More papier mache

Papier mache workshops
Originally uploaded by dalbhat

Covering bottles and plastic containers with papier mache is a very fun activity. We made our glue with white flour and water, mixed it up smooth with our hands in a largish pan; and then went crazy with strips of newspaper!

The key to good papier mache crafts is layering up the newspaper strips well. Children want to stop when they cannot see the bottle, cup or balloon anymore – but you need to just keep coaxing them on with the ole, "just one more layer!"

Mash up the newspaper in your hand to add on noses and other appendages, then cover it carefully with small strips so it says firmly on the piece.

After the paint, everyone seemed very happy with their pieces!

Bean bag friends

grin and barrett
Originally uploaded by dalbhat

We found the stash of felt that we bought while in the US and on a very, very rainy day started making these froggies. We named them Grin and Barrett, since that's what we had to do when everything was cancelled due to flooding here. And yes, there are beans inside. Everyone has some of these around the house, I suppose.

Snakes and mice were other ideas we came up with to make...but didn't get that far!

Felt is such a wonderful medium for children as you don't have to be neat about hemming and such. Good to keep around the house.