BIRD HOUSE CRAFT ~ PAPER MACHE

Paper Mache Bird Houses are easy to make and fun for kids of all ages to paint.  Kids can use them to store treasures in their room or hang from the ceiling in a window.  Houses are painted with acrylics and can be any colors or designs child chooses.  Kids can help construct the house or it can be made ahead for them if that fits the situation better.  Houses can be just about any size but these are around 8 to 12 inches high and about 5 or 6 inches on the sides.  You can make a tall roof or not so tall.  House is created from cardboard base, paper mached with newspaper, and painted with acrylics.

Materials ~ 

Cardboard, pieces or a box and extra pieces for roof.  Newspaper strips and liquid starch or any paper mache recipe you prefer.  I like liquid starch as it is clean and easy to use and dries nice and crisp.  You can buy it at larger markets and Smart and Final.  Gesso or white acrylic paint for a nice white base.  Assorted acrylic colors and brushes.

Directions ~

Decide size house you would like and either use a box for the base or cut cardboard from a pattern you can make out of newspaper (shown below).  Just remember to cut a hole for the "birds".  Roof can be any height you prefer (see below).

After house is cut, glue or tape it together and cover with a layer of paper mache.  Dip newspaper strips in starch, squeegee, and place on cardboard.  Cover house evenly and make as smooth as possible.  Let dry and add another layer which will smooth out rough places and make house stronger.

When dry, paint with a coat of Gesso or white acrylic so you have a nice bright base to paint.  Let child choose colors they like, and make a pallet on a paper plate.  Let kids know that it's a good idea not to mix all of their colors together but that it's fine to mix new colors, in a separate area. It's also okay to paint designs and patterns on top of colors after they have dried.  Encourage kids to try painting details such as flowers, plants, trees, patterns, designs, birds etc but let them know that any way they want their house is perfect. When house is dry, you can add a coat of clear acrylic gloss for a nice shine and to make it a little stronger.

Pattern out of newspaper (great for making all kinds of patterns) for house, 4 sides and 2 roof peeks.  Roof can be cut out of cardboard later.

Trace pattern on cardboard, cut (might need a sharp knife so be careful) score, fold and tape.  Cut a hole which takes a little patience.

Roof is one piece, scored, and folded to fit house bottom.  Glue.

Add paper mache and let dry.  Add a second coat after first coat is dry for extra smoothness and strength.

Add a coat of Gesso or white acrylic paint for a nice bright clean base.  I like Gesso for the way it covers.  Worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of paper mache and you should!  Make a bird house for a child who has to spend quiet time resting or recuperating as kids love painting paper mache objects. 

ART SCRAPBOOK

Art scrapbooks are a great way to help to provide a fun, creative diversion for kids when they need to be still and are not able to run around, but are awake and alert enough to know it! It's especially difficult for little ones around ages 2 to 5 as sitting still is not what they are about.  Young kids who have to spend time in the hospital, or need to be confined to bed or quiet time due to illness or other challenges can receive many positive benefits from engaging in easy, inviting, arts and crafts projects.  Art  projects can provide hours of hands on fun and learning as well as a break from technology.  

 

Of course kids love coloring books and other simple art materials but with a little effort you can put together fun projects like an artsy scrapbook or even a collage done on a large sheet of tag board or cardboard.  Art scrapbooks and journals are fun for all kids starting around age 2, not just those dealing with challenges. It can be fun for kids who are older and able to write, to include notes here and there about their art, their day,  places and activities.  Event tickets, photos, napkins, invitations, menus, cards, photos etc can be cut up and turned into something creative.

 

A scrapbook can easily be created with 2 pieces of cardboard, tag board, heavy poster board etc for front and back and several pages of colored paper, white paper, whatever you like, for filler pages.  Filler pages should not be too light, construction paper, poster board, and other good weight papers will work best.  Punch holes in cover and back and filler pages and tie book together with ribbon or string.  You can also add more pages when book is full.  You can even purchase an inexpensive scrapbook but it's not necessary.  Any size will do, the book for Paige  is about 9x12, with 8.5x11 filler pages.  

 

Materials and Tips ~

 

Scrapbook, scissors, markers, glue stick, school glue, assortment of papers and materials for gluing to pages..

 

Put together a good selection of colored papers, fabrics, felt, ribbon, lace, trims, stickers, stars, pom poms, envelopes for secret stuff, and different shapes cut out of sticky back sheets of foam which come in a several  colors as well as glitter colors.  Pictures from magazines and newspapers, photos, little drawings or notes, and just about anything that can be glued down.   For young kids especially, they will be more interested if you take the time to cut out a lot of interesting shapes they can use in several creative ways.  Provide cut out squares, circles, swirls, strips, and zigzag strips that can be used for creating designs, patterns or houses, boats, and cities.  Having markers makes it possible to add details and different parts to designs.  A lot of kids respond positively to a bit of help getting started.  Providing simple shapes like butterflies, rockets, flowers, mountain shapes, trees, houses, and robots helps get things rolling and kids can then add their own special details with all of the available materials.  I also often find interesting items to use at 99 cents stores, you just have to use your imagination, and your scissors.  Ask kids what they would like, favorite colors etc.

 

Bring scrap book and the materials to child and tell them to have fun.  It's always good to offer a few suggestions while letting them know whatever they want to do is fine. If child is especially young you can add their name on the cover for them or you can cut out letters and let them do it,  Sticky back foam works well for the name.  Let them put anything they like on the cover.

 

Art scrapbooks take a little time and effort to put together but are well worth it, especially for kids in need of a little creative diversion as well as time away from their phones and screens. 

 

    

PAPER MACHE FOOD TRUCK

Paper mache food truck is a fun, easy craft for kids to make and paint.  Truck can be any size you like, ours was made from a 6x4x4 inch box and cardboard scraps for wheels and front piece.

There is no need to be overly precise as that is part of the charm of paper mache.  
Materials ~
Cardboard box, rectangle shape such as 6x4x4 and cardboard scraps for front piece and wheels.
Knife and scissors for cutting, glue and tape.
Liquid starch and torn newspaper strips.
White acrylic paint or Gesso for undercoat and acrylic paints in assorted colors.
Clear gloss acrylic top coat, optional.  

Tape box together and make truck front piece which is basically a flat sort of box with a slanted top, like a truck.  You will need to adjust the sides of the piece with slants to fit the slanted top piece.  See picture.  Cut 6 circles for wheels and glue to truck.
After truck is taped and glued together, cover with paper mache.  I prefer liquid starch (found at larger markets and Smart and Final) and newspaper strips but you can use a different recipe if you prefer.  I think liquid starch is the easiest and it dries with the best surface.
After paper mache is dry, paint an undercoat of white acrylic or Gesso and when that is dry, truck is ready to paint.  

An adult can do all of the steps above and give to a child to paint along with an assortment of acrylic paints.  The truck can also be created by kids with a little help.  Sometimes when you are working with kids, depending on the space and time situation, it's not possible to do the paper mache part so it's just easier to bring project, and paints, ready to go.
Encourage kids to have fun and paint their truck any way they choose. For a shiny finish and to add strength, add a coat of clear, gloss, acrylic top coat. 

WATERCOLOR PAINTING KIT FOR KIDS ~

ROBOTS, SHARKS, AND DINOSAURS

 Watercolor painting is fun and easy for kids of all ages.  Kids should be encouraged to choose colors they prefer, and to paint any way they choose, just as long as they remember to use lots of water.  Paints will flow easily with water and results will have that wonderful watercolor quality.  Kids should also know they can paint in the lines or outside the lines, their choice.  Kids should enjoy  experimenting and mixing colors as well as letting colors flow together as that is part of the beauty of watercolors.

Watercolor Kit contains ~ 6 watercolor pages (fine quality 140lb weight paper) with pre-printed designs, 8.5x11.  Designs include 2 sheets with dinosaurs greeting, 1 sheet with dinosaurs at the swimming hole, 1 sheet with sharks, and 2 robot sheets.  Watercolor paint set, 12 colors, semi moist fine quality, non-toxic, paint brush and tips.

To order Watercolor Painting Kits, go to etsy.com/littleislandcompany

PAPER MACHE EASTER EGG BASKET

Paper Mache Egg Basket is created from a basic 10" balloon covered in paper mache.  This is a fun craft to do with kids or to create for a child to paint or decorate as there are so many creative possibilities.

MATERIALS ~

Some 10 to 12 " balloons, as many as needed.

Paper Mache supplies, liquid starch and torn newspaper strips.  You can use a different paper mache method if you prefer but I like liquid starch as it's easy and dries with a nice crisp surface.  Buy at larger markets or Smart and Final.

Gesso or white acrylic paint for first coat and assorted colors for painting egg.  Acrylics work best and you can use tubes or the little 2 ounce bottles sold in craft stores.  Clear acrylic top coat and some glitter for accents here and there, a lot or a little, your choice.

Wire (paper coated works well) for handle or any material you prefer such as ribbon, or pipe cleaners.  You can also use a strip of thin cardboard or poster board for a handle.  Just cut handle length and thickness you prefer, bend in shape to fit basket, cover with paper mache and dry on wax paper with rocks or other weights to hold piece in place while it dries.  When it is dry, it will lift off wax paper easily. To add handle to basket, you can punch holes in handle ends and basket and use ribbon or wires to attach them or you can bend ends of handles a bit and paper mache right to basket. 

INSTRUCTIONS ~

Before you blow up some balloons, stretch them lengthwise a bit to make them a bit longer and so they do not end up too round.  Tie end.  Because you want your basket to have some strength, it's best to apply 3 separate coats of paper mache, letting each coat dry before applying the next so surface will be smooth and not wrinkled.  Make each coat as smooth as possible.  No need to cover the entire egg as you will be cutting the top edge in a broken shell pattern when it is dry.  You can stop a few inches from the tie.

When egg is dry you can gently pop the balloon and peel it off.  It must be thoroughly dry or the balloon will stick.  Mark lines on the top end in cracked egg shell pattern and cut.  

Paint egg with a coat of Gesso or white acrylic paint.  I prefer Gesso for the way it covers.  You need this white coat as it makes it easier to paint your final coat.  Cut or punch two holes for the handle if you are using wire or ribbon.  

When Gesso is dry,  eggs are ready to paint.  For kids,  put out a variety of bright colors and different size brushes.  Kids can paint eggs a solid color and then add designs and glitter later or they can paint their eggs lots of different colors as they go along creating any sort of patterns,  stripes, blotches, or flowers.  Leave it up to the kids and make sure it's their choice and all for fun. Paint a coat of clear gloss acrylic top coat when paint is dry and then attach handle.  

If you want to apply some glitter here and there, it will go on after the top coat.  When applying glitter,  paint some dots or other designs on the egg with some watered down white glue and shake it on.  It's a little tricky to shake off the excess glitter due to the slight stickiness of the top coat so use a brush to remove the extra.

If you have time kids can either do the paper mache part or help with it, but if they are too young, or there is not enough space or time or it's just not convenient, eggs can be created first for kids and they can then do the painting.   

   

 

EASTER CHICKS 

Easy craft for kids using balloons covered in paper mache.

 

Easter eggs are made from plastic eggs, also covered in paper mache.  Eggs can be any size (lots available in dollar stores), painted any way the artist chooses, fancy designs or just polka dots. A coat of clear acrylic gloss makes them look great.

MATERIALS

Balloons, about 6 inches high when blown up but this can vary.
Liquid starch and torn newspaper for paper mache.  I prefer starch but you can use a different method.
White acrylic paint or Gesso
Acrylic paints in assorted colors of your choice.  You can use any brand but the little 2 ounce bottles at crafts stored work great.
glue
Feathers from craft store in assorted colors or your choice
Plastic eyes or if you prefer, you can just paint the eyes, color paper for beek or paint

For eggs~ assorted plastic Easter eggs, paper mache (see above), paint, clear acrylic gloss top coat.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHICKS

Blow up balloons to about 6 inches high and tie.  Cover tie with tape.  Cover balloon with a layer of paper mache (torn newspaper strips dipped in starch) making it as smooth as possible, and let layer dry.  When first layer is dry, add a second, and dry.  When egg is dry, add a coat of white paint or Gesso (I prefer Gesso for the way it covers).  When dry paint chicks in Easter colors like pink and yellow or white if you prefer.  Glue or paint on the little eyes and beek.

Chicks are ready for their feathers.  Even little kids can enjoy doing this part with a little help.  Glue and feathers can get a little tricky but it works with a little patience.  Experiment with feathers to get the look you like and have fun.

EGGS

Eggs need just one coat of paper mache and a coat of white paint when dry.  Kids of all ages can paint eggs.  Put out lots of colors as anything can work.  To help kids a bit, encourage them to start with a solid color or two, or some stripes and add designs after dry.  It's easy to keep adding more details to designs as you go along.  When dry paint with the top coat for a great shine.


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EASTER EGGS ALA MATISSE ~

Giant paper Easter eggs with Matisse style cut out designs is a fun, easy art project for kids of all ages.  While learning about Henri Matisse and his colorful, bold, organic paper cut outs, kids will love working with  the bright colors and the fact they are giant Easter eggs.  Eggs can be displayed on walls or in a window.  Kids can either cut out the shapes or an adult can cut out the eggs and a selection of colorful shapes and kids can choose and glue shapes to eggs.

MATERIALS ~
Several sheets of poster board in bright Spring color for giant eggs.  Lightweight board is fine but construction paper is a bit too light.  Extra colors for cut outs which can be a combination of poster board, construction paper or any bright colored paper.
Pencils or marker for creating eggs and making pattern
Scissors
Glue sticks
Newspaper for creating egg patterns, or whatever you have on hand such as newsprint if you no longer enjoy the fun of reading a real newspaper.  I just had to say that because I love my paper.

INSTRUCTIONS ~
Make an egg pattern any size you choose or a variety of sizes.  Our pattern is about 36X22.  You can adjust size of egg to fit your poster board, or go for smaller eggs if you prefer.  I use newspaper for making patterns because it is so easy as it comes with basic lines to follow.  Fold newspaper lengthwise (if you need extra length or width, just add extra paper with tape)  A basic egg shape can be done by starting with 2 circles (half when folded), bottom larger than top circle, and then go from there and fill in the rest.  Cut out your pattern and trace and cut an egg, adjust it a bit if needed.  You can now use your first egg for your pattern as the newspaper is a bit flimsy.  Cut out as many eggs as you need.

Cut out a variety of colorful shapes to glue on the eggs.  You can do some flower shapes for Spring, lots of wavy lines, leaf shapes, uneven hearts, circles, and squares (see the sample photos for ideas).  If you have a book on Matisse Cut Outs (or look online) you can refer to that for a little inspiration and to show the kids Matisse's work.  Even better, if you are lucky enough to live near an art museum (like Los Angeles) with some of his work on display, take the kids as it's a wonderful way for them to enjoy art and the museum.  Once you get the idea, you can come up with lots of shapes.  One of the nice things about these shapes is they are so organic and free form, anything goes.  An adult can cut the shapes, kids can, or both.

Put all of the shapes out an a large table or the floor along with the giant eggs and some glue sticks and have fun!