Glue Sponge

I found this terrific idea on Pinterest from Lynsey Atkinson. This is called a glue sponge. What you do is cut a sponge and put it into a plastic container. Once inside the container fill it with Elmer's glue (or any kind of white glue).Children can rub their cut-up pieces of paper over the sponge. No more glue bottles or messes

Books related to topic---

Let's Sticker & Paste!

In this book, children first learn to place stickers onto colorful backgrounds to make lively scenes. As they make their way through the book, children develop fine motor control and spatial reasoning skills by pasting paper parts and objects on to designated spots in order to complete fun art projects. Ages 2 and up. Available on Amazon

 

 

 

I Can Cut and Stick

The projects in this book are very appealing , but involve very simple cutting and sticking. They include a glittering firework, bright paper sunflowers, a gold doily crown and a monster mobile. Available on Amazon

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Happy crafting and reading from Fran and Friends!

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Available On Amazon

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Caterpillar Craft

Fuzzy,wuzzy catepillars....
Many years ago I made this caterpillar craft with my nieces and nephews . And then again later when my daughter was old enough.

This craft is so easy and it's been around for ages. This is a fun craft for any time of year but especially for spring!!

What you'll need:

• Pom-poms, in various colors and sizes
• Tongue depressor sticks
• Google eyes
• Elmer's Glue or crafts glue
• red felt

Directions:

1.    Choose 5 colored pom-poms making sure 1 is bigger than all the rest.

2.    After you have chosen, the pom-poms glue them to the tongue depressor making sure the biggest one is first.

3.    Now glue two of the google eyes onto the face of the caterpillar. If you would like to make the happy version with a nose, cut a smile and a nose out of the red felt and glue it onto the face of the caterpillar.

Here's a nice story by Eric Carle that your children may enjoy!



Dry Bean Mosaic

With May, soon approaching here is a great idea for a Mother's day gift. Any type of dry bean such as, legumes, red beans, peas, lentils,even jelly beans etc. Dry beans come in a variety of beautiful color and shapes. (**Parents, jelly beans would be more costly but they can also be used. You can often buy jelly beans at a reduced cost after the Easter holiday.)

First, decide whether you want to create a picture or a random design.  If you decide to make a picture, draw it on paper first and identify which beans you want where. Making a mosaic is allot like a paint by number. There are two ways to make this piece of art.

Method #1

**If you have very young children you can draw a simple picture such as a fish or a heart. Once you have drawn the picture you can then glue the beans directly onto the cardboard.

Method #2

***If you have an older child, you can choose the clay method. To do the clay method you or your child would first cover his piece of cardboard with an even layer of modeling clay. After you put the clay onto the cardboard, you would then take a sharpened pencil and gently mark the design into the clay.This will help to guide you while placing the colored beans. (I have added some sample projects that are more complex and artistic.

You are now ready to begin the mosaic. Press the colored beans into the clay in the design you have created. 

Materials Needed:

·         A variety of dry beans, peas, red bean and lentils

·         Modeling clay

·         A firm surface such as cardboard (or foam board)

·         Glue

Directions:

Once you decide the size of your art work and which method, draw your picture and then proceed to either glue or place your bean into the clay. When you have completed your art work allow it to dry for at least 24 to 72 hours.