8 1/2" X 11" pieces of colored construction paper
8 1/2" X 11" pieces of white paper
markers or crayons
scissors
non-toxic glue or glue stick
various sized boxes
Directions:
Fold a piece of construction paper in half. This will be your card. Fold the front of the card in half again so that the edge of the paper is even with the middle of the card. Cut a half-shape along the fold of the front of the card. You could cut a heart shape, a tree shape, or a star shape. Open the card. Glue light-colored paper to the inside of the card. Use felt pens or crayons to decorate the white paper that shows through the cutout design. Refold the card. Write a message inside. Decorate with artwork. Make a whole bunch as gifts or make Christmas cards. Decorate boxes in the same way. Give as gifts to be used to hold keepsakes. A great gift for mom, grandma, or your favorite teacher.
Crayon & Watercolor Painting
Items need:
large sheet of white paper
watercolors
brushes
pencil
crayons
construction paper or mat board
frame (optional)
Directions:
Draw your favorite picture. Maybe it's mountains with snow, the ocean, a flower, or your favorite friend or animal. Color it in many colors with crayons. Leave some white paper showing. Dip your brush in water. Make it very wet. Dip the brush in the watercolor. Make broad strokes across the page. Cover the entire page with the watercolor. The crayon is greasy and resists the paint. Mount your painting on construction paper or mat board. Write a short description of the painting on the back. Frame your painting. Give it away as a gift.
Design a Puzzle
Items needed:
large piece of cardboard
scissors
markers
paint and brushes
box
Directions:
Make a picture on one side of a sheet of cardboard. Draw a picture of your favorite thing(s). Color it. Flip the puzzle over. Design a puzzle pattern. Cut out the pattern. Put the puzzle pieces in a box. Decorate the box.
Clay Hand Print
Items needed:
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 teaspoon alum
1 1/2 cups water
fine sandpaper
acrylic paint (choice of color)
ribbon
Directions:
Mix well in a large bowl. Roll into 1/2 inch rectangle. Press hands into clay. Cut around imprint into the shape you like. Make a small hole for hanging if desired. Bake at 250* on ungreased cookie sheet for about 30 minutes. Turn over and bake another half hour until hard and dry. Remove from oven to cool completely. Sand with fine sandpaper. Paint both sides. If desired, cover with shellac or clear nail polish. After hand print is dry string ribbon through the hole for hanging. Makes a wonderful keepsake gift!!
Bubble Bath & Soap Balls
Items needed:
4 cups of soap flakes
1 cup water, divided in two
1/2 teaspoon food coloring
mixing bowl
measuring cups and spoons
large spoon
cookie sheet
foil
1/2 cup shampoo
6 teaspoons baby oil
cellophane (optional)
ribbon (optional)
gift basket (optional)
container for bubble bath
Directions
Measure the soap flakes and put them in the mixing bowl. Add food coloring to the soap. Add small amounts of water. Stir until the soap pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It will form a ball. The mixture should be thick, not sticky. Roll small amounts of the soap mixture into balls. Use your hands to do this. Place the finished soap balls on a foil-covered cookie sheet. Allow the soap balls to dry for a week. Combine 6 teaspoons of baby oil, 1/2 cup shampoo, and 1/2 cup water in a container. Put a lid on the container and shake it. Write directions on a note card to go with the bubble bath. It should read: "Add a few tablespoons of bubble bath to warm bath water." Put the bubble bath together with some soap balls in a gift basket. Wrap it with cellophane and ribbon.
Hand Print T-Shirt
Items needed:
fabric paint
sponge
t-shirt or sweatshirt
Directions:
Squeeze the paint onto the sponge and dab the child's hands in the paint. Then have the child gently press his/her open hands onto the (prewashed) fabric. Allow to dry for about 72 hours; then the item is ready to wear! A wonderful gift!!
