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Family
Activies
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Two
Father's Day Gifts to Make with Your Children:
by
Ellen Scolnic
Next
rainy day when you're looking for something to do with the
kids at the kitchen table, try one of these projects for
Father's Day.
Hand-painted
Necktie
Just
what Dad needs--another necktie. But this one will be cherished
for its sentimental value than as a fashion statement. And
you can always make Dad wear it every Father's Day.
Purchase
one solid, light-colored necktie. Springtime is the perfect
time to find these in pale gray or yellow. Check out discount
fashion retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls first--not
only is the price right, but you want a cotton or cotton/poly
blend--not a silk tie--for this project.
Decide
if you want to use fabric crayons or decorative craft paint.
Fabric crayons are easier for smaller children to handle
but they give muted, dull colors. If you want to trace your
child's hand or write a message, then fabric crayons are
the best choice. If, however, your child just wants to paint
a design--stripes or shapes or blobs of color--you'll get
nice results with fabric craft paint. Fabric craft paint
comes in lots of colors, in small squeeze tubes for under
$1 each at any art and crafts supply store. Look for brand
names like Tulip and Polymark.
Younger
children can make a handprint or write their names above
a "squiggle drawing" they create. Older children should
first sketch their design on a similar sized piece of paper.
They can draw a whole scene--trees, clouds, birds, houses
and cars, working their way up the tie. Give the artist
a permanent marker with which to sign his name and date
on the back of the tie.
Collage
Picture Frame for a Work-of-Your-Art
Our
Dad likes to take artworks created by his kids to the office,
but he usually just puts up the drawings with pieces of
tape. Artwork on display in the workplace demands more!
Here's an easy way to make your own decorated picture frame--one
you can then fill with a work of art, suitable for framing.
Materials
- A
large piece of cardboard, at least 15x15 inches
- Exacto
knife or sharp nail scissors
- ruler
- tissue
paper in several colors or gift wrap paper scraps
- white
glue
- paintbrush
First
decide what size opening for the artwork you want the frame
to have. Measure with a ruler that size square (8x11 the
most common size; or 9x12 which is art paper size) in the
center of the cardboard. Have an adult do the next part,
carefully cutting out the inner square with the Exacto knife
or a scissors. When you're done cutting, you'll be left
with a rectangular picture frame ready to decorate.
Next,
mix the white glue with equal parts water in a small cup.
Then let the children cut or tear tissue paper (or wrapping
paper) in small pieces of different shapes. Brush on a thin
layer of glue and begin gluing down the paper scraps, overlapping
them and filling all spaces. Use lots of glue, because it
will dry clear and seal the collage. Choose an artwork to
put in the frame. Tape it in place on the reverse side.
Have the artist sign and date the front, lower-right corner.
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