Art and Craft Ideas and Science Projects
Crafts are an effective means of teaching the Cub Scout how to use his hand to make something and thus improve his manual dexterity, self-expression, imagination, creativity and self esteem. As far as he’s concerned, it’s just FUN!
Your challenge is to find a craft suited to the monthly theme, holiday or special activity which is interesting to Cub Scout age boys, is within their abilities, and is fun for them to make. Finding crafts is not a problem. Cub Scout literature is full of them, Roundtables provide them and various magazine and books also include suitable ideas. The task is finding the right one.
BACKYARD TEPEE A backyard play structure idea from Family Fun magazine by Cindy Littlefield Just like the traditional Native American tepee that inspired it, this backyard shelter can be assembled and dismantled in a jiffy. Made with PVC pipe poles and a canvas tarp, it’s weatherproof, fairly inexpensive (we paid $35 for supplies at our local home center), and provides a fun, shady play space on a sunny day. 1. Fold the tarp in half so that it forms a 9- by 6-foot rectangle. Measure in 1 foot along the fold and mark the spot. Then cut a 6-foot length of rope. Have your child hold one end of the rope at the marked spot while you tie the opposite end around the colored marker. Step away from your child until the line is taut and move the rope in an arc, marking a line on the canvas as you go. Cut the tarp along the line and then cut out a 12- by 6-inch rectangle to the left of the marked spot at the top corner of the tepee. Materials 9- by 12-foot canvas tarp or drop cloth Measuring tape Colored marker Scissors White cotton rope Ten 8-foot-long white PVC pipes, 3/4 inch in diameter (you can cut longer PVC pipes to length with a hacksaw) 2 chopsticks or similar strips of wood 2. Now you’re ready to assemble the tepee. Loosely tie together three of the PVC pipes 2 feet down from the tops with a piece of rope, then stand them up like a tripod. Lean the remaining poles against the tripod so that they are evenly spaced. 3. Drape the cut canvas around the tepee frame, overlapping the top a bit. Make two sets of holes through both layers of the overlapped portion and thread the chopsticks through them to hold the canvas in place. 4. To secure the lower edge of the canvas to the frame, first snip a small hole about 1 inch in from one of the tarp’s bottom corners. Loop a short length of rope through the hole, as shown, and tie the ends around the base of one pole (this pole will become part of the doorway). 5. Now gently stretch the canvas around the PVC frame so that the canvas extends past the first pole to create a door flap. Snip a small hole near the lower edge of the canvas where it falls on the remaining poles and tie it in place using the same method as before. Growing this garden couldn’t be easier: It never needs watering or weeding, and you end up with a bumper crop of cool crystals. WHAT YOU NEED Water Alum (found in the spice section of supermarkets) Clear glass bowl Clean rocks and pebbles Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Add 2 ounces of alum, stirring until the alum is dissolved. Step 2: Pour the solution into a clear glass bowl half filled with assorted clean rocks and pebbles. Within hours you should be able to see alum crystals forming as glasslike squares. Within several days you should have a number of crystals to look at. Everyone enjoys a good outdoor summer concert, and it’s literally a breeze to orchestrate one with this homemade wind chime. WHAT YOU NEED Brick 2 old dish towels Hammer Wide rubber band 4 spoons, 1 fork Spring clamp, 5 inches long Scrap piece of wood Safety goggles Drill with 1/8-inch bit for drilling metal Needle-nose pliers Ruler and scissors Fishing line Beads Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Set the brick on the ground and place a folded dish towel on top of it. Fold the second towel (or just a piece of the towel, depending on how bulky it is) and wrap it around the striking end of the hammerhead. Use the rubber band to secure it. Now flatten the spoons and fork. Step 2: Place a piece of silverware on the covered brick and pound it with the hammer. After a while, turn over the utensil and pound it from the opposite side. (Occasionally, as holes wear through the cloth covering the hammer, you?ll need to unband it, refold the square, and reattach it.) Step 3: After all the pieces have been pounded flat, it?s time to drill holes in the utensil handles (a parent’s job). One at a time, tightly clamp each utensil to the piece of wood. Wearing safety goggles, drill a hole 1/2 inch down from the end of the handle. Step 4: Use the pliers to separate the tines of the fork and twist each of them into a small closed loop at the tip (another job for parents). Step 5: Thread a 7-inch length of fishing line through the hole in each spoon and knot the line around the handle. Next, thread several beads onto each strand and knot the line above the beads as well. Leaving 4 inches of line above the top beads, tie the spoons to the loops in the fork tines. Finally, attach fishing line to the fork handle and string on a few beads. Securely tie a loop in the end of the strand and the wind chime is ready to hang. Tips: Although you can use stainless steel utensils, try to avoid it. Silver-plated ones make the nicest sound, and you can often find singles at a thrift store. In either case, choose utensils with thinner handles (about 1/16-inch thick), as they will be easier to flatten and drill. And use extreme care when drilling metal. Use a good quality bit, run the drill at its lowest speed, use a lubricating oil, and do not apply excessive force on the drill. Be patient. Count down the days ’til Christmas with a calendar filled with sweet surprises. WHAT YOU NEED Construction paper Scissors 25 small treats 2-inch wide colored tape Puff paint Tape or glue Rickrack Pencil Colored yarn Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Gather 25 small treats, such as gumball-machine prizes, wrapped candy and trinkets. Cut a 4 1/2-foot length of 2-inch wide colored tape. Lay the tape sticky side up and place the treats along the length of it, approximately 1 inch apart. Step 2: Next, tape together several pieces of construction paper or sections of a paper grocery bag to create a 6-foot long, 3-inch wide strip. Place it atop the treat-covered tape and press together the paper and tape around each treat . Trim off any excess paper. Step 3: Write the numbers 1 through 25 in puff paint on pieces of colored construction paper and cut them out. For extra fun, shape pieces into green trees, red Christmas balls and a yellow star. Starting at the bottom, tape or glue the numbers to the paper strip, one over each treat. Finally, glue rickrack along the edges of the paper and tape the top of the calendar to a pencil. Step 4: Tie a length of colored yarn to the ends of the pencil, and the Advent calendar is ready to hang. Serve up some backseat fun on your next road trip — a tray full of magnetic games and drawing supplies. WHAT YOU NEED Baking sheet Plain white Con-Tact paper Magnetic tape Dry-erase markers Ribbon Plain paper Markers Buttons Pocket-style file folder Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: To start, cover the cooking surface of a baking sheet with plain white Con-Tact paper to serve as a drawing board. Step 2: Affix pieces of magnetic tape to several dry-erase markers. For an eraser, tightly tie one end of a piece of ribbon to a small cloth square and the other end to the hole in the baking sheet handle. Step 3: For additional games, draw a checkerboard, simple crossword puzzles, or bingo-style scorecards of things to look for (a tractor, a sailboat, or a horse, for example) on sheets of plain paper. You can even turn buttons into game pieces by sticking magnetic tape to the backs. Step 4: Finally, create a handy storage place for your games by applying strips of magnetic tape to the back of a pocket-style file folder and attaching it to the back of the baking sheet. This handy art supplies holder is just the ticket for anyone who loves to doodle. WHAT YOU NEED Covered box (stationery boxes or shoe boxes work well) Newspaper Chalkboard spray paint (available at art supply stores) Felt Chalk Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Place the box on newspaper in a well-ventilated area and spray paint the top following the directions on the back of the can. Apply two or three light coats, allowing the paint to dry between coats. Let the box set overnight. Step 2: Before using the box, season its surface by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk (the common type made from calcium carbonate, not the clay variety used by artists) across the whole thing. Then, wipe off the chalk with a piece of felt or a dry sponge. Tips: Avoid using boxes with a glossy surface, since the paint may not stick. Invite kids to create plates that are part craft, part instant autobiography with this mask-making project. WHAT YOU NEED Paint stirrers Heavy-duty paper Dinner plates Scissors White glue Glue sticks Old magazines and catalogs Markers and crayons Colored construction Paper or card stock Yarn and/or fun fur Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Attach a wooden paint stirrer as a handle to the bottom of each plate. To help the handle lie flat over the plate rim, cut a tab in the plate that?s the same width as the stirrer. Then glue the handle to the tab and the back of the mask. Step 2: Set out magazines, markers, crayons, and other decorating supplies along with glue sticks and scissors. Step 3: Hand each child a mask and ask her to pair up with a pal. Have the paired-up kids sit face-to-face so they can do a portrait of each other using the supplies set out for hair, eyes, lips, noses, freckles, and other features. If your crowd isn?t big enough to pair everyone up, let the kids make self-portraits. Step 4: Use sharp scissors to make eyeholes for those artists desiring real ?vision? in their portraits. Erasable Clipboard Read Comments that’s just right for a long car ride. WHAT YOU NEED Clipboard Chalkboard Con-Tact paper Eraser or damp paper towel Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Cover a clipboard with chalkboard Con-Tact paper (sold in most large discount stores) to create the drawing surface. Step 2: Use an eraser or damp paper towel to clean it. Celebrate family pride with a homemade banner that represents your collective interests. WHAT YOU NEED 2 yards of 72-inch-wide felt Assorted 9- by 12-inch felt rectangles 3 1/2 yards of decorative cording Craft glue Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Trim the large piece of felt into pennants, one for each family member. Make an extra for the center of the banner and glue on letters (cut from a contrasting felt square) to spell your family name. You may want to consider using liquid embroidery paint to inscribe a motto on the flag, such as United We Stand or Do Your Best. Step 2: Individuals can decorate their own pennants by gluing on a variety of felt shapes. A dancer, for example, might choose pink ballet slippers. And don’t forget to include a likeness of the family pet. Step 3: To assemble the banner, place the completed pennants on a flat surface, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Run a bead of glue along the upper edge of each one. Lay the cording on top of the glue and press down gently to make it stick. Step 4: Once the glue is thoroughly dry, you’re ready to raise the flag. Leave a lasting impression on clay and plaster. WHAT YOU NEED Natural objects, such as shells, acorns or pinecones Modeling clay Waxed paper Plaster of Paris Container for mixing Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: For each “fossilized” item, place a large ball of clay on a piece of waxed paper and flatten it into a thick circle. Step 2: Make an impression in the clay by gently pressing in the object and then removing it. Step 3: Prepare some plaster of Paris according to the package directions so that it has a smooth but thick consistency. Step 4: Spoon plaster into each impression, thoroughly filling it in. Let the plaster dry completely (about 30 to 60 minutes), then peel away the “clay” to reveal the fossil. Sweeten the prospect of a long car ride with one of these decorative fresheners. WHAT YOU NEED Felt scraps Scissors Glue String Essential oil Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Start by cutting out felt shapes and gluing them together to create a flower, a butterfly or any other design they desire. Step 2: Make a small hole near the top and attach a loop of string. Step 3: When you’re ready to roll, apply a few drops of lavender, tangerine, cinnamon or pine essential oil (sold at many natural food stores or large grocery stores) and hang the freshener in your car. Give spring’s warm breezes a unique voice with this earthy wind chime. WHAT YOU NEED 5 1/4-inch-diameter plastic flowerpot saucer Five 1 1/2-inch-diameter clay pots Clear acrylic finish Pushpin Acrylic paint Scissors String Hole punch Soda bottle Craft knife Small bells Buttons Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Paint the saucer and pots. When the paint dries, add a coat of clear acrylic finish. Let it dry. Step 2: Using a pushpin, make a hole in the center of the plastic saucer and at four equidistant spots around the side of the saucer. Widen the holes with scissors or a compass point if needed (a parent’s job). Step 3: Cut five leaf shapes out of the soda bottle (a parent’s job). Step 4: Cut four 1 1/2-foot lengths of string. Step 5: To make each chime, punch a hole in the end of a plastic leaf and tie it onto the end of the string. Next, slip on the bell, tie a knot about 3/4 inch above the bell, thread on a button and then a pot (upside down). Step 6: Thread the end of the string out through one of the side holes in the saucer (thread from the inside and make sure the saucer’s upside down). To fasten in place, run the string up through one hole in a button and then down through another hole and knot tightly. It takes practically nothing to make this family of mischievous sprites. WHAT YOU NEED Different-size plastic milk jugs or juice bottles Laundry starch Aluminum foil Paper towels White gauze or cheesecloth Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Top each jug or bottle with a ball of crumpled aluminum foil. Step 2: Cut white gauze or cheesecloth into 18-inch squares (one square for each ghost). Dip the gauze squares into a bowl filled with laundry starch. Pull them out one at a time and squeeze out the excess moisture. Drape a square over each bottle. Step 3: To shape the ghosts’ shoulders and arms, loosely pile crumpled aluminum foil near the bottle and drape the gauze over it. Flare out the lower edges of the gauze and let dry overnight. (To make a dog, simply drape a small square of gauze over shaped foil.) Step 4: Once they’ve dried, carefully lift the ghosts from their bottles. They should stand freely on a flat surface. Here’s a good example of the whole exceeding the sum of its parts: Add food coloring to a simple mixture of flour, salt, and water, and you get puffy, glossy paints that sparkle with salt crystals when dry. WHAT YOU NEED ½ cup salt ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup water Food coloring Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Mix together the salt, flour, and water; the mixture should be about the consistency of pudding. Step 2: Add food coloring until the desired shade is reached, then use a funnel to transfer the paint to a squeeze bottle. You can also transfer the paints to a zip lock bag, then snip off one tiny corner of the bag for a make-it-yourself applicator. Tips: Use on finger-paint paper or other heavy paper and allow your paintings to air-dry overnight. Store leftover paints in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to three days; stir or shake before using. These mini aquariums make great boredom-busters on a day when your kids are waiting for the sun to come out. WHAT YOU NEED Small baby food jar or jelly jar with a tight-fitting lid Polymer clay, such as Fimo Assortment of plastic or rubber animals, toys and plants Glycerin (sold at most pharmacies) Glitter (we recommend Creative Beginnings’ Diamond Pastel ultrafine blue, sold at many craft stores) Small shells or aquarium gravel, optional Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Place the jar lid wrong side up on a flat working surface. Then use a small lump of clay to stick the bottom of each plastic item to the inside of the lid. Step 2: Fill the jar almost to the top with water, and stir in a few drops of glycerin and 1/2 teaspoon of glitter. The glycerin will increase the density of the liquid, so that the glitter will fall more slowly. Step 3: Add shells and a bit of aquarium gravel, if desired. Step 4: Finally, tightly screw the lid onto the jar. Then invert the globe and enjoy the glittery show. Inspire appalling art with this fluorescent on-the-wall Halloween mural. WHAT YOU NEED Black lights or bulbs White paint Fluorescent paints Paintbrushes Large piece of brown paper Newspaper Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Hang a large sheet of plain brown paper (or, for an even more dramatic effect, spray-paint the paper black) and line the floor with newspaper to catch any drips. Step 2: To help inspire your artists, you may want to begin the mural ahead of time by outlining a haunted house, pumpkins and other Halloween symbols. Step 3: Once the kids set to work, they will find that the black lights’ eerie glow makes painting a real thrill. The resulting creation, hung next to a black light bulb in your main party room or on the front porch, adds a fun touch to your haunted house decor. Kids can pledge to lend Mom or Dad a hand around the house with this flowery card. WHAT YOU NEED 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheet of heavyweight paper Construction paper or card stock Glue Con-tact paper, optional Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Fold in half an 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheet of heavyweight paper so that the shorter ends match up. Step 2: Cut a flowerpot shape from colored construction paper or card stock and glue it to the lower portion of the card face. Attach only the bottom and side edges and leave the top unglued. Step 3: Cut out a bunch of colored flowers and thick green stems and then glue the stem tops to the backs of the blossoms. Step 4: Once the glue dries, print a different chore (such as “fold the laundry” or “walk the dog”) on the back of each stem. Step 5: Inscribe the inside of the card with the words “Pick a flower and you will see the jobs you’ll pick this week for me” and sign it. All that’s left to do is to “plant” the flowers in the pot and present the card. Tips: Laminate the card and flowers with Con-tact paper to make them longer-lasting. Kids can never have too many stickers, and here’s a fun way to keep your family well supplied. WHAT YOU NEED Old magazines, comic books or gift wrap 2 tsp. flavored gelatin 5 tsp. boiling water Paintbrush Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Cut a bunch of pictures from the magazines, comic books or gift wrap. Step 2: With a small paintbrush, coat the backs of the cutouts with a thin layer of gelatin solution. Let dry, and the stickers are ready to lick and stick. Recycle an empty dish-soap bottle into a wet ‘n wild water toy. WHAT YOU NEED Dish-soap bottle Scrap plastic Waterproof markers Scissors Plastic detergent jug (28-ounce size) Plastic belt Paper fasteners Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Thoroughly rinse out dish-soap bottle and plastic detergent jug. Step 2: Using a marker, design interchangeable heads on the scrap plastic and cut out with scissors. (Pictured here are gaping jaws, with the option of substituting an elephant or dinosaur face.) Place a face over the bottle’s neck and secure with the screw-on nozzle. Step 3: Decorate the body of the bottle with markers. Step 4: To make the holster, cut the spout off the plastic detergent jug. Add stars cut from scrap plastic (secured with paper fasteners) and thread the plastic belt through the handle. Then fill up Squirt with clean water. Ready, set, aim! With a little ingenuity and some Rube Goldberg styling, your children can tape together a runway that’s made for marbles. WHAT YOU NEED Paper tubes Making or electical tape Marbles Scissors Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Help the kids set up a landing for the start of their run. A stool or the back of a chair or sofa works well. Then, arrange several stacks of books, cereal boxes, toys, blocks, wastebaskets and other objects for support, so the marble run will slope down toward the floor. Step 2: Start joining the tubes into a maze, securing the connections with tape. Wrapping-paper tubes are the most efficient structures for your marble runway; paper-towel tubes are good for the shorter runs, and toilet-paper tubes make great corners for turning. Tips: Keep the following basic guidelines in mind: If you slip one tube inside another, be sure the larger tube is on the downward side of the run. Make sure the end of the run is at floor level. Flying marbles can be dangerous. A combination of closed tunnels and open sections where kids can see the marbles moving makes everything look a lot more interesting. Larger marbles tend to roll better than smaller ones (rubber balls will work well, too). Make one of these cardboard towers (just follow the steps below), and your kids will be set for a rolling good time. The object is to see whose marble rolls the farthest once it exits the maze. WHAT YOU NEED 7 long wrapping paper or mailing tube 2 empty plastic margarine tubs Box of uncooked rice Pencil Ruler Scissors Extra-large rubber bands Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Construct Tower Posts: Start with the left one. Set a long wrapping paper or mailing tube on end. Draw a pencil line from top to bottom, then mark five points along it 2, 8, 10, 19, and 21 inches from the top. With a craft knife (adults only), cut a hole around each mark that’s just big enough to accommodate the end of another tube. For the right post, position the holes 4, 6, 13, 15, and 25 inches from the top, then cut one more hole (where the marble will exit the maze) in the opposite side of Step 2: Anchor the Posts: Make a base for each post by cutting a hole in the bottom of a small empty plastic margarine tub. Put the lid on the tub, then set the tub upside down on the floor and pour uncooked rice into the hole, filling the tub. Fit the bottom of the post into the hole in the tub. Make Tunnels: Next, transform four more tubes into crossings. Holding each one horizontally, cut a U-shaped opening in the upper wall at one end and in the lower wall at the opposite end, as shown. For the towe Step 3: Assemble the Tower: Starting at the top of the tower, fit the tunnel ends into the post holes, as shown, so that the ends with openings in the upper wall are raised and the uncut end of the fifth tunnel extends to the exit hole. Finally, if your tower is a bit wobbly, you can stretch extra-large rubber bands or loop string around the posts for stability. Make this fun craft inspired by the beastly possibilities of an empty milk jug. WHAT YOU NEED 1 one-gallon plastic jug and the top of a second, with caps Craft knife Scissors Craft glue Red, green, and white acrylic paints Paintbrushes Green felt Hole punch 2 twist ties Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Use the craft knife to cut off the top of the jug, leaving the handle intact (a parent’s job). Step 2: Use scissors to cut apart the alligator’s jaws, snipping down from the top of one side, around the bottom, and up the other side of the jug . Step 3: Snip jagged teeth along the cut edge . Step 4: Glue on nostrils made from two semicircles of leftover plastic. Step 5: Paint the mask with green acrylic paint. Step 6: To make each eye, cut a hole in green felt large enough for the cap to poke through, then wrap the felt around the plastic base and glue it down; glue on both eyes. Step 7: Punch a hole in the inside corner of each jaw and use the ties to join top to bottom. Kids might not make headline news with this whimsical hat design, but they’ll be wearing it. WHAT YOU NEED Newspaper Tape Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: To make the crown, unfold several double sheets of newspaper or cut colored tissue paper, crepe paper or recycled gift wrap into pieces of comparable size. Step 2: Place the paper on top of your child’s head, fanning out the sheets in different directions. Then, form the crown of the hat, using your hands to gather the paper; all the way around, at eyebrow level. Step 3: For a brow band, wrap the base of the crown with a long piece of masking tape. Reinforce with a second layer. For taller styles, such as a stovepipe or a Stetson, bundle up the paper so that it rises several inches above your child’s forehead before you apply tape. Step 4: Remove the hat from your child’s head and use scissors to shape the brim. Round the edges to make a floppy bonnet, then decorate with a ribbon sash and silk flowers. Step 5: To style a derby, trim the brim an inch or two from the brow band and adorn with a feather. Step 6: For a baseball cap, cut the brim flush with the brow band along the sides and back. Then, round the front brim to create a visor. Another style is a watch cap: merely roll up the brim all the way to the band. Put those litte “nubs” of soap to good use in a colorful and fun way. WHAT YOU NEED Microwavable plate Soap remnants in a variety of colors Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Group a small pile of soap remnants on a microwavable plate. Step 2: Microwave on high for 10 seconds, then test carefully for doneness (a parent’s job). The soap is ready if it’s lukewarm and mushy. If it’s not, microwave for another 10 seconds and retest. Step 3: Start crumbling. When all the pieces have been crumbled, gather a small handful and squeeze them gently into a ball (Ping-Pong size). Repeat for additional balls. With posable bodies and wigged-out hair, these futuristic action figures are a welcome diversion on a rainy day. WHAT YOU NEED 3/4-inch round wooden beads (with a 5mm center hole) Smaller wooden beads Felt scraps Pipe cleaners Embroidery floss Markers Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: HARISTYLING: Cut the embroidery floss into 20 pieces that measure twice the desired length. Fold a 6-inch pipe cleaner in half over the midpoint of the collective strands. Feed both ends of the pipe cleaner through the center of the large bead. Slide the bead up the pipe cleaner until the fold is hidden in the bead center. Then separate each strand of embroidery floss to fashion a thick shock of hair. For curls, dampen the strands with a few drops of water, wind them around a pencil and let them Step 2: BODY BUILDING: For arms, place a 5-inch length of pipe cleaner crosswise just below the bead head. Twist each end once around the doll’s trunk (the portion of the first pipe cleaner protruding from the bead). Next, bend up the trunk about 3/4 inch from the bottom to form a hook. To form legs, fold a 5-inch pipe cleaner in half and hang it on the hook. Secure the legs by twisting the 3/4-inch trunk ends around them. Step 3: PANTS: Begin by folding a 6- by 1 1/2-inch piece of felt in half, so that the shorter edges meet. Starting from the fold, make a 2-inch cut up the middle, stopping 1 inch from the open end. Make a 1/4-inch waist hole 1/2 inch from one top edge. For foot openings, make a small slit through the felt fold at the bottom of each pant leg. Slip both legs through the waist opening from the front. Then, push the pipe cleaner tips through the foot openings and match up the short felt edges behind the dol Step 4: SKIRT AND SHIRT: Cut a 4-inch hourglass shape out of felt. Make a waist hole in the center to slide the doll’s feet through. For a shirt, use a 2-inch felt square. Cut two small armholes 1/2 inch apart and 1/4 inch from the upper edge. Wrap the shirt around the doll’s chest and over the top of its pants or skirt. Wind a 3-inch pipe cleaner belt around the doll’s waist to secure the clothes. To keep the pants side seams closed, twist a 2-inch piece of pipe cleaner around each Step 5: For hands and feet, slip a smaller bead onto the end of each limb. Bend the pipe cleaner tips to keep the beads in place. Step 6: Finally, draw on a face with fine-tipped markers, testing the colors on a spare bead first. This popular recipe produces a soft and cooperative clay that can be used over and over again and will remain pliant for weeks. WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup flour 1 cup water 1/2 cup salt 1 tsp. vegetable oil 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar Food coloring, optional Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture holds together (keep mixing or it will stick to the bottom of the pan). Step 2: When the clay is cool enough to touch, your child can knead it on a floured board. Tips: This recipe’s long drying time makes it most satisfying as a play dough (it’s easy to roll into ropes and balls), but sculptures will dry eventually. If stored in an airtight container, this dough will last, refrigerated or unrefrigerated, for 2 to 4 weeks. This gift is super simple to make if you start with a cube of precut memo sheets. Still, if you have a paper cutter available, this project is perfect for using up a stack of old scrap paper. WHAT YOU NEED Colored duct tape Scissors Memo cube pad, memo filler sheets or scrap paper cut into small squares Ink stamps or Foamies craft foam, plastic bottle caps and double-sided tape Ink pad Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Cut a strip of duct tape that measures 2 inches longer than the height of the stack of paper you plan to use (it should be 1 1/2 inches or more). Lay the tape sticky side up on a table. Step 2: Grasp the stack and tap the sides against a flat surface as you would to straighten a deck of cards, then hold it on its end and press one edge down onto the center of the tape. Wrap the tape ends over the top and bottom of the stack, pressing down firmly to bind the paper. Use more tape to cover the edge, if needed. Now, lift the top sheet of paper and cut the tape just above the second sheet so that the binding is flush with the top of the pad. Step 3: If you don’t already have an ink stamp, cut a fun shape from Foamies craft foam and use double-sided tape to stick it onto a bottle cap. Then use the stamp and an ink pad to print a design on the three untaped sides of the block. This activity, from the “if you can’t beat’em, join’em” department, makes the most of rainy weather. WHAT YOU NEED Paper plate (Chinet or other uncoated plate) Food coloring White crayon Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Sprinkle a few drops of food coloring on a paper plate. Step 2: Get into rain gear and walk outdoors with the plate for about a minute and watch as artistic designs appear. Step 3: Next, for a batik effect, try drawing a white crayon design on a new plate. Then add some food coloring and head out. Crayonists can use their sharpener’s shavings to create colorful window ornaments. WHAT YOU NEED Waxed paper Crayons Sharpener or paring knife Scissors Clothes iron Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Collect shavings from a crayon sharpener, or use a cheese grater for big crayons. Step 2: Arrange and sandwich the shavings between two sheets of waxed paper. You can also make a collage of found objects inside the waxed paper sandwich, placing string, lace or cutout letters among the shavings. Step 3: Iron the whole package on low (parents only), just until the shavings melt. Cut the stained glass into shapes and hang them in a sunny window. Unlike your average tin men, these foil characters have plenty of heart. All it takes is a pinch here and there to make them strike any pose your child likes. WHAT YOU NEED Tinfoil Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Tear a rectangular sheet (about 10 by 15 inches) from a roll of aluminum foil. Then make two cuts down from the top of the sheet and one cut up from the bottom. (For a pet, make two cuts up from the bottom.) Step 2: Scrunch together the center of the sheet to form a torso. Pinch and mold the upper corners into arms, and the lower corners into legs and feet. Shape the upper midsection into a head and neck. (The lower midsection makes the tail of the pet.) One-of-a-kind laces turn ordinary sneakers into psychedelic street wear. WHAT YOU NEED White shoelaces Bowls or plastic yogurt containers Warm water Fabric paint Stick or paintbrush Plastic bag Hair elastics, optional Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Tie knots in the shoelaces about one inch apart or cinch one-inch loops with the hair elastics. Step 2: Prepare each color of dye in its own bowl by mixing equal parts fabric paint and water (start with a tablespoon of each). If needed, add a few drops of paint (to deepen) or water (to lighten) the color. Mix with a paintbrush or stick. Step 3: Dip each knot or loop into a different color. Remove the lace from the dye after a few seconds unless you want a very dark color. Keep in mind that the colors will bleed slightly. Or you may want to bleed them on purpose so that, say, red and yellow mix into orange. Step 4: Dry the laces flat on a plastic bag. Do not undo the knots until the laces are dry. Kids are forever wishing they could be bigger and taller. One quick way they can reach new heights is to take a walk on homemade stilts. WHAT YOU NEED Hammer Nails Phillips screwdriver Several feet of 3/8-inch cotton rope Two large, matching tin cans, opened at one end only. (Coffee cans and 28-ounce fruit cans work well.) Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Lay each can on its side on a hard work surface. Use a hammer to flatten any jagged edges along the inner rim. If you’re using coffee cans, replace the plastic covers. Step 2: On the side of one of the cans, make a mark an inch from either end. Make a similar mark on the opposite side of the can. Do the same with the second can. Step 3: Use the hammer and the nail to punch holes through the cans where marked. With the screwdriver, widen the holes to about 1/2 inch. Again, use the hammer to tap down sharp edges. Step 4: Cut two pieces of rope that measure three times the length from your child’s knee to the floor. Attach a rope to each can by threading the ends through the holes from the outside. Tie overhand knots in the rope ends. Then, pull the rope taut so the knots rest against the insides of the can. Tips: When using her stilts, your child should wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping off. At first, she may need some help from you stepping up onto the tops of the cans and balancing there on the balls of her feet. Once she’s comfortable, she can grip the ropes as she would two bucket handles, straighten her legs and start walking. Don’t like what you see outside? Then change it! Kids can use this washable paint on windows and sliding doors to bring some color to a gray day. WHAT YOU NEED Clear dishwashing liquid Premixed tempera paints Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: For each color of paint, mix about 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with 1/2 tablespoon of paint (the mixture should have the creamy consistency of house paint). Foil-lined muffin tins or plastic containers work well for holding different colors. Step 2: Using a different brush for each hue, paint on the window, being careful to avoid sills and woodwork. Tips: To remove the dried paint or fix a mistake, wipe it off with a moist paper towel. Serve up some instant entertainment with a cast of spoon-faced puppets. WHAT YOU NEED Wooden spoons Nonbleeding markers (Woodcraft brand works well) Pipe cleaners Glue Rubber bands Fabric scraps Ribbon Time needed: Under 1 Hour Step 1: Use the markers to draw facial features on the front and back of a wooden spoon. For fun, give each face a different expression (such as happy, surprised, sleepy). Step 2: Add hair by bending a pipe cleaner around the edge of the bowl and gluing it in place. Stretch rubber bands around the spoon to hold the hair until the glue dries. Step 3: To dress the puppet, loosely wrap a piece of material around the spoon handle. Then, gather the cloth at the base of the bowl and tie a ribbon around the cloth to secure the dress at the neck. Create your own fireworks picture by using dark construction paper, glue and different colors of glitter. These fireworks pictures are great decorations for New Year, Chinese New Year, or Independence Day. The Chinese invented fireworks thousands of years ago. Supplies: Black or very dark construction paper Glitter White glue Old newspapers Work on old newspapers. Spread glue on the paper in geometric shapes. Sprinkle glitter on the paper. Slide the excess glitter off your picture and back into the glitter container. Optional: Repeat the glue and glitter process with different colors of glitter. Let the glue dry. More Kinder Crafts This is an easy way to make pretend stained glass using: wax paper crayons crayon sharper (or a knife- to make crayon shavings) scissors any flat objects (like glitter, dried leaves, stickers, paper scraps, pictures from magazines, etc.) an iron. You’ll encase the flat objects and crayon shavings in waxed paper, iron it, and then hang your masterpiece from a window! Cut 2 pieces of waxed paper (the same size). Choose any size that you want your masterpiece to be. Cut them to be matching shapes. Collect flat things that you want to encase in the waxed paper. Put one piece of the waxed paper on a flat surface. Arrange the objects on the paper. Add crayon shavings for color accents (these will melt later on). The easiest way to get crayon shavings is by using a crayon sharpener. This part is for an adult to do. Put a few layers of newspaper on your ironing board. Put the waxed paper artwork on top of this. Put the second piece of waxed paper on top of the artwork. Carefully put a few layer of newspapers on top of the whole thing. Now iron it on medium heat, checking it frequently to make sure it isn’t burning. Stop ironing when the waxed paper layers are stuck together and the crayon shavings are melted. To help avoid unsealed parts, try to leave a rim of waxed paper around the edges without any fillings. When the artwork has cooled off, trim the edges carefully; using pinking shears on the edges can look nice (don’t trim right near any of the fillings). If there any unsealed parts, patch them with some transparent tape. Punch a hole near the top for hanging (or just use tape). 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup honey 1 cup powdered milk Knead until smooth. This beautifully-colored, scented, (but non-appetizing), play dough recipe idea comes to us courtesy of Kim Lindemann, a visitor to this webpage. After making a batch, Mr. Dwight Young reports that his sixth graders “…like it so much that they tell each other to behave and not fling it about the classroom because they don’t want it taken away before their turn to use it comes up!” Try a variety of Kool Aid flavors and colors (grape & orange are our favorites)… Also, Kim suggests adding little alum to the dry ingredients to preserve the playdough for a longer time. Many thanks go to Kim for this recipe suggestion! 2 cups flour 4 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 cup salt 1 1/2 cups boiling water 3 – 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil Kool Aid Add one package of Kool Aid mix, oil and food coloring to boiling water. Combine remaining ingredients, and mix well. As you knead it, the dough will get smoother. Store in airtight container. Delightfully scented, very pliable and easy to roll or sculpt. Use cookie cutters or mold Salt Clay by hand, then bake in a 300 degree oven for use in creating refrigerator magnets, jewelry, ornaments, key chains, necklaces, and more. Stir together: 2 cups plain flour 1 cup salt 1 to 1 1/2 cups cold water 2 tablespoons cooking oil Knead well until it forms a soft ball. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil, make the shapes you want, and bake in the oven at 300 degrees or until hard (about one hour). You can use food coloring to color dough before you bake it, or paint it afterwards. A finishing coat of shellac or clear acrylic will make your salt clay products last longer. Thanks go to Bobbi for requesting this useful recipe! 1 cup water 1/3 cup dish soap (Joy, Sunlight, etc) 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup Combine ingredients and enjoy. If you don’t have bubble blowers around the house, be creative and try using different objects from your utensil drawer, (e.g., apple corer, potato masher, handle of a basting brush, etc. They work.) 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 cups water food coloring Mix ingredients in saucepan. Boil until mixture thickens. Allow to cool, then pour into jars or other storage containers and color with food coloring. Best used on a glossy paper, such as butcher or shelf paper. Corn starch Water Food coloring (optional) Put cornstarch in bowl. Add enough water to make a paste. If desired, you may also add food coloring. This makes a messy slime that goes from liquid to solid, and is great fun to play with. This recipe (or green playdough) is especially fun to make after reading Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss! 1 cup rice Approximately 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol Food coloring Paper Elmer’s glue To color rice, add a few drops of food coloring to alcohol in a jar or ziploc bag. Add rice and shake. Let dry on waxed paper. (Caution: This makes a MESS! Wear an apron and cover work area with newspaper.) Children put some glue on a piece of paper and sprinkle rice onto it. If you don’t have the time or the patience to make colored rice, kids can also make great collages using any number of everyday items. If you have noodles, beans, split peas or other dry goods in your cupboard, you have the makings for a fun and interesting collage. * P.S. The above recipe is an improvement over our earlier one. Many thanks to Sherry for e-mailing us with the information that rubbing alcohol instead of water produces a more brightly colored collage! She also notes that you can use this recipe for dying any type of pasta noodle as well. Large pinecones Peanut butter (Birds prefer chunky over smooth!) Shortening Cornmeal Birdseed (optional) Fishing line, string or yarn Wrap and tie string to top of pinecone. Mix peanut butter, shortening, (such as bacon fat or melted suet), and cornmeal. Then, spread the mixture onto a large pinecone. Hang your bird feeder in a spot where you can watch the birds eat. Note: If you use smooth instead of chunky peanut butter, you may want to mix in a little bird seed for added interest and enjoyment. Did you know? Birds have trouble digesting peanut butter! It can also get stuck in their beaks. This is why bird experts recommend the addition of shortening and cornmeal when preparing homemade birdfeeders of this type. Also referred to as a Pet Wave Great for class projects, scouts, birthday party crafts or gifts. What you will need rubbing alcohol mineral spirits food coloring water bottle Fill half of the bottle with rubbing alcohol. Put two to three drops of food coloring into the bottle and shake. Fill remainder of the bottle with mineral spirits. Put top on – Do not Shake. Hold bottle horizontally until clear, then raise and lower ends to create waves. What you will need: 1 pair of old nylon pantyhose scissors drinking glass with a wide mouth 10 inches of plastic fishing line rubber band measuring spoon 2 Tbs. grass seed (Rye works the best) 1 1/2 cups untreated softwood sawdust (from a lumberyard) non-toxic fabric paint or puff paint Directions: Cut off one leg of the pantyhose about 10 inches from the toe. Place the toe of the panty hose into the drinking glass, until it just touches the bottom of the glass. Stretch the cut end around the top of the glass, and secure with the rubber band. Pour the grass seeds into the toe of the stocking. Gently pour the sawdust on top of the grass seeds, trying not to mix the two. Slide the rubber band down the glass until it releases the stocking. Then, remove the stocking from the glass. Squeeze the nylon together just above the sawdust, tightening the seeds and sawdust into a ball in the end of the stocking, making sure that there are no gaps between the nylon and the sawdust and seeds. While you are holding the stocking tight, have someone help you by wrapping the fishing line just under where you are squeezing and tie a tight knot. Cut the extra nylon off. Decorate your Grow Buddy with eyes, a nose and a mouth. Place your Grow Buddy in a bowl of water, and hold it there until it sinks to the bottom on its own. Once saturated, remove your Grow Buddy and place in a low dish with the top of its head (where the grass seeds are) facing up. Place the dish in a warm sunny place. Keep a little water in the bottom of the dish, so that it remains moist. An easy to assemble springtime project Great for class projects, scouts, birthday party crafts or gifts. What you will need silk flowers ball point pens florist tape – green or brown scissors hot glue gun (adult supervision suggested) clip the flowers so that there is about 1-2 inches of stem put a dot of hot glue on one side of the pen, near the top press the flower’s stem into the hot glue and hold in place for about 5 seconds, or until set set aside to dry for about 1 minute (work on other pens during this time) starting at the top of the pen, wrap the pen with florist tape about half way down place the ‘flowers’ in a little vase or container to display A clear plastic bottle or jar with a tight-fitting, screw-on cap or lid (a clear plastic water bottle works great) Liquid hand soap that has glycol stearate in it (The brand we used is Colgate-Palmolive’s Softsoap, but any brand of liquid soap with glycol stearate — not glycol distearate — will work; check the ingredients on the label. Water Food coloring Clear tape Fill the bottle or jar about 1/4 full with liquid soap. Add a drop or two of food coloring. The coloring will make the swirls easier to see. Turn on your faucet so you have just a trickle of water. Use that to fill up the rest of the bottle. (If you run the water too hard, you’ll get foam.) Make sure that the water fills the bottle all the way to the very top. Screw the cap on the bottle. Turn the bottle upside-down a few times to mix the soap and water. If you get foam, take the cap off and trickle some more water into the bottle. The foam will run over the edge. Recap the bottle tightly. Dry the bottle and the cap, then wrap clear tape around it so the bottle won’t leak. Twirl the bottle slowly. What do you see? What happens when you stop twirling the bottle? What happens if you spin it quickly? Try shaking the bottle up and down or side to side. What different patterns do you see inside the bottle? If the liquid inside the bottle looks like it’s all one solid color, just twirl or shake it again to make more patterns. If the cap on the bottle is sealed, Go with the Flow can last for years (Note: If you find a really pretty plastic bottle or jar, you can give this to someone as a gift!) water measuring cup zipper-lock plastic sandwich bags paper towel tablespoon baking soda vinegar Figure out where you want to explode your Bubble Bomb. Sometimes the bags make a mess when they pop, so you may want to experiment outside. If it’s a rainy day, you can explode your Bubble Bombs in the bathtub or sink. It’s very important to use a bag without holes. To test the zipper-lock bag, put about half a cup of water into it. Zip it closed and turn it upside down. If no water leaks out, you can use that bag. Unzip it and pour out the water. If the bag leaks, try another one. Keep testing bags until you find one that doesn’t leak. Tear a paper towel into a square that measures about 5 inches by 5 inches. Put 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda in the center of the square, then fold the square as shown in the picture, with the baking soda inside. This is your “time-release packet.” Pour into your plastic bag: 1/2 cup of vinegar 1/4 cup of warm water Now here’s the tricky part. You need to drop the time-release packet into the vinegar and zip the bag closed before the fizzing gets out of control. You can zip the bag halfway closed, then stuff the packet in and zip the bag closed the rest of the way in a hurry. Or you can put the time-release packet into the mouth of the bag and hold it up out of the vinegar by pinching the sides of the bag. Zip the bag closed and then let the packet drop into the vinegar. One way or another, get the packet in the vinegar and zip the bag closed. Shake the bag a little, put it in the sink or on the ground, and stand back! The bag will puff up dramatically and pop with a bang. A bottle with a narrow neck Vinegar Baking soda Funnel or straw Water Balloon Pour about an inch of liquid–half vinegar, half water–into the bottle. Use the funnel to fill the ballon half full of baking soda. (If you don’t have a funnel, you can use a straw to load the balloon. Stick the straw into the baking soda, and put your finger over the top of the straw. Lift the straw out, put it into the balloon, and blow or tap gently.) Stretch the open end of the balloon over the neck of the bottle. Make sure it’s on tight! Let the heavy end of the balloon dangle, so no baking soda goes in the bottle. Hold onto the ballon at the bottle neck, and pick up the heavy part of the balloon so that all the baking soda falls into the vinegar at the bottom of the bottle. Wow! Hear the fizz? There are thousands of bubbles! And look at what’s happening to the ballon… For more bubble fun you’ll need: A can of clear soda (7-Up, Ginger Ale) Raisins Get a can of clear soda and shake it as hard as you can. Knock sharply on the top two or three times. Now open it. Or give it to a grown-up to open, if you dare. (This may be messy-so do it over the sink or outside.) What happens? What did you expect? Now that your can of soda is open, pour it into a glass. Drop in five or six small raisins. Watch tiny bubbles form all over them. In a minute or so, the raisins will start to wiggle around and dance. Then they’ll float up to the top of the soda. After a minute, they’ll sink back down again. If you tap on the side of glass, they’ll sink right away. How long will they keep dancing? Fizzy liquids get into your intestines faster than other liquids. The bubbles in soda or Alka-Seltzer tickle the exit valve in your stomach, and it opens. small clear plastic lid (from yogurt or margarine container) clear plastic tape flashlight that works bubble juice (see recipe below) spoon straw room you can make dark Bubble Juice: 1 gallon water 2/3 cup dishwashing soap Mix the ingredients together in a big bucket or dishpan. If you make your bubble juice the day before you want to use it, you’ll get bigger, stronger bubbles, but it’s pretty good right away, too. Tape the plastic lid over the end of the flashlight the light shines from. Turn the flashlight on and hold it so the light shines straight up. Dip your finger in the bubble juice and wet the lid. Put a spoonful of bubble juice on the lid. With a straw, blow one big bubble to make a bubble dome that covers the whole lid. Turn off the lights and hold the flashlight so that the bottom of the bubble dome is just above your eyebrows. Watch the swirling colors. If you put the wet straw into the bubble dome and blow very gently, you can move the colors around. Watch the colors. How many do you see? If you watch a bubble for a few minutes, do the colors change? What colors do you see right before the bubble pops? Do you ever see black and white polka dots? Right before it pops, the skin of a soap bubble is only one-millionth of an inch thick! empty Pringles® chip can marker ruler X-Acto knife or utility knife (ask a grown-up to help you cut) thumbtack or pushpin masking tape aluminum foil scissors (if you want) bright sunny day Take the plastic lid off the Pringles® can and wipe out the inside. (Save the lid!) Draw a line with the marker all the way around the can, about 2 inches up from the bottom. Have a grown-up cut along that line so the tube is in two pieces. The shorter bottom piece has a metal end. With the thumbtack, make a hole in the center of the metal. Put the plastic lid onto the shorter piece. Put the longer piece back on top. Tape all the pieces together. To keep light out of the tube, use a piece of aluminum foil that’s about 1 foot long. Tape one end of the foil to the tube. Wrap the foil all the way around the tube twice, then tape the loose edge of the foil closed. If you have extra foil at the top, just tuck it neatly inside the tube. Go outside on a sunny day. Close one eye and hold the tube up to your other eye. You want the inside of the tube to be as dark as possible-so cup your hands around the opening of the tube if you need to. Look around your yard through the tube. The lid makes a screen that shows you upside-down color pictures! Hold your hand below the tube and move it very slowly upward. Your hand is moving up, but you’ll see its shadow move down the screen! A glass jar or clear drinking glass Vegetable oil Salt Water Food coloring (if you want) DANGER! Don’t forget to be careful with glass. Pour about 3 inches of water into the jar. Pour about 1/3 cup of vegetable oil into the jar. When everything settles, is the oil on top of the water or underneath it? If you want, add one drop of food coloring to the jar. What happens? Is the drop in the oil or in the water? Does the color spread? Lava Lites are lamps that were invented by an English man named Craven Walker in 1964. They are basically tall thin glass jars filled with liquid and a special kind of colored wax, set on top of a base with a light bulb. When the bulb is turned on, the lamp glows, the liquid heats up, and the wax begins to melt. Blobs of wax rise to the top of the lamp, then cool and sink back down–over and over again. Shake salt on top of the oil while you count slowly to 5. Wow! What happens to the food coloring? What happens to the salt? Add more salt to keep the action going for as long as you want. newspaper measuring cups 1 cup of dry cornstarch large bowl or pan food coloring (if you want) 1/2 cup of water Put newspaper down on your counter or table top. Put the cornstarch into the bowl. Add a drop or two of food coloring. (Use whatever colors you like.) Add water slowly, mixing the cornstarch and water with your fingers until all the powder is wet. Keep adding water until the Ooze feels like a liquid when you’re mixing it slowly. Then try tapping on the surface with your finger or a spoon. When Ooze is just right, it won’t splash–it will feel solid. If you Ooze is too powdery, add a little more water. If it’s too wet, add more cornstarch. Play around with your Ooze! Pick up a handful and squeeze it. Stop squeezing and it will drip through your fingers. Rest your fingers on the surface of the Ooze. Let them sink down to the bottom of the bowl. Then try to pull them out fast. What happens? Take a blob and roll it between your hands to make a ball. Then stop rolling. The Ooze will trickle away between your fingers. Put a small plastic toy on the surface. Does it stay there or does it sink? Ketchup, like Ooze, is a non-Newtonian fluid. Physicists say that the best way to get ketchup to flow is to turn the bottle over and be patient. Smacking the bottom of the bottle actually slows the ketchup down! |
