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The Magic Of Clear Contact Paper....
What to do with it:
Suggested Art Projects:
Wish Upon A Cloud Fat puffy cotton balls nested on a cloud-shaped sheet of clear contact paper form the basis of this mobile. Add some colorful streamers in rainbow colors, and you've created an easy spring "masterpiece". Materials:
What To Do: This is a very easy project -- suitable even for young toddlers. But do watch them with the cotton balls to be sure they don't end up in the mouth and into the windpipe. Cut out a large cloud shape from the clear contact paper -- no bigger than 8x10, or it will become floppy and hard to handle. Punch a hole in the top with a hole punch, to hang it by later. If you are using ribbon, then use a hole punch to make several holes along the bottom of the "cloud". Have your child help you decide what color ribbons to use and where each one goes. (This will foster creativity and a sense of self-determination.) If you are using streamers, simply stick them on at the "bottom" of the cloud. Pull and fluff the cotton balls to add volume and a softer look, then have your child stick them onto the contact paper. They may choose to completely fill in the "cloud" or not. If they lose interest, half way through (as young toddlers do with many activities they start), just set the project aside for them to return to later. When it's all done, push a white thread through the hole in the top and tie it in a loop to hang from the ceiling or in a window. Be sure to point out to family members who made this pretty mobile!
Laminated Handprint Decoration These make great decorations for the Christmas tree, but can also be used for gift tags, refrigerator magnets, or other decorative purposes. Add a small, wallet-sized image of your child to make it extra special. Grandparents and doting aunts and uncles love receiving these special mementos. And, as Christmas tree hangers, they can also be a fun way to use duplicate photos of your child with Santa -- if you got your child to sit with Santa. Materials:
What To Do: Trace your child's hand on the piece of construction paper, and cut it out. (Hint: you may want to use the first one as a template to cut several.) Glue your child's photo on the palm of one side with glue stick, and then add other decorations around it. Please note: if you are using glitter glue, spread it around very thinly, otherwise the "lamination" will come out lumpy, and may not stick in places. If this is not to be a magnet ornament, then go ahead and decorate the other side with a special message, stickers, etc. The back side would be a great space to let your child take charge of, since you won't have to worry about the photo becoming covered in marker or stickers, etc. (You can also let them color on it before you glue the photo on.) Once all glue is dry, cut two small squares of clear contact paper. Each should be large enough to completely fit the hand, with at least half an inch left over all around. Now peel the backing off one sheet and lay the sheet carefully over the paper handprint. Smooth it down completely, pressing out any bubbles and making sure that the contact paper makes full contact with the surfaces of the handprint decoration. Now repeat with the other sheet of contact paper, on the other side of the handprint. Trim around the handprint leaving at least a 1/4 inch seam or overlap of clear contact paper. This will allow the two sheet of contact paper to bond to each other, and will seal out dirt and moisture. (Please note that this craft can be displayed outdoors, but will eventually be spoiled by rain.) Now you can either attach a stick on magnet to the back of the handprint, or punch a hole and run some pretty ribbon through it to make a loop for hanging. If you like, use a long enough piece of ribbon that you can tie a nice bow when you join the ends. Enjoy!
Placemats These are a fun art project that can actually be put to practical use. They are great for holidays, a birthday, or just anytime! What's more, the project can easily be adjusted for children of any age, toddler through "tween" and beyond. Even the grown-ups can sit down and join in. And later, everyone can have a meal together on their new placemats. Materials:
Talk with the children about the project. Explain the theme or occasion or simply brainstorm ideas together. Small children will need more direction: "Would you like to put some of these stickers on?", "...Hmm... what could we put over in this area?", "Are your ready to use your crayons?" All children will feel more inspired to see an adult working on a similar project, especially if the adult lets the little kid in them out to play, rather than attempting "serious" art. Do remind school-age children that nothing too thick should be applied and that there must be smooth surfaces for the contact paper to stick to. When toddlers and young preschoolers seem to be about to add too much to the placemat, simply redirect them to a fresh piece of paper. You don't need to "laminate" each one they do. (But you may want to hide the contact paper, if you make this decision! "All done!")
A sticky sheet of clear contact paper, cut in the shape of a spider web, is decorated with glitter in fun Halloween color along with confetti spiders and other fun decorations. A white paper background increases web-like appeal. This project lets very young children exercise their creativity and feel proud of their "I made it myself" accomplishment. Materials:
Clear
contact paper
What To Do: First, you will need to create a web shape pattern out of paper -- you decide how large. Then, cut contact paper into squares that will accommodate the size of your pattern. Trace the pattern onto the contact paper, and then cut out. (You can lay a few sheets together and cut them all out at once if you are doing many.) Next, provide the child with the contact paper cut out and help her peel the backing off. Don't lay the sticky side down against the table -- you need it facing up so that the collage materials stick to it! The child can now sprinkle whatever confetti or glitter you have provided. If you have paper punches, you or the child can make the confetti out of orange or black paper. A little fake "spider web" decoration material could even be added to this project! When the child has finished decorating (don't let them cover ALL the sticky side!), take a sheet of plain white paper and lay over the collage, pressing down to get it to stick. Then flip the whole collage over. If you like, you or the child can cut off the excess paper. Punch a whole through the top side of the "web" and hang it up to decorate the home or classroom. This is a very easy project -- suitable even for young toddlers!
Variation: Try the project using black construction paper instead of white. Be sure to use light colored collage materials! Also, you could easily do this project as a snowflake ( a great way to use leftover contact paper cut outs). Just use white confetti, or prepackaged snowflake confetti, and some pretty white glitter.
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