County fair season feels far away (especially with all this rain), but it will be here before we know it. Like last year, I'll be running a make-and-take craft booth at the North Idaho Fair. Save the date: Aug. 25, late afternoon/evening.

The booth was a hit last year. I can't remembered the specifics, but I think about 200 people came through and it was crazy fun for all of us involved. You can see a slideshow of participants' creations here.

We learned a few lessons in 2010. We offered five different craft projects and it was ... how should I put this? ... a bit nutty. I'm going to stick to three this time, just so us organizers don't start to look like Gumby (you know, pulled in all different directions).

I also made the mistake last time in thinking that adults would participate, too. We had a few grownups making fabric flowers, but for the most part it was a kid fest. Totally great, but that means I need to gear all the projects to kids this time.

So, I need your help. What crafts should we do this year? They need to be "green"--in other words, made from recycled materials (like the circus banners we made from Value Village sheets last year) or made with the intention of helping the earth in some way (like compost containers or bird houses).

They should be easy for school-age kids to complete within five or 10 minutes, but not so easy that the kids will be bored or uninterested.

Bring on the ideas! Then mark your calendars for Aug. 25 at the North Idaho Fair.

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