I’ve been reading this blog for awhile, basically about getting the kids away from all of the electronics and instead doing something creative. Definitely my kind of thing….but it’s just so easy to turn on the tv when there is SO much to get done and three crazy kids in the way.
So I’m trying to change that, and include the girls in more of my busy-ness, instead of just pushing them out of the way. And also trying to push some of the busy-ness out of the way and spend more time having fun.
On that note I’ve decided we’re going to try doing the weekly Unplugged Project. It sounds like fun and honestly, having a bit of a “deadline” is usually a good thing for me.
This week the theme was “flat”. I was a little unsure what to do; I tend to do better with real specific instructions, so apparently this is going to stretch my creativity too. Anyway we were at the library and I saw this book. I never check out kids craft books at the library, mostly because I already own a ton that we hardly even use. But I got really excited about this one because it said all of the activities were based around construction paper only, which is really great since I purchased mine at Costco.
The girls and I selected two activities, both of which are flat:)
The first one was just making a square and triangle picture. The book showed things like a house, or a rainbow, but we kind of ended up with more of just a collage. That’s okay. The glue sticks were really exciting!
The second project was making a mirror image. This one was a little more complicated and created some serious stress for a bit. I should mention the book says it’s for ages 4-10, so there are multiple levels of projects. This one would probably be fun and easy for a ten year old, but for a 3 and 6 year old it required quite a bit of assistance.
It did turn out really cool though and the girls were so proud once we finished.
We wrapped up using one of our fabulous art books, with a picture by and discussion of M.C. Escher. Super educational!!!;)
To see more flat creations click here. (you might need to scroll down a bit.)
Meg —
July 28, 2008 @ 7:10 am
Ooooh. That mirror image thing is cool! I can see how they would need help lining up the cutouts to paste down.
Nature Mama —
July 28, 2008 @ 9:08 am
I love your paper project, the mirror image one is so neat. I remember doing that as a kid but had completely forgot about it
I’m the same with loving that deadline to really get me motivated! Enjoy your day 
White Family —
July 28, 2008 @ 9:54 am
We did the Unplugged Project for the first time this week as well and we just wanted to tell you that we love your “mirror image” art project and are going to do our own today. Thanks for the great idea. And cute site!
P.S. We are a family of girls also (7, 3 and 9 mos.)
Heather —
July 28, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I am going to do the Mirror Image project with my boys. They’ll love it.
Dana —
July 28, 2008 @ 11:43 am
I like the mirror image project, too. And, I like that it is tied into M C Escher! He’s someone we’ve never studied. Great idea!
bobbie —
July 28, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
what a great idea… definately flat…I am going to do this with my girls… the 5 and 7 year old are really starting to understand many art principles… it is so fun finally!!
Rachel —
July 28, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
what a neat project! I’m trying to come up with fun indoor activities too while it’s so hot in the afternoons.
Michie —
July 29, 2008 @ 3:57 am
Welcome to the Unplugged Project! It is a little addicting!
I like the square and triangle collages – that might be fun to try with my little one too. I’m enjoying poking around your blog too. Nice to “meet” you.
Christa —
July 29, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
this is so cute. you are getting popular on here, I can’t believe how many comments you have! i want to try the flat people like the white family and the shape one like yours.
very cool!
the mother-in-law —
August 17, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
LOOK AT ALL THE PEOPLE READING YOUR BLOG!vLove the art projects.