stained glass window

This is a similar project to the ones below, but we used clear contact as a base. 

We cut two pieces of the clear contact the same size, and with the backing still on Finn stuck his shapes on top of one of the sheets. 

When he was finished, we peeled the backing off both of the clear contact sheets and stuck them together. It could be used as a window decoration, a book-mark or placemat. 

Self Sticking Plastic

We have a few birthdays coming up so I requested Finn's help in making some hand made cards. This project could also be done on a larger scale. 

  

We used a variety of tinted and block out contact (self sticking plastic) rolls which we were on at the local Newsagency (around $1 per roll). It is safe, non-toxic and odorless activity.

I helped Finn cut out a mixture of shapes in different colours. If your child is able to use scissors encourage them to cut their own shapes- it doesn't matter if the cutting is a bit clumsy.

Once the pieces are cut- the child should be left to work with the contact in which ever way they wish. Let them use their own ideas and imagination in forming shapes, patterns and images. 

The trickiest part of this project is removing the backing off the contact, and to save frustration and time I  removed the backing off multiple shapes, and attached them to the side of the table. Finn was able to choose which pieces he wanted to use. 

Transparent colours are blended when layered or placed next to each other. The effect is quite beautiful. 

This was the second card he made- with very different results 

(A flying robot) 

Stick City

This was a fun activity for a rainy afternoon at home. I had bought a pack of coloured rounded craft sticks (could also be done with coloured paddle-pop sticks) and Finn had a great time creating shapes and cityscapes on the floor. 

Contact Collage

This is a great activity for children when you want to have a glue or paint free day. It is low mess, effort and not many tools are required. Cut two squares of contact (self sticking paper) one for the base, and one for the top. 

With the sticky side facing up, attach the first sheet of contact on the table (using a bit of masking tape or blu-tack on the corners) so it doesn't curl up or get stuck onto itself. 

Give children a variety of flat objects to stick onto the contact, for example: collected dry leaves, tissue paper, paddle-pop sticks, tin foil, glitter etc. 

Once they have finished, help the children place the top contact sheet over the top, and smooth down. A little hole can be punched into the top, so it can be hung with some string in front of a window. 

Finn explained that his artwork represented a farm with a fence around some sheep. 

Rock Rooms

Bird with Bones

After a walk on the beach, Finn was fascinated with the many bird bones from dead sea-gulls we came across. 

When he was home later that day he wanted to draw a bird with 'bones'. 

After he drew the base, I ripped up some coloured paper into strips for him to use as bones, and gave him a pile of feathers. 

When using PVA glue, it's often a good idea to mix a tiny bit of colour into the glue (a drop of food colouring, or paint) so the children can see what area of the paper has glue applied. 

I helped him cut around the shape of the bird, and we stuck it to a clean sheet of paper. 

Collage Robot

For this project I cut up different geometric shapes out of day-glow (fluorescent) paper which was bought at a local newsagent. I also gave Finn a pile of small plastic 'Googly eyes'. 

He also found some other objects and stickers from around the house which he used to finish off his 'ra-bot'. 

Children also may enjoy drawing into their collage to make the shapes and images become more recognisable, or turn them into different objects.

Joy