Craft Ideas

By Nanny Megan

LEAF PRINT

You will need:
* Paper
* Different types of leaves
* Paint or crayons

Put the paper flat on the table and then put the leaf under the paper. After you've done that, use the crayon to shade the print of the leaf on the paper. If you are using paint, you put the leaf in the paint and then print in on the paper. Children will learn about design in nature from this toddler craft.

BINOCULARS

You will need:
* 2 toilet paper rolls
* Single hole punch
* Glue
* Yarn or string

Glue together 2 paper rolls on the sides. Punch a hole in each side of the binoculars. Tie the ribbon/yarn through the holes. Have your toddler look through the binoculars and tell you what they see. For more enjoyment, you can bring him or her outside to look for birds.

FINGER PAINTING

You will need:
* Washable, Non-toxic finger paint
* Old clothing or a washable apron/bib
* Paper
* Tape to keep the paper in place

This one is a very popularly followed craft idea, for toddlers. This is because, there is very a little requirement and compulsion for precision. More so, it will give the toddler a chance to see how, colors interact with each other. It will give you a chance to see his creative side and his inclinations, as well. All you need to do is, hand him an art sheet and some paints. Then, you just let him have a colorful gala. You could join him if you like, but please make sure that you do not try to guide or correct him too much, while painting. Let the toddler create his own creative perception.

Pre-School Age:

PALM TREE COLLAGE

You will need:
* Brown and red tempera paint
* Paper
* White Glue
* Torn up leaves and blades of grass
* Torn up pieces of red, brown, and green paper

1. To make one, have your child paint his palm and wrist with brown tempera, then press them on a piece of paper to make a print. (Tip: For easier cleanup, add one tablespoon of dish soap for each L cup of paint.) While the tree is drying, he can add red fingerprint apples.

2. Have him squeeze white glue over the branches and under the tree, then sprinkle on torn-up leaves and blades of grass gathered from a woodsy walk or backyard ramble. Allow the collage to dry completely before hanging.

GOOP

You will need:
* Cornstarch
* Water

FOR COLOR-MIXING STATION:
* Clear glass or plastic container
* Water
* Red, yellow, and blue food coloring

FOR MINI VOLCANOES:
* Small bowl
* Tray
* Baking soda
* White vinegar
* Food coloring (optional)

Ooey-Gooey Goop: This classic recipe (seen above) turns cornstarch and water into an irresistible-to-the-touch, non-Newtonian fluid: a substance, like quicksand, that acts sometimes like a liquid and sometimes like a solid. To make a batch, combine 1 cup of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water in a shallow bowl or rimmed baking sheet (if the goop isn't drippy enough, add more water, a tablespoon at a time). As your child plays with the substance, ask him some questions: What happens when you squeeze it? Pour it? Press on it? Chances are, you'll both be amazed by the results.

Color-Mixing Station: Fill a clear glass or plastic container with water. Have your child add a few drops each of red, yellow, and blue food coloring (a thrill in itself!) and watch as the colors swirl and blend to create new hues.

Mini Volcanoes: Set a small bowl on a tray. Place a tablespoon of baking soda into the bowl, add a tablespoon of white vinegar, then sit back and observe the mixture bubble and fizz. For an even more dramatic eruption, first tint the vinegar with a few drops of food coloring

School Age:

BEAN BAG BALLS

You will need:
* 9 (11-inch) balloons (for 3 balls)
* Funnel
* 2 1/4 cups of dried lentils
* Scissors

1. Stretch the first balloon by inflating it halfway, holding it closed for about 30 seconds, and deflating it.

2. Place a funnel in the balloon's neck and gradually pour in 3/4 cup of lentils, pushing them in as you go. The balloon should be firm but squeezable.

3. Snip off the balloon's thick rubber lip. Cut the neck off a second balloon and gently stretch the opening.

4. Ease the second balloon over the filled balloon, tucking in the neck as you go.

5. Cut the neck off the third balloon, stretch the opening, and ease it over the other two. Repeat this process to make a set of three balls, or however many you'd like.

TIE DYE SHOE LACES

You will need:
* White shoelaces
* Bowls or plastic yogurt containers
* Warm water
* Fabric paint
* Stick or paintbrush
* Plastic bag
* Hair elastics, optional

1. Tie knots in the shoelaces about one inch apart or cinch one-inch loops with the hair elastics.

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.

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.

4. Dry the laces flat on a plastic bag. Do not undo the knots until the laces are dry.