Ideas for a craft project - tricky parameters

11 years ago

Our family is travelling to several spots in Asia over the holidays. One of our days will be spend volunteering at a rural school in Southeast Asia. Part of that will include teaching an arts and crafts class for a class. We are very excited about this unusual opportunity.

There are a couple of things that make this arts and craft project tricky:

1. We don't know the age of the kids yet, and may not know before we leave for our trip. They could be any age from 5-12.

2. We have an hour for the class.

3. Other than greetings, we don't speak their language and they do not speak English.

4. We cannot assume that we can buy anything there; so we will have to carry on or ship ahead our supplies. It will be a class of 20 so supply expenses aren't a huge concern.

So, given those constraints, do you have any ideas for fun art/craft projects?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (26)

alisande
11 years ago
Here's the first thing that came to my mind: paper chains, like the ones I made as a child--but fancier.

You could get some pads of scrapbooking paper. It comes in all sorts of colorful designs, some with shimmer or glitter. It comes in card stock, too, but I think that would be harder to glue together; it would tend to spring open.

X-Acto sells a small paper cutter. Mine cost $8 on sale.

And you'd need non-toxic glue pens.

You can cut the paper into whatever size strips you like, and demonstrate (no words needed) how to make one into a circle, gluing the ends together. Then the next strip links onto the first, and those ends are glued together. And so on.

I think it would be fun!

What a great trip and opportunity! Let us know what you end up doing.
User
11 years ago
I don't have any ideas but have you looked on Pinterest? Lots of good ideas there.
Related Discussions
Advice on drainage project needed
Q
Comments (18)
"If someone has recommended doing half the driveway only and not urged us to do the whole thing, is that another red flag?" In my mind, it's a red flag. Look at the flat cross-section profile of the front portion of the drive. Imagine the heaviest rainstorm you can--one that goes on for hours with a heavy downpour. As flow piles up, it's impossible that water will not infiltrate the building ... unless the entire cross-section slopes away from the building. But it doesn't. Pls8xx makes the point that contractors often propose that which is the easiest/most profitable. Unless their work is very well known to the client, that places their recommendations into question. I'm not saying that the recommendations are automatically not good ... just that they must be looked at with a suspicious eye. The recommendations of a landscape architect WHO IS ALSO A CONTRACTOR must be looked at in the same regard. And JUST because a person is an LA does not mean they are well qualified in all aspects of that work. (I was trained to design a highway, but I couldn't design one to save my life!) ... or that they don't have a profit motive ... or even a lazy streak. Astphard, as I mentioned your property is similar to one I once owned. So similar in fact that it's eery ... not just the narrow drive at the left, but even the paint and trim colors! We had a garage that was too small to be a real garage in the same position. We had a slope (a MUCH more substantial one!) coming straight at the back of the house. There was an existing concrete patio at the back of the house and fortunately, it was swaled and sloped to carry water toward the drive. I swaled the drive to allow the flow to continue. That everyone who has come out to look at the situation has advised installing a drain and piping makes me the lone dissenter. In spite of that fact, I cannot stress enough how much more trouble-free drainage at the surface of the ground is compared to that which is buried. Though I haven't seen a close-enough view of the back of the house yet to render an opinion, my gut reaction remains the same as it was earlier: this can probably be handled with surface grading and drainage for a much more trouble-free, long term solution. Especially, if you're going to be re-grading anyway. Marcinde, you'll see that nowhere am I advising the OP NOT to get a local solution. I'm only advising him on what he should be looking out for while doing it. As well, I agree with pls8xx ... if the proper information could be gathered, there's no reason a drainage/grading solution couldn't be done from afar. But no one here has offered to do one. What's happening here is helping someone to look out for their self.
...See More
Could Anyone Help with Ideas for Breaking the Ice?
Q
Comments (7)
Hi Rain! I like your user name and also the fact that you are a person who can get a bunch of folks to do a project together. I like the windchime with found objects idea, you could just buy fishing line for everyone. You might make one at home or print some pics to get people going. If you can find some bolts and washers or such to mix in (used-cheap at home?) that could add a masculine and or musical element. Another idea is to decorate plastic pots with found beach objects. They could be transported home in a suitcase if they were not too big and stuffed with socks or something. Once you get to your destination you could ask at a garden place if they have any used ones you could buy cheap. You would need to buy a few squeeze tubes of GE Silicone ii for windows and doors - clear for everyone to share. Check to see if there is a freecycle for your destination to see if anyone is giving away any interesting materials. You could give people more than one option. What ever you do be sure to take pics and post them here! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Have fun. Kathy
...See More
Opinions on my wicker chair project?
Q
Comments (54)
I don't suppose you have a cut piece of your fabric anywhere? Probably not, or you would have shown it. One trick I've used, is to wrap a seat cushion with my fabric and place it on the frame. Even if you have to leave the rest of the bolt rolled on the floor next to the chair, it can help you to visualize. If you had a cut piece, even if it was just pillow size, you could go into a store with other wicker and place it on the cushion to see how you like it with other wicker colors. I would unroll some of the bolt, wrap the cushion and tuck it back onto the chair, place the chair on the rug and pull the whole thing against the wall. Then, snap your shot. And for what it's worth, I love your mohair velvet. It's going to be awesome! I did my favorite vintage chair in brown mohair velvet and even while I worried it was the wrong choice, the finished product is beautiful! But in your first shot, the one with the original chair finish, the shot is dark and the wicker looks tan or gray beige. That's the color you need to shoot for. I realize that the real color was white, but in that shot, the chairs provide the right contrast to both the rug and the Wyeth Blue walls. With your blue gray velvet, it will be gorgeous. I don't know how to get that color, *(unless you can maybe find Annie Sloan chalk paint in French Linen nearby, the chalk paint goes on with a subtle matte finish that might suit those chairs well) but take a look at this blog and you will see what I mean. Red Here is a link that might be useful: Cote de Texas...Not your granny's wicker!
...See More
Show your craft rooms!
Q
Comments (28)
So, I've been working in that room a LOT! Packed up and donated a ton of stuff, but still have plenty left. The fabric and trims will be getting another thorough culling after I regain some steam. I wish I had taken a "before" pic, but it was just a mess. Imagine tubs and stuff and junk just strewn everywhere. Here's my "during" pics: That lamp was a $2 thrift store find! I just found an inexpensive shade, dressed it up with a little ric-rack and painted the finial to match. The desk is getting new paint and hardware. The shelf is also getting fresh paint. That yellow chair is the inspiration for the feel and color scheme of the room. The table...also getting fresh paint. I wanted a table big enough to really work at. Something big enough to sew, paint, cut fabric, etc. I already had that table, and decided this was the perfect spot for it. It has another leaf, too, so I can add another foot or so if I need to. I was looking for a rolling cart or shelf to store the sewing machines on, but couldn't find anything that met all of my needs, so I just made one! I used a piece of heavy plywood, added casters to the bottom and handles on the sides. The paint is still curing, but both machines will fit on it, and it stows nicely under the table. So far, the only new things I've bought were the lamp, the red rolling chair, and the hardware. I'm still searching for closed storage for the fabric, either a pantry or an armoire.
...See More
sovra
11 years ago
Isn't there a kind of modeling clay that can be shaped and dried without using a kiln?

I remember that all through elementary school and into middle school, the clay unit in art was THE unit everyone looked forward to all year. And the exact nature of the clay project can vary based on the kids' ages. So if they turn out to be littler kids, you could have them roll the clay into long thin snakes and then coil them into small bowls. And if they're bigger kids, you could have them make figurines of some sort or (if you have enough clay) masks.

If the clay is paintable and you have time, you could even have them paint their projects.
terezosa / terriks
11 years ago
That is a great idea, and you would definitely be able to purchase paper anywhere you go. You could also show them pictures of Christmas trees decorated with paper chains, so that they could understand the cultural background of the craft.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
Terriks,
I was wodering if we should try to show them something from our culture --- even cutting out snowflakes and making snowmen. I don't know if that comes across as interesting, or if it comes across as clueless!
Sovra,
I was thinking of some of the (expensive) craft products we have here that might seem interesting and are not seen there. Crayola has that cool modelling medium that dries hard and you can paint. And those markers that only appear on special paper. They might have a "wow" factor.
Gail,
Will do, thx.
Alisande,
Chains have a nice symbolism and could decorate the classroom. I will think about an angle.

All,
I had asked if we could bring some sort of treat, and was told they avoid treats because dental care is a real issue (I didn't actually mean candy, but anyway ...). My DH wondered if we could have them decorate toothbrushes. Woodne toothbrushes are surprisingly expensive (not that id mind per se but it is a waste for people who have real needs) but I dont think you can paint plastic ones. I was thinking maybe a collapsible drinking cup, toothbrush and timer in a little bag?
It could be a good idea or a real bummer for the kids, hard to know!
roobear
11 years ago
When I taught art for a summer, there was one project that all the different ages (4-8) seemed to really enjoy, it was making colored marble paper with shaving cream and food coloring.

It's easy to do, and the kids I taught really enjoyed playing with the shaving cream and swirling the colors around in it. It also works well for groups of 3 or so, as they can share one pan or paper plate, and each person can have a chance to add color or change the pattern to make their own marble swirled artwork. Or you can add more shaving cream or mix the colors until they're under and you have a white surface to add new colors for new prints.

Examples:
http://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Marbled-Paper-Using-Shaving-Cream
http://www.playcreateexplore.com/2011/09/shaving-cream-marbled-paper.html
http://www.thechocolatemuffintree.com/2012/03/shaving-cream-marbled-rainbows.html

I'm not sure about getting the supplies you would need over there, or mailing them or bringing them with you though.
User
11 years ago
I love the idea of making paper chains and decorating the school or classroom with them. Each child (including yours) could write his or her name on a link. If the kids are young, maybe each of them would also enjoy making and taking home a length of chain correspondingto his or her own height?
User
11 years ago
Kids of all ages enjoy puppets--- you could bring a bunch of extra white athletic socks for the puppets, and felt already cut into different shapes to use for the faces and hands. You could glue on the shapes and leave the teacher with needles and thread so they could be sewn on later if the kids wanted to do that.
funkyart
11 years ago
I don't know how much you want to spend.. but we often planned projects around our family gatherings when the kids were younger (they are now 11-22).

Two of the things they loved was making pretzels and making pasta-- probably not an option in a school.

Another that we did was decorating sneakers and baseball caps. The caps were just plain, light cotton ones-- nothing fancy but in an array of colors. Fabric paint, markets, appliques, ribbon and sequins made it fun. For sneakers, we've used both plain converse style and also keds.

Caps should be cheap if bought in bulk.. and you wouldn't need to worry about size like you do with shoes. Heck, plain tshirts would work too! My nieces LOVED to make tshirts.. I'd think boys would enjoy it too.

I love the idea of something they can create-- but also keep. From the little bit I've picked up about your children-- they are very creative and will provide lots of great ideas.
tinam61
11 years ago
I like the puppet idea. My church has a group going to Guatemala in December. They have been there several times before. Something that is not a craft but the kids apparently adore - girls that is - is having their fingernails painted. I know the Nester wrote about the same thing when she traveled with Compassion. I believe both the girls and boys enjoyed the nail painting on her trip! One thing, the children probably need clothing. If you could do some kind of craft with t-shirts (paint them), let people in your group sign them, etc. You could even have one made for yourselves with the signatures of children - that might be nice. It would be a reminder of your visit and it would be a useful piece of clothing for the children. I know our group takes shoes for the children - again - you could tie something like that in to a craft - decorate (tie-dye?) shoestrings for tennis shoes, etc.

I think the toothbrushes are an excellent idea. Our group does take candy, but they take things like toothbrushes, bars of soap, washcloths, etc. We do this too in the shoebox project and usually have a dentist donate toothbrushes. You might try to get some of your materials donated. Just suggestions!

tina
User
11 years ago
I have no ideas (not crafty at all), but truly envy your ability to do this with your children. Very enriching for your whole family.
judithn
11 years ago
Just a thought but things like x-acto knives and other sharp objects may not be allowed on the plane...
judithn
11 years ago
Just a thought but things like x-acto knives and other sharp objects may not be allowed on the plane...
daisychain01
11 years ago
I love the marbled paper idea. I teach kindergarten and we do a unit on colour. We use shaving cream and food colouring to teach how new secondary colours are created from the primary colours. Another idea is to make tie-dyed t shirts. This summer I had all the neighbourhood kids over to do this. Kids ranged in age from 5 to 14 and they all loved it. We ended up dying everything we could lay our hands on that was white and cotton. All the kids now have very colourful pillowcases.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
Daisy,
The marble project looks very cool. I am just deciding what to put it on. I was thinking bookmarks but that's too small to show the marbling. Maybe folders.
I do have an idea from the school of past project and they have already done a giant paper mache snake that hangs in a tree outside, tie dye tees, sewing, and dolls, I think. I am trying not to repeat.
Judithn,
No, indeed! I think we will need to check a few bags in any event given we will be away three weeks. Or, I will ship ahead to our hotel there.
TinaM, I worry about puppets with 12 year olds. Not sure how that would play. I know I don't like my girls, who are still in elementary school, having their nails done ... so I'd worry about that. I think all girls do love it but not all parents! I'd hate to be the evil debauched imperialist.
Funky,
This areas is quite poor (we are donating food), so I don't think food as craft would work, but I bet it is fun! I like the baseball cap idea!
KSWL - I like the idea of the links as a measure of their height --- throw some math in!
Robobear - my kids were really excited about that! Who wouldnt like the tactile sensation!

All,
My kids had what I think is a great idea. They each want to do a craft "station" and let the kids pick one or more things they'd like to do. My son wants to do origami, which he is good at and can be very simple or hard. My one daughter wants to make flower pencils out of bright green pencils and duct tape (she did this in school one year and they are really cute). The pinterest link reminded me of the thumbrpint drawings you can do. I might do those. My youngest wants to to Jackson Pollock art ... hmmm a bit messy!

Keep the ideas coming! You guys are great.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
Offhand, I would do something that was American. I don't know what that might be though. I'll think about it although something related to quilts or stamping keeps coming to mind. Perhaps some kind of printmaking using leaves and such.
It's a tricky situation as I know you want to be sensitive to their economic circumstances while teaching them the beauty found in art.
All my students can't get enough of gold paint though, lol. Gold leafing would be cool...
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
I agree Bumble.In fact I thought about snowflakes. They are easy, pretty, and they've probably never seen them...
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
I love snowflakes as a project and you could paint them with glue then sprinkle on glitter. Various colors...
With older kids double snowflakes can be made then colored tissue paper glued to the inside of one to make a stained glass snowflake. Those are pretty but I don't recall kids ever got too excited about them. Glitter, always.
The younger kids might not be able to handle a pair of scissors well enough though.
patty_cakes
11 years ago
I Love the paper chain idea and it's simple.

Another thought is to use things that are part of their environment~leaves, twigs, dried berries, pebbles/shells, whatever can be found where they live. Stick people could be made, and 'dressed' w/leaves and whatever else. Or use the sticks to make snowflakes, reindeer, etc., and sprinkle w/glitter.

I'm thinking it might be easiest to take less items rather than more~maybe you won't have enough for all the children. 'Foraging' will also teach them 'bought' items aren't always necessary,
maire_cate
11 years ago
If you decide on a snowflake project you might want to take along some photos of your children playing in the snow or making snowmen.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
You might try something with beads too, those are very popular and would add a certain excitement rather than something with just paper, which is fairly ordinary, except for marbling, that is fun.
A bead wind chime would be great.

Here is a link that might be useful: bead blog
deegw
11 years ago
I'm brainstorming here and I realize some of these things won't work. I am trying to think of crafts that are "traditional" - corn husk dolls, dream catchers, shrunken apple heads, paper weaving , quilling, silhouettes, etc. Hopefully someone else can take my train of thought and run with it.
deegw
11 years ago
I thought of a couple more things and then I need to get a life. My kids always loved doing things with duct tape:

http://www.duckbrand.com/Duck%20Tape%20Club/ducktivities.aspx

and weaving with magazine pages:

http://www.google.com/search?q=magazine+weaving&hl=en&tbo=u&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&rlz=1I7ACAW_en&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3PykUPy3JI2A9QS2j4HgDg&ved=0CDUQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=479
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
Yes, the duct tape crafts are amazing! One of the instructors last summer did that at art camp and they made suits of armor, shoes!, very, very popular.
eandhl
11 years ago
This would require some pictures(from the US or download from Asia), unless you had access to a computer and printer at the school. The lids from canning jars (light weight for shipping) card paper or pictures you print in advance. Snow pictures would be good. glue stick. cut the picture to fit the roundlid and glue it on the inside of the lid - then glue lid to screw on top. Put a piece of ribbon around the top to hang. If you access to a computer & printer you could do pictures of the children to put glue on.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
Eandhl, that sounds a little bit like a christmas ornament? Am I visualizing it correctly?

Bumblebeeze, Deee, Yes, if you don't have kids youve probably never heard of it but duct tape is big! Thanks for the link.

Deee -- all the traditional stuff I can think of, I don't think they will find too exciting. ANd without language skills to give in context, not sure ...

Bumblebeez --- beads, great idea!!m ooh and glitter!

Maire -- yes, i thought I should do that too.

Patty -- I see your point, but perhaps they already do enough of that. ANd frankly it takes more skill to pull that off!

At this point, I am thinking I will give my school contact a choice of four from:

Origami (my son is really good at this so I think we will def do this)
Duct tape pencil flowers (my one daughter has done these and they are cute and functional)
Beading
Marbleized paper, maybe for bookmarks
Snowflakes with glitter
Baseball hat painting
Thumbprint painting

Thanks all!

Ideas for a craft project - tricky parameters

Comments (26)

alisande

User

Related Discussions

sovra

terezosa / terriks

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

roobear

User

User

funkyart

tinam61

User

judithn

judithn

daisychain01

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

Bumblebeez SC Zone 7

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

Bumblebeez SC Zone 7

patty_cakes

maire_cate

Bumblebeez SC Zone 7

deegw

deegw

Bumblebeez SC Zone 7

eandhl

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Ideas for a craft project - tricky parameters

Comments (26)

Related Discussions

mtnrdredux_gwOriginal Author

mtnrdredux_gwOriginal Author

mtnrdredux_gwOriginal Author

mtnrdredux_gwOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author

mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author