bookhoucraftprojects

Project #31 by Wiebke from Line+Liv

Brooches + hair bands
… a little project for frech brooches and und „other“ hair bands

What you will need:
*waste fabrics
*knob to upholster 
*cutter
*pencil
*brooches + hair bands
 

step 1:
… cut a circle out of the fabric (circle size look at the package).
step 2:
… handle the cutted fabric circle with the enclosed tools (the steps are described on the package)
step 3:
… now the maked knobs stitch at the brooches and hairbands

...in the same way you can also design buttons

Thank you Wiebke for sharing this project with us!

..Line+Liv..

Project #30 Water colour resist painting

This project allows the resist of the crayon to stand out as a linear element

What you will need:
*watercolour paper or heavy stock paper 8 x 10 in.
*crayon (white is nice – I used grey)
*watercolour paints and brushes
*cup for water

Step one:
..Take the crayon and do a drawing on the paper
Step two:
..Cover the entire paper with just water (this is a wet on wet method)
Step three:
..Take the watercolour and paint over the entire surface – the crayon will resist the paint and stand out nicely showing the drawing.

Let stand to dry.

Project #29 Puppet

...this is a great project to create a special character for your puppet show

What you will need:
*plaster bandages (or paper mache)
*newspaper
*scissors, hot glue, masking tape
*fabric 20 x 20 in.
*wood dowel or stick 12 in. long
*thread spool or (toilet paper roll – cut a slit and tape so that it’s tapered)
*acrylic or tempera paint
*small soda bottle and bowl for water

step one:
..take the newspaper and crumple in a ball to create head of animal – attach with masking tape.  Add any other details like ears, snout etc.
step two:
..once you’ve created the general shape of the animal you will cover it with plaster bandages.  I find it’s easier to place the head and cone on a soda bottle so that you have both hands free. 
..when using the plaster bandages use lukewarm water and it’s important to smooth out the surface so that you don’t see the holes in the gauze.

Let this stand to dry – you can use a fan or hairdryer to speed up the process

step three:
..take paint and paint the entire surface with one colour – and then put in the details
step four:
..once the paint dries – take the fabric and cut a hole in the center.  Place the fabric around the neck of the cone and hot glue it tight around the neck.  Glue the dowel to one of the corners of the fabric.  If you like you
can choose to put a hand or food on the end of the dowel.

Make more characters and have a great puppet show.

Project #28 Texture collage

This is part craft project and a treasure hunt – this is a fun project to get your child to find textures all around the house and outside

What you will need:
*7 sheets of bond paper 8.5 x 11 in.
*crayons various colours
*scissors, gluestick
*heavy stock paper 9 x 12 in.

Step one:
..take the bond paper and crayons and hunt around the house for surfaces with
interesting textures and rub on the paper with the crayon over the texture
surface.  Do as many as you can and in a variety of colours
Step two:
..once your done rubbing – decide on an image you want to create.  We did a
flower with a butterfly.
..Cut out the different shapes – you can tear the paper as an option. 
Step three:
..glue down all the different shapes.

Project #27 Animal Portrait

..By taking their own photo – they can create a hybrid image of themselves a their favorite animal

What you will need:
*printed out image of yourself approx. 8 x 10 in.
*glue stick, scissors, pencil and permanent marker
*wate colour paint  and brushes
*watercolour paper  11 x 14 in.

step one:
..Take the photo and cut around the head and cut the photo in half and glue one half to the watercolour paper
step two:
..take a pencil and draw your favourite animal – try to keep the size similar to your original photo.  Trace the pencil lines with a permanent marker.
step three:
..take the watercolour and paint in the animal drawing.

You can try a different animal with the other half

Project #26 Frame art

By using the frame as a border  and using scraps of wood and found objects – a fun abstract image is created.

What you will need:
*4 pieces 10 in. canvas stretchers – or use an old frame without the glass
*scraps of wood, wire and found objects
*tempera paint various colours
*hot glue gun and glue sticks, scissors and wire cutters, brushes
*white glue

step one:
..put the glue on the corners of the canvas stretchers and assemble the frame
step two:
..take white paint and paint the frame
..begin assembling the pieces and use hot glue to glue the pieces together –
feel free to go beyond the frame and make the pieces 3-D
step three:
..take the paint and paint the surface – I think it’s nice to leave some of
the wood exposed

Allow the paint to dry and hang it on your wall and enjoy!

Project #25 Stencil shapes on wood veneer

...this project is a fun way to practice your shapes and playing with colour on the nice contrast of the wood veneer

What you will need:
*stencil brush (medium size)
*mylar or acetate paper to cut out stencils (paper tends to get soggy)
*silk screen ink (or paint of any kind)
*wood veneer (or found wood-if you don’t have any wood coloured
construction paper would also work)
*pencil, exacto knife, cutting matte, plate and spatula

step one:
..For my pattern I decided on abstract and geometric shapes.  You can draw out the shapes on the mylar and cut out with an exacto knife (mylar is also easy enough to cut with scissors).  Take the paint or ink and spread out on a plate and use your stencil brush to even out the ink/paint and make it an
even consistency.  I find it works best when your ink/paint is a bit thinned out and not too thick.
step two:
..Lay your stencil on the spot you want it and dab with your stencil brush on the entire space of your cut   out  (It’s good to do a test on paper to get the feel of the dabbing) It’s great to use mylar paper because it allows you to wash the ink/paint and also you can see what’s underneath – helping with the placement of your sencil.
..Continue this process and layer different shapes and colours on top of each
other till you get the desired effect.
..It’s important to let the ink/paint dry in between – you can use a hair
dryer to speed up the process.

Project #24 Paint Textures

...inspired by one of Arounna's son (Lliam) favorite authors Eric Carle

...this project is about creating textures from the paint giving the collage a
lot of interesting tones and surfaces

What you will need:
*tempera or acrylic paint (I used tones of black - colour would also work)
*flat large brushes
*large sheets of poster paper (poster paper have a bit of sheen to it -
*similar to finger paint paper)
*scissors, glue stick
*1 sheet of white bristol board

step one:
..take tempera paint and water it down and paint on the poster paper in dry
manner - creating brush strokes and texture. (allow to thoroughly dry)
step two:
..the first part of the still life I created a table giving it slight angles
to give a perspective feel.  The cut out shapes are glued down
..I than began to cut out various shapes like a bowl and bottle and plate
with some food.
..try to look at the different textures and tones to give contrast to your
collage.

..It would be fun to also set-up your own still life and use as an
inspiration or you can build the still life from your imagination.

Project #23 Styrofoam prints

..this project is a good way to capture your childs line drawings 

What you need:
*styrofoam sheets (you can also use meat trays - make sure to cut the edges)
*block printing ink, plexi for ink, roller, and large spoon, pencil
*coloured construction paper

step1:
..draw your image on the styrofoam with a pencil - cover the entire surface
step 2:
..take the block printing ink and roller and roll the ink over the surface of
the styrofoam
..feel free to use other colours other than black
step 3:
..flip the ink side down onto the construction paper and flip over and rub
the back with the back of the spoon
step 4:
..peel off the paper and reveal your print - make more and you can rinse the
styrofoam and do it in other colours.

Project #22 Oil pastel drawing

...this is a good way to use an existing photo as a reference to do an abstract drawing

What you will need:
*Oil pastels various colours
*Black construction paper
*Magazine or photographs
*Scissors and tape

step one:
..take the black construction paper and create a small view finder – cut the opening to 2 x2 inches
step two:
..find an image that has interesting lines and shapes and select a section of that image by using your view finder – secure it in place by placing tape on the back
step three:
..draw out the outlines with white oil pastel
step four:
..and proceed to colour it in – you can either copy the colours or make up your own – this project is also good for painting

Project#21 Plaster cast

...a great way to create forms for your budding sculptors or architects

What you will need:
*Styrofoam inserts from packaging
*Plaster of Paris
*Duct tape, xacto knife (or steak knife)
*Garbage bag or drop sheet to work on
*Plastic container for plaster mixture
*Sandpaper various grits

{click to see larger image}
step one:
..the Styrofoam pieces and start creating the perimeter of the shape – make sure to not create undercuts.  The fun part is the not knowing what exactly the shape will look like
you can use the knife to cut up the Styrofoam and attach the pieces together with the duct tape. 
*As an option you can make multiple shapes at the same time big and small and you can create a little city.
step two:
..once all the pieces are taped together you can poor a small amount of water and see if you have any leaks – cover the leaks with the duct tape.
..Mix the plaster by filling the container with lukewarm water and then slowly poor the plaster in the container until the plaster of Paris absorbs the water.
..Mix the plaster  to a mixture that is similar to a milkshake consistency and poor a small amount in the form and swish it around so it gets all the details
step three:
..once you’ve done that create a plaster mixture that is a bit thicker and pour the rest into the shape.
..Let stand to dry for approx. 1hr
Step four:
..It’s important that the plaster is dry and hard before removing the Styrofoam
Step five:
..Once all of the Styrofoam is removed you can clean up the edges and sand the surface if desired.  I prefer the texture of the Styrofoam and also the white of the plaster.  If you like you can paint the surface.

{click to see larger image}

Project #20 Monoprint

...making one off prints using paint.

What you will need:
*White bond paper cut to 9 x 12 in.
*Plexi-glass 8 x 10 in., paint brushes
*Acrylic paint – various colours (tempera paints will work fine)

step one:
..take the paint with the brush and paint on the plexi –glass it’s good to work quickly so that the paint doesn’t dry
step two:
..take the paper and place it on top of the plexi-glass and press all over the surface
step three:
..slowly peel the paper off the surface and if desired repeat to make lots of different kinds of monoprints

Project#19 Shadow puppets

..creating a shadow puppet show using silhouette cut-outs.

What you will need:
*1 sheet of black Bristol board
*coloured pencil, scissors, xacto knife, cutting board, masking tape
*scrap sticks
*white sheet and some thumb tacks
*a bright lamp

step one:
..take the black Bristol board and take the coloured pencil to draw your creature – cut out your image and ask an adult to cut out the small details with an exacto knife
step two:
..take the scrap wood and tape it to the back of your cut out.
step three:
..take a white sheet and either pin it between the door way or between two chairs.  Make sure it’s dark and shine a bright light on the back of the sheet and  the puppet show may begin – have fun!

Project #18 Shadowbox collage

..create a shadowbox with magazines and found objects.

What you will need:
*Shoe box
*Magazines, scrap paper and found objects
*scissor and white glue and old brush for glue
*scrap cardboard for the backs of photos
*scrap yarn

step one:
..take the shoe box and cover the interior with coloured paper or as an option you can paint the inside.
step two:
..take the magazine images and cut out different shapes and scenes and layer on the inside of the box.  Use the cardboard scraps to make some of the images stand upright.

Once dried you can put yarn or a hanging device to hang on the wall.

project images from readers here... » » »

Project #17 Scribble garden

..this collage project takes your scribbles and doodles to create a surreal garden.

What you will need:
*Black India ink
*Brushes, scissor and glue stick
*18 x 24 in. white bond paper

step one:
..paint many shapes, scribbles and doodles with the ink – fill the entire sheet of paper

step two:
..once the ink dries cut out the different shapes and glue down with the glue stick to  create different shaped flowers and plants.  If you cut most of the white exposing the black ink – they will look more integrated. Try to keep it dense.

How about using water colour and try different scenes.

Project #16 Extended landscape

..this project will help with colour, composition and perspective.

What you will need:
Old magazines
Glue stick and scissors
Pencil and pencil crayons
8 _ x 11 in. bond paper or your sketchbook

step one:
..choose a landscape image from a magazine – choose an image that has a bit of perspective and has a good amount of sky and ground
..cut out the image and glue it down on a piece of paper – I did the drawing in my sketchbook – it helps to keep the paper from moving
step two:
..if you like you can start the drawing by using a pencil – try adding objects and creatures in the landscape – maybe a dragon flying in the sky or a mermaid swimming in the ocean
..you don’t need to match the colours perfectly – I also find if you layer multiple colours on top of each other it creates nice textures.
..When your done you can frame it or scan it in your computer and print multiple copies to give to friends and family.

Project #15 Pattern print book cover

..this project is exploring pattern with lino printing – you can use this project to make a wall hanging, wrapping paper, cards etc.  – we will use this method to make a book cover

What you will need:
*1 sheet of brown kraft paper approx.11 x 14 in”
*1 piece of soft lino approx. 3x3 in.
*scissors, pencil and ruler
*lino cutter, plexi to roll ink, roller and spatula
*white block printing ink

step one:
..take your book and trace around with a pencil – add an extra 4 in. on either side.  Cut your book cover out.
step two:
..first decide on a image for your repeated pattern – try to do an image that goes right to the edge of the lino and do some thumbnail sketches if you want to see how it will repeat.  Try to draw an image that won’t look like an image merely repeated, but rather an image that will become part of a larger pattern when repeated
..after you draw your design – colour in the areas you want to keep and leave blank the area you want to carve out
step three:
..carve out the areas left blank on your line block. You can ink the block and test how it looks on some scrap paper if you like to make sure its how you want it
step four:
..start printing the book cover by rolling ink on the lino block and pressing firmly on the kraft paper – start in the far left hand corner and work outwards
step five:
..once the entire surface is covered let dry
step six:
..place the cover over the book and fold in the inside flap.

Project#14 Kinetic drawing bug

..using a small motor you can create a kinetic bug that draws or create more than one to have a race with your friends

What you will need:
*1- 1.5 volt motor (found at most hobby shops)
*1- battery holder with on/off switch or tape the battery to the motor and connect the wires from the motor to the battery
*1- battery AA
*scissors and pencil
*small piece of coloured paper to decorate the bug
*pliers
*19 gauge wire (copper or any malleable wire)
*plastic tubing (the gauge should be able to fit on the tip end of the motor – if it doesn’t fit snugly you can put a bit of the duct tape on the end)
*roll of duct tape

step one:
..first tape together the motor and the battery holder (if you got one with an on/off switch – make sure to place battery in holder)
step two:
..take the wire and cut into three pieces 7 in. long
step three:
..tape the legs on the motor and battery body – try to tape the legs without taking the whole thing apart to change the battery or you can use a good quality battery that will last a long time.
..Once you tape the legs to the body bend them downwards and turn the ends of the legs up so the feet of the bug is round
Step four:
..Take the plastic tubing and insert it on the tip end of the motor – you will need to play around with the length – it depends on the height of your legs.  Do a test and turn it on - the plastic tube should be able to spin in a full circle while hitting the surface
If you want to race your kinetic bugs – I find it’s good to have them on a bit of an incline – we used an elevated cutting board.  The plastic tubing on the end makes the kinetic bug move.
* make sure to secure the tubing very well so when the motor is turned on it doesn’t fly off.
Step five:
..To make the bug drawing use the pliers to break the tip end of the pencil and duct tape it to the tip of the tube

Project images from YOUR kids Projects

Dear readers...Arounna and I have had so many nice responses to all the projects (thank you and of course Arounna deserves all the credits) ... we  have also seen some great images on different blogs from readers who actually did one of the projects...I think that is just wonderful... and we thought it would be a nice idea if we  collect  images of all the projects that you did during the past few weeks...and place them on B:Kids ... from now on every new project will have a special page added to the post, which you can reach by following the link (project images from readers here... » » ») and it will be showing your projects and artwork...all you have to do is send us your image or link... we are really looking forward to seeing your childrens' or your own artwork...

I added some beautiful images from readers who did some of previous projects, please scroll down to the projects and click on the links: project images from readers here... » » »

Project #13 Wood veneer collage

…creating a Marquetry-like image by collaging different types of wood veneer

What you will need:
*8 x 10 wood panel
*different wood veneers, like maple, pine, cherry or oak
(if you don't have any veneer quickly available, maybe you can ask the local timbershop for some left-overs)
*white glue and brush
*scissors and pencil
*sand paper no. 250

step one:
..firstly decide what image you want to create – I decided on a tree with a bird
..take the wood veneer and draw out your shapes – or you can just start cutting. 
*keep in mind the wood veneer cuts very well – but you need to be aware of the wood grain – it can break off easily – not to worry you can attach them together when you glue it down
step two:
..once you cut out your shapes start gluing – put glue on the wood panel in the spot you want the shape to be – then put glue on top of the cut out shape.  You need to be very generous with the glue – if you don’t put enough glue it will curl as it dries.
step three:
..keep doing step one and two till you get the desired effect and once your image is done brush the white glue over the entire surface and let it stand to dry – once dried as an

Project# 12 Water colour flowers

..this project is painting water colours in the wet on wet method to create loose images of flowers

What you will need:
*8 x 10 in. water colour paper
*water colours, brushes and cup for water
*one bamboo skewer
*black India ink
*hair dryer (optional)

step one:
..take a clean brush and dip in the water and wet the entire surface of the paper
step two:
..take different colours of the water colour and dab small amounts of the colour to allow the paint to bleed on the surface.  Proceed with this step till you get the desired effect.
step three:
..take the hair dryer and dry the entire surface – the surface can be a bit damp, but not wet
step four:
..take the bamboo skewer and draw lines on the surface creating the outlines of the flowers
you can also blow dry this surface when you are done drawing

project images from readers here... » » »

Project#11 Alphabet poster

..this is a simple project – creating an alphabet poster using wood typeset

What you will need:
*variety of fonts, shapes and sizes of typeset (if you don’t have typeset use found blocks and different kinds of shapes)
*black block printing ink
*roller, plexi to roll ink on, spatula
*white medium weight paper 16 x 20 in.

step one:
..roll ink on top of the typeset letter and press firmly on paper.  Make sure to work on a flat surface and to put a good amount of ink (the wood tends to absorb the ink’s moisture)
..repeat this step till you get your desired effect.  For this poster I started in the center and worked outwards.  If you like use colored ink or a stamp pad and use colored paper.

Project#10 Plaster relief

…this project explores relief with found objects.  You can create a picture or simply create a collage image.  This is a wonderful project for birthday parties.

What you will need:
*used drink boxes – plus straw
*plaster
*large yogurt container
*clay
*wire for hanging hook
*found objects – toys, blocks, sea shells, buttons or anything you don’t mind getting clay on
*rough sand paper to clean edges

step one:
..cut out one side of the drink boxes – I put two boxes together to have a larger surface
step two:
..press clay half way into the bottom of the drink boxes
step three:
..press the found objects into the clay and keep in mind if your writing names or messages to do it backwards.  Make sure to remove the objects before the next step
step four:
..mix the plaster in a yogurt container – begin with putting warm water in the container – enough water to fill in the space on top of the clay.  Mix the plaster till it’s the same consistency as yogurt – if you pour it in when it’s a bit watery it will take a long time to harden – once your plaster is ready pour the mixture to the top of the drink boxes.  You should give the whole drink box a few taps till you see air bubbles come to the surface – this way your impressions will come out nicely.  Place a wire hook on the back using the straw to hold it up so it doesn’t sink
step five:
..how do you know when it’s ready? Make sure the surface of the plaster is not damp and it’s a bit hot and hard and that’s when it’s ready for the reveal – this usually takes between 10-15 minutes depending on how thick your plaster mixture is.
step six: 
..firstly remove the sides of the drink box and carefully peel off the clay - once all the clay is removed you can rinse the plaster under water.  I like to leave some remnants of the stain of the clay  for a patina.  Once the plaster is completely dry you can use the sandpaper to clean up any rough edges.

project images from readers here... » » »

Project#9 Collage movable figure

...a great way to create fun and wacky characters that move – make a bunch of figures and have a puppet show

What you will need:
*old magazines
*cereal box
*scissor
*brass fasteners or rivets
*one bamboo skewer to make holes

step one:
..cut out different body parts from the magazine images and layout the different way you want your figure to look – play around with scale – mix up body parts and make it funny and wacky
step two:
..layout the pieces on the cereal box and glue down your images
step three:
..cut around the images and put holes with the skewer where all the joints will be
step four:
..put brass fasteners in the holes joining all the different parts.
...If you like you can tape a popsicle stick on the back so that you can hold up the figure.

project images from readers here...» » »

Project#8 Charcoal rubbings

...a very nice and messy project using paper scraps to create an abstract drawing

What you will need:
*1 sheet of paper Stonehenge or cardstock  8  x 10 in.
*1 sheet of bond paper 8 _ x11 in.
*compressed charcoal
*in. painter’s tape

step one:
..mask the edges with the painter’s tape on the stonehenge paper so that in the end you are left with a border
..you can tape the paper down to the table or floor – so that the paper doesn’t move when your rubbing
step two:
..take the bond paper and tear it up into lots of pieces
step three:
..place the first torn piece of paper on top of the Stonehenge paper and put charcoal on the bond paper and rub with your fingers.
..repeat this till the desired effect is achieved
step four:
..when the rubbing is done peel off the tape...and here you go!

Project#7 One paper zine

Creating your very own zine  from one sheet of paper...

What you will need:
*1 sheet of paper 8 _ x 11
*pencil, erasers and markers
*scissors

step one:
..take the paper and divide into 8 even folds
step two:
..use the number guideline in the photo to design each of your pages – your pages will be in that order and orientation
step three:
..think of a narrative or simply draw pictures on each page and colour the drawings with markers or pencil crayons
step four:
..fold your paper in half short ways and cut a straight line between pages 1/2 and 5/6
step five:
..fold the paper in half lengthwise, then push your two ends in. You will have something that looks like a cross (see photo)
step six:
..fold the pages so that number 1 and 8 is on the outside.

There you have it your very own zine – you can make colour copies to create a small edition to give or trade with your friends!

Project #6 Shadowbox Cut-out Painting

This project is a layered shadowbox image.

What you will need:
*1 shadowbox frame 7 x 7 in. x 1 _ in deep
*1 sheet of Stonehenge paper cut to three sheets 5 _ x 5 _ in each
*watercolour paint and brushes
8cup for water and paper towels for dabbing
*pencil   *black fine permanent marker
*scissors  *xacto knife (used by adult)  *cutting mat
*white glue  *hairdryer

step one:
..start by doing a drawing that has a background, middle ground and foreground.
I chose to do a pastoral landscape.
..separate the drawing into three layers and draw each image with a pencil on a different piece of the Stonehenge paper
step two:
..take the permanent marker and trace over your pencil lines
step three:
..paint each image with the watercolour paints – don’t worry about staying in the lines – messy is good.
step four:
..once you painted all three layers – you can cut out the foreground and middle ground image with the scissors and use a xacto knife for any small details.
step five:
..most shadow boxes will come with foam core edging on the inside – remove one side and cut that piece into three even pieces. 
step six:
..put the first piece of foam core on the inside of the shadowbox – using a bit of glue to secure it in place
..and place your foreground image in behind the foam core piece using a bit of glue on the bottom to secure it in place
..and than place the next piece of foam core behind the foreground image and than place the middle ground image behind the second foam core piece – using glue to secure in place. 
..place the third foam core piece behind the middle ground image than place the third image (background image) behind the last piece of foam core
close up the back of frame bending down the hooks on the back of the frame.

Project #5 Found Object Mobile

This is a fun project – starting with a scavenger hunt looking around the house for shapes and objects that can be used to make a simple and fun mobile.
What you will need:
*3 - in. dowels cut to three sizes – 6,6,7 in. (or you can use bamboo skewers – you can also determine your own size)
*ball of string or sewing thread – any colour
*found objects – different size buttons, washers, scrap fabric, paper, pretty much anything can be used
*white glue  *scissors

The real key factor to creating a mobile this way is balance.  You will determine your balance from somewhere in the centre of each dowel – kind of like a sea saw.
step one:
..assemble the objects – on this mobile I started with the first dowel ( about 6” long)  by stringing buttons together for one side and cut out a fabric cloud for the other side.  Once I tied each object onto either end of the first dowel I put a drop of glue to secure the string in place. Next, tie a string in the middle of the dowel and move it back and forth until the dowel with the objects hanging from it is somewhat balanced.  Put another drop of glue to secure the middle string.
Please note:.. I also find it helpful to tack a piece of string on the top of in a doorway with a paperclip on one end to help hold up the mobile so you don’t need someone to hold it up for you.
step two:
..take the center string from dowel no.1 and tie it to one side of dowel no.2 ( about 7” long) and assemble together some objects on the other end of the dowel.  Tie a piece of string to the centre and move it back and forth till everything is balanced.  Put a dab of glue on the strings.
step three:
..take the center string from dowel no.2 and tie it to the last dowel (about 6” long) and assemble some objects for the other end of the dowel.  Tie a piece of string to the centre and move it back and forth till everything is balanced and put a dab of glue on the strings.
Hang the finished product above your bed to enjoy.

This is a fun project to experiment with and you can use more dowels and make a more elaborate mobile – or use coat hanger wire so that you bend and shape the sticks.

Project #4: Paper Flowers

how I long for spring…… this simple bouquet is made from tissue paper and will brighten up anyone’s day.

What you will need:
*6- bamboo skewers 12 inches long (or how ever many you want to make)
*1 sponge cut to 1 inch cubes
*various colours of tissue paper
*glue stick *masking tape  *scissors *pencil

Step 1:
..first cut the sponges into 1 inch cubes and cut tissue paper 3 x 3 inches – these will be used for the centers of the flowers.  Place the non-pointy side of the bamboo skewer into the sponge and cover with tissue paper to create a little ball – tape the ends to the bamboo squewer.
Step 2:
..fold different colours of tissue paper together and cut leaf and petal shapes approx. 3 inches long.  Place 4-5 layers of petals together and wrap around the pencil and slide down (as shown in image) – this will give the tissue a wrinkly natural look and give the petals more shape.
Step 3:
..separate the petals and glue the ends in alternating colours to the bamboo stem just underneath the sponge ball center.
Step 4:
..cut a colour of tissue paper you want to use for the stem aprox 1 x 12 inches and apply glue directly on the tissue and begin at the top on an angle and keep twirling the stem till you cover the entire bamboo.   If it doesn’t cover the entire stem you can cut more strips until it’s entirely covered.

Keep repeating each step for more flowers in different colours and feel free to cut a leaf for the stem.  You can arrange them in a vase or give them to a special someone.

Project #3: Reduction Soft Lino Print

*Please advise that this project is for children ages 7 and up and they should be supervised by an adult.  In the near future there will be print projects for younger children.
What you will need:
*1 piece of soft linoleum 3 x 3 in.
*a pencil and permanent marker
*a lino cutter  *a roller
*plexi-glass to roll ink on (anything flat that can be washed and reused will work)
*a variety of block printing ink colours
*scrap paper  *3 sheet of good heavy weight 7 x 7 in. paper to print on
*hair dryer (optional)

This project  allows  you to get  a multi-colour print from a single piece of soft-linoleum. 
step 1:
..trace the soft lino on a piece of scrap paper – draw your image with pencil.  Place the soft lino face down on the image and rub the back of the paper to get a transfer of the image.  The image will be a mirrored image.  Sometimes it’s a good idea to take coloured markers or pencil crayons and colour in your image to better plan what to carve out.
step 2:
..trace your image with a permanent marker so that it won’t wash off and place a large arrow on the back – so you know which way is up.
step 3:
..decide what part of your image you want to be white and cut that out first before inking your first colour. I chose a little bird.
step 4:
..roll ink over your soft lino – make sure to not use too much ink as it will slip and move when you press down on it. Please make sure each layer of ink is dry before printing the next colours.
It is advisable to go from light colours to dark colours, but sometimes it’s nice to see dark colours coming through the light colours.
step 5:
..press down firmly all over the back of the soft lino.
step 6:
..lift to reveal your first layer – light green
step 7:
..you now carve out the area of the image that you want to be light green – the trees and grass
step 8:
..roll the colour ink that you want for your next colour – burgundy
step 9:
..press down firmly and remove to reveal your second colour – burgundy
step 10:
..carve away the area on your image that you want to be burgundy -  branches and tree trunk
step 11:
..roll the last colour on your lino – light blue
step 12:
..lift to reveal your final layer – light blue sky.  Let stand to dry.
Final note: try different colours  on several sheets of paper before continuing onto the next step – once you carve it away the image is gone.  Also try printing on coloured paper – construction paper works. beautifully.

Project #2: Fabric collage

What you will need:
*1- board (cardboard, masonite, plywood) 8 x 10 in.
*note* –a lot of glue makes the cardboard pucker and bend
*variety of fabric scraps – heavy and light weight fabrics – patterned fabric
*white glue + old brush for glue
*yarn, rope, chord and scissors

This project is a great way to use fabric scraps without any sewing
step one:
..if you like – before you begin you can make a few drawings your image can be a landscape, an animal, a person or something abstract.
step two:
..cut out your fabrics and lay them out and arrange them the way you want...I think frayed edges are nice so don’t worry about making nice clean edges.
step three:
..glue down your fabric collage – putting glue on top of the fabric helps to keep the fabric flat.
as a final step...you can use the yarn or rope to create outlines around your shapes or as nice linear elements.

project images from readers here... » » »

Project #1: Tissue paper landscape

What you will need:
*1 sheet of clear acetate 8.5 x 11in. (or A4 sheet)
*1 sheet 8.5 x 11 in. cardstock (any colour)
*scraps of various colours of tissue paper
*a black or white china marker
*clear tape and scissors

This project is looking at the different aspects of landscape – background, middle-ground, and foreground.
step one:
..cut the acetate with the scissors in four sections – each piece will measure 4.25 x 5.5 in...fold the cardstock in half and cut an opening with the scissors 3.5 x 5 in. and give the entire frame a 1 in. border.  The folded back will help the image stand up.
step two:
..start with the background...rip up the various colours of tissue into different sizes and proceed to glue the tissue onto the first sheet of acetate.  Sometimes your fingers can get sticky so you can put the glue stick directly onto the acetate instead of the tissue.  Try layering contrasting colours to create depth.
..proceed with the middle ground using the same method
..proceed with the foreground using the same method
..as an optional step:
..the fourth sheet of acetate is for the front of the image – you can use a china marker or a permanent marker to draw an image of a tree or a house or animals.

When finished layer the different pieces of acetate together and use the clear tape to mount on the inside of the window that you cut out in step one.  It would look lovely framed and done in groups.  You can try doing the different seasons as a grouping.

project images from readers here... » » »