actually been! So fun!”
“This book kept the interest of both my middle schooler and my soon to be college bound student (insert mommy tears here). Honestly, I even enjoy doing these dot to dot books myself – they can be very satisfying!” – Read the full review here: “We Are Connected ~ A Timberdoodle Review” by Timeless and Treasured | August 15, 2018

Hopkins Homeschool Reviews

“Not only do we get to relax while doing these fun puzzles, but at the back of the book, we have a beautiful description of what each puzzle is when they are done. This allowed us the chance to check out the pictures in further detail and add some history to our fun.” – Read the full review here: “Dot-To-Dot Philadelphia – A Timberdoodle Review” by Hopkins Homeschool | August 16, 2018

 

Life, Love, and Dirty Diapers Review

“I liked that the directions were clearly laid out. If there was something you needed to know for that specific puzzle, it would tell you. For example, in one puzzle, you had different dot shapes and the different dot shapes you each did separately. I also appreciated that they let you know where the puzzle stops. Nothing like trying to search for more numbers once it’s already done. I also appreciated that they had a list in the back of the places, but not on the picture. I enjoy doing the dot to dot first and then reading to learn more about it afterwards. I enjoy trying to figure out what it is without already knowing.” – Read the full review here: “Dot To Dot Philadelphia Review” by Life, Love, and Dirty Diapers | August 17, 2018

Joyful Wife Life Review

 

“This is a great resource to use in homeschool if you have a child who is waiting for their next lesson or if a child is bored. My girls wanted to use this all day!” – Read the full review here: “Extreme Dot-to-Dot Review” by Joyful Wife Life | August 13, 2018

 

 

The Art Kit Review

“I’m so glad we stayed with it because we really did have a blast and it wasn’t nearly as difficult as we thought it would be!”

“If you enjoyed dot-to-dot books as a child, or if you enjoy working on traditional puzzles as an adult, or even if you enjoy word-finds, you will love this book! It has just the right level of challenge without it being too much, especially if you’ve already had a busy or stressful day and are looking for a fun way to unwind.”

“We also loved how this book brought history to life in such a fun way!” – Read the full review here: “Review of Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia: An Award Winning Book” by The Art Kit | August 14, 2018

A to Z Learning Adventures Review

 

 

“I do think that this is a great addition to any curriculum, age appropriate, that is learning about The United States. It’s a fun way to ‘connect’ with the theme and a different way to remember the academic aspect.” – Read the full review here: “Dot-2-Dot Philadelphia review” by A to Z Learning Adventures | August 14, 2018

 

 

Living Life Hour by Hour Review

 

 

“I think often times as adults we don’t think of doing activities like this as a stress reliever, but I found I really enjoyed working in this book. I’ll be honest that I didn’t use a ruler once because I was doing this book for fun and having to use a ruler made it somehow seem more like work (LOL) I was so pleased with how clear the pictures were.”  – Read the full review here: “Review: Dot to Dot! Philadelphia” by Living Life Hour by Hour | August 24, 2018

 

I’m proud to say that I began the trendy dot-to-dot book craze 18 years ago when these types of books were simply not being produced. I’m also proud to say that in a sea of dot-to-dot offerings, my books are the only ones that are artistically rendered; easy to use, and yet still challenging; and the most awarded in the industry. I want children and adults of all ages to have fun: to enjoy solving puzzles, to relax at the end of a stressful day with a puzzle or two, or to challenge and enhance cognitive function and education.

I appreciate all the homeschooling moms and their children who’ve spent time with my books and made the effort to give their opinions. If you’re curious about dot-to-dots and how you can incorporate them into your family life, please read these blogs and get to know some of the reasons why my dot-to-dots are enjoyed by so many people.

Greatest Dot-to-Dot Books

To read the full reviews we have posted a link to them below.

August 24, 2018 | Living Life Hour by Hour | “Review: Dot to Dot! Philadelphia
August 17, 2018 | Life, Love, and Dirty Diapers | “Dot To Dot Philadelphia Review
August 17, 2018 | Family, Faith, and Fridays | “Can You Connect the Dots?
August 16, 2018 | Hopkins Homeschool | “Dot-To-Dot Philadelphia – A Timberdoodle Review
August 15, 2018 | Timeless and Treasured | “We Are Connected ~ A Timberdoodle Review
August 15, 2018 | Homework and Horseplay | “Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Review
August 14, 2018 | The Art Kit | “Review of Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia: An Award Winning Book
August 14, 2018 | A to Z Learning Adventures | “Dot-2-Dot Philadelphia review
August 13, 2018 | Joyful Wife Life | “Extreme Dot-to-Dot Review
August 11, 2018 | Cummins Life | “Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia Product Review

Beyond The Dots- DIY Mother’s Day Present

Beyond The Dots- DIY Mother’s Day Present

A couple of years ago, I did a String Art for Mother’s Day.  We’d like to share it with you and show you how to make a wonderful string art gift!

 

 

First, you’ll need the Mother’s Day Puzzle, which is in the link.  It’s recommended you print the puzzle out on copy paper.
You can also print out the Mother’s Day Puzzle Guide, which will be very helpful with this art piece.

 

 

Other Items you’ll need:
Black Craft Foam Core (Dollar Tree)
Craft Knife, Scissors
Metal Ruler (Metal is highly recommended, as plastic can form uneven notches with craft knives)
Two Black Picture Frames (to create a shadow box.  Also, found at Dollar Tree)
Nails (Local Hardware store should have a cheap pack)
Black Marker, Colored Highlighters or Markers (To color the string and the nails)
Glue (Terri uses Mod Podge from the Dollar Tree)
Toothpick, Paper Plate, Tweezers, Pliers
Thin Medical Tape or Painter’s tape (be sure to attach it to your clothes first to lower the tackiness of it)
String or cross stitch thread (Of course!)
Piece of Thin Cardboard
Liquid Glass (Optional)

 

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We highly recommend you watch the full youtube video, showing step by step how to do this:

 

HURRY:

Our “holiday” free sample puzzles will only be available during their specific holiday.
Check back for the next holiday freebie dot-to-dot. For our year-round sample puzzles go HERE.

Each image will download a PDF. You will need Acrobat reader to view and print these pdf files.

 

To see more dot-to-dot string art check out this link: https://monkeyingaround.com/stringart.html

 

2018 May Day Puzzle

2018 May Day Puzzle

May Day has been celebrated with maypoles, flower crowns, and flower baskets since the 16th Century.  It’s also known as International Worker’s Day for the May Day celebration in 1886 that gave us the modern day 8 hour workday.

How does Monkeying Around celebrate May Day?  With dot-to-dot puzzles, of course!

 

Click the image and join us with this free puzzle for your crafting, parties, classroom or just if you feel like doing a puzzle. Remember, when you solve one of our Dot-to-Dot Puzzles, you have a coloring page! It’s a 2-for-1 deal!

You will need Acrobat reader to view and print this pdf file.

 

This is the completed puzzle from the Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge Book 7, pg 43
The whole Monkeying Around staff got involved on this puzzle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STAFF ART

David uses a Papermate Flair Felt Tip Pen (a favorite of his) and Crayola colored pencils to do his puzzles.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Shipping Clerk used a regular number two pencil, and old Crayola pencils.

 

 

 

 

 

EXTRA CONNECTIONS

Terri decided to do another extra connections for this puzzle! Click link to download the Butterfly/Flower Extra Coloring Connections for this puzzle to make for more dimension in your coloring.

Terri used a mechanical pencil first for the connections.  Then she used $1.00 water color paint to beautify the puzzle.  You don’t need expensive artist materials to have fun coloring.  The water curled the page a little (as shown), but because it was from the book itself, the paper held up to light water strokes and did not bleed through.

 

 

Have fun connecting and coloring the dot-to-dot puzzle.  Happy Dot-to-Dotting!

Beyond the Dots – DIY Glowing Spooky Mansion Decoration

Beyond the Dots – DIY Glowing Spooky Mansion Decoration

Beyond the Dots – I had a crazy idea that I could make a Halloween decoration from a Dot-to-Dot and do it on a budget! It was simple to make and made for a fun Bosses Day Gift. Frankly, it took longer to solve the puzzle, find the extra connections, and color than it took to put the glowing frame together. I spent $1.00 on each of the three matching picture frames. The flickering “flame” tea lights were 2 for $1.00.  4 tea lights were used to get the effect I wanted. The black fabric framing the puzzle was $1.00 for a really large piece. Altogether, the project cost $6.00.

Interested in making this for your Halloween table?

Visit my 2017 Halloween Puzzle with Extra Coloring Connections to download the Spooky Halloween puzzle and the Extra Coloring Connections.

Use the link to get more detail instructions in pdf form for this Beyond the Dots – DIY Glowing Spooky Mansion Decoration.

Enjoy,

Terri-Lea

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2017 Halloween Puzzle with Extra Coloring Connections

2017 Halloween Puzzle with Extra Coloring Connections

Please feel free to download and print the following Spooky Mansion Halloween Dot-to-Dot Puzzle for your crafting, parties, classroom or just if you feel like doing a puzzle. Remember, when you solve one of our Dot-to-Dot Puzzles, you have a coloring page! It’s a 2-for-1 deal! Click link to download the Spooky Mansion Extra Coloring Connections for this puzzle to make for more dimension in your coloring.

This large puzzle is from our “Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book #1.” If you already have this book, the puzzle is on page 40. The paper quality in our books is better than that of copy paper.  It will hold up to more coloring mediums. Our puzzles are recommended for ages 8-108.

 

HURRY:

Our “holiday” free sample puzzles will only be available during their specific holiday. Check back for the next holiday freebie dot-to-dot. For our year-round sample puzzles go HERE.

Each image will download a PDF. You will need Acrobat reader to view and print these pdf files.

 

 

Psst!  Want to know another secret?

There’s a fun DIY Halloween Project that was made special to go along with the Spooky Mansion Dot-to-Dot Puzzle for Halloween 2017!

This link will take you to the DIY Glowing Spooky Mansion Project.

After connecting, coloring, and doing the DIY Project, you’ll have a glowing theme for your Halloween table this fall. Now it’s a 3-for-1! Happy Dot-to-Dotting!

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2017 International Dot Day – September 15th

2017 International Dot Day – September 15th

It’s another annual celebration of Peter Reynold’s International Dot Day. International Dot Day (every September 15th) is a celebration of creativity that was inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book “The Dot”. His Celebri-dots Blog is filled with other authors, illustrators and celebrities who share in the dream of a more creative world. For International Dot Day 2012 David created his first “Mark”. He has continued this wonderful celebration by creating a 2017 “Mark”. This is a sneak peak preview from the next Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book 3 releasing later this year.

International Dot Day

 

Celebrate your individual artistic talents with the rest of the world by making your own “dot”. Not sure what to do? The International Dot Day Facebook is loaded with “Dot” happenings from around the world and ideas.

Learn how and where to share your own “Dot” from the Connect, Collaborate and Share! page.

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“We Are Connected: Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia”

“We Are Connected: Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia”

Celebrating the 100th year of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia with a new book release and book signings!

The 14-month-long birthday celebration for the Ben Franklin Parkway began on September 8th, 2017.  According to Forbes.com, “Parkway 100” includes activities indoors and outdoors for residents and visitors, going all the way through the year until November 16th, 2018. 

 

David Kalvitis was there right at the kick off!  In partnership with The Philadelphia Parkway Museums District, he created the newest addition to the Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book collection: “We are Connected Dot-to-Dot Philadelphia” specifically for this event.  The Book will be available in October for those outside of Philadelphia.

 

 

David hand delivered the new book to the stores on the Parkway, like the Art Shop @ Moore, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and Logan Square Cafe.

 

On Thursday and Friday, giant Dot-to-Dot puzzles were set up at the Friends Select School and at the Parkway‘s Eakin’s Oval and puzzlers of all ages enjoyed working on them!

 

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On September 9th, David had a book signing at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Monkeying Around, Home of the Greatest Dot-to-Dots, was honored to be included and had a great time at the celebration!  Thank you, Philadelphia, for having us!

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Greatest Dot-to-Dot Coloring Giveaway

Greatest Dot-to-Dot Coloring Giveaway

Did you know when you finished solving your Greatest Dot-to-Dot Books, they become coloring books? What a great deal! Two-for-One! These are not just any dot-to-dot books. Monkeying Around has been innovating dot-to-dot puzzles for 17 years! Yes, David Kalvitis started this whole adult dot-to-dot trend 17 years ago! His final puzzle images leave plenty of color/blending room.  Most of final puzzle images can be used as pre-painting sketches.

In honor of National Coloring Book Day and David’s Birthday (in August) we have decided to do a large coloring themed giveaway.

Here is what the winner of the Sweepstakes/Giveaway will receive:

Greatest Dot-to-Dot Coloring Gift Set

  • A set of our Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge Books #5-8 in the new covers. These are not easy to find as not all retailers have qualified to receive them. We will not have them on our website until all the old covers have sold.Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book 3 (cover may change)
  • A set of our Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Books #1-2.
  • A NEW autographed Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book #3 when it releases this year. This will be auto-shipped to the winner the first week of the book’s release.
  • A set of 3 Black Pilot Erasable Frixon Pens. These are the pens we use to solve and test our puzzles. They erase cleanly and leave a nice black line. They make the finished images stand out from the page and all the dots.
  • A 72-Set Prismacolor Colored Pencils. These are the pencils we use to color in our puzzles.
  • A Prismacolor Blender Set. These are used to blend the colors together when needed.
  • A pencil sharpener

This coloring giveaway has an approximate retail value or “ARV” of  $160.00 USD, depending on where you buy the products.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. All Monkeying Around/Greatest Dot-to-Dot giveaways are only open to residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia with an US mailing address. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. All giveaways on this site are open only to those who can legally enter. See the full Terms & Conditions in the Rafflecopter App.

One of the entries is “Share your Colored Greatest Dot-to-Dot Puzzle.”  Since receiving the 3 customer colored puzzles years ago we have looked forward to getting more. We hope you will color one of our many free puzzle samples and share it with us too. Keep in mind that this is not a coloring contest, but a way to earn 5 points to add to your entry.

How to share your colored Greatest Dot-to-Dot Puzzle to increase your chances:

If we get to 1,500 Facebook Fans before the end of this giveaway, we will run another giveaway in September, so invite your friends and family to try our free puzzle samples.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Vintage Dot-to-Dot Collection- Astro-Dots, Find the Constellations

Vintage Dot-to-Dot Collection- Astro-Dots, Find the Constellations

Have you ever looked up at a clear nighttime sky and marveled at the constellations?  You’re not alone. David’s Vintage Dot-to-Dot collection contains an activity book that’s all about the Starry Hosts.

“Astro-dots, Find the Constellations,” 1985, softcover, from Sunstone Publications is a “Dot-to-Dot Coloring Fun” Book. Jesse Zerner, the Illustrator, was well known for his Preschool Book drawings back in the 1980s.  Unlike those, this activity book was meant for elementary school children.

Astro-Dots was inspired by Eileen Murphy.

 

 

 

 

Notably, this book was printed on recycled paper in the USA.  Even some modern day publishers don’t print on recycled paper, so to find this was a pleasant surprise.  The book size is 8.5” x 11”, a very familiar number to most of us nowadays.

 

 

 

Puzzles range from Canis Minor to Pisces, and it allows children to see what the creatures in the sky are supposed to look like through the eyes of the Ancient Greeks (the ones who originally named the constellations.) 

 

Check back again to see more of David’s Vintage Dot-to-Dot collection.

 

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Valentine’s Card

Valentine’s Card

Lovebirds_12Here is a new 5″ x 7″ Valentine’s card I made using a Sample Dot-to-Dot on the inside! This window card is fairly simple and uses every day craft items to create. You can make your own using the artwork file on the right and the free puzzle as a extra card bonus. I added a few choice sentiments so you can customize the card according to your own interests. The colors of the card base and front window matting can be changed to your favorite colors for Valentine’s.Lovebirds_01

Supplies I used:

  • 1 sheet of heart patterned paper for the card inside
  • 1 sheet of heart patterned cardstock for the card front
  • Clip art sheet with images printed on white heavy cardstock
  • 1 sheet of heavy white cardstock for base
  • Greatest Dot-to-Dot Sample Newspaper Puzzle for Valentine’s Day
  • 4½” x 6½” piece of acetate

Tools I used:

Paper dimensions:

  • Cut the heavy white cardstock down to two pieces, 5″ x 10½” (score at 7″) and 5” x 4″ (score at ½”). These two pieces of white cardstock will be combined to make the base for the card. Since the card is opening up in the middle, instead of on the side, I needed a 5″ x 14½” base. I don’t have cardstock that is 14½” long, so piecing the two pieces is the best way for me to make this card.Lovebirds_03
  • Cut the patterned paper for the front 5″ x 7″ and cut in half.
  • Cut the other patterned paper for the inside 4½” x 6½”.
  • Cut the acetate in half to make two pieces 4½” x 3¼”.

Attach the 5″ x 10½” piece to the 5″ x 4″ piece by putting tape or glue on the ½” scored end.  You should have one long card piece, scored at 3½” on each side.  This will let the card be opened in the middle front. Then, cut the heart out of the artwork. Center Lovebirds_04the heart on the front of the card when it is folded closed. Trace the heart. Cut the heart out of the front of the card.

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Lovebirds_09aAttach the 4½” x 6½” patterned paper to the inside of the card.  Ink the edges first if you would like the dimension. Attach the two pieces of acetate to the two sides of the front of the card. Trace half of the heart on one of the halves of the patterned paper for the front.  Cut the half heart out, ink the edges and attach to the front of the card, sandwiching the acetate between the paper and cardstock.  Do the same for the other side.  I added pink ink to the outside edge of the card for dimension.
Lovebirds_07

 

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Color the birds and then cut them out.  I used watercolor pencils.  You can use anything that will work on cardstock. Attach to the front of the card, but only on one side of the card.  Lovebirds_10

 

Cut out your choice of banners.  The blank one is for a customized salutation. Cut a “V” in each end of the banner.  Fold the banner to make it bend and give it dimension.  If you inked the edges of your card, ink this too.  Attach it to the other half of the card, but only one side.

Lovebirds_13

 

Cut the Valentine’s themed mini dot-to-dot puzzle out and attach it to the inside of the card.

 

I picked my inside sentiment.  I also decided to add more paper on the inside of the card.  It is your choice to do this extra step.

 

 

My card looks like this.  What does yours look like?  Share it with #GreatestDots

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