MAKING THINGS WITH YOUR CHILD
Recycled Boxes
You know the old adage – to qualify as a parent , your first test….create a truck from a ‘weet-bix’ box…. Seriously, old grocery boxes and containers make ideal resources, often being made of good quality cardboard.
Have an old hamper or a large box in the pantry to collect these for your children.
Large Appliance Boxes (Adults need to cut these)
Taking a craft knife cut doors and windows.
You can also cut out a large section of one side leaving a reasonable edge frame for construction purposes, and link several boxes together to make a large play house.
Fix the boxes together using pipe cleaners.
Line up the boxes, after cutting the doorways through one wall of each box.
Punch 2 holes approx 1cm apart through both boxes and pull the pipe cleaner through them and twist them up tightly.
Collage Box
Collect a cardboard box from the supermarket or recycle centre and paste old wallpapers over it to cover it and make it special. You can usually obtain odd rolls of wallpaper from the decorating shops. If the old wallpaper is ready pasted all you and your child need to do is wet the back with a large brush and warm water. This is a fun activity in itself.
Hessian Baskets
You can make storage containers for collage.
Choose a plastic mould of your desired size and shape.
Dip or brush Hessian cloth into PVA glue and mould into the container.
Ensure you use plenty of PVA and if the container is larger use several layers for strength.
Trim the top neatly.
Leave to dry until solid.
Remove from mould.
Art Equipment:
Essential supplies which are a great gift idea from family and friends. You know the frustration of not having the right materials to cut, stick or connect items. Have good tools and materials for your children.
Keep these in a special kete, bag or box of their own, possibly one made from the ideas above.
- Cool Melt glue gun and glue sticks
- Solid Glue sticks
- Paste (cellulose school paste) and PVA
- Cellotape – a solid dispenser often makes it easier for children to access cellotape without wasting too much.
- Stapler and Scissors (blunt end but good quality)
- Brushes, Twist ties, String
- Optional: pipe cleaners, blu-tak, split pins
- With adult supervision, child-safe blunt ended fat needles for sewing.