- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Time to Get Crafty
Family Crafts From Flowers to Portraits By Katherine Bontrager
includes pressing boards for this process, but you can also just layer three squares of newspaper on a hard surface. (As the pressing process can take several weeks, it's best to chose a spot where the pages won't need to be moved; otherwise use a thick book.) Spread your foliage out on the newspaper so nothing overlaps. Then sandwich the flowers with another set of three pieces of newspaper. Finally, lay a heavy book or other weighty flat object on the sheets. It's best to let the collections sit in a dry place, out of direct sunlight, but avoid storing them in a drawer or closet. Air needs to circulate around the pages during the drying process.
Now it's a waiting game of between two to four weeks for everything to be thoroughly dried and pressed. Check on the materials after about five days to change any outer layers of newspaper that may be damp, but don't disturb the paper immediately covering the flowers and leaves. You'll know the impatient waiting can end when the flowers feel dry and papery to the touch. Then it's onto the second phase of the project.
Look at all the pressed petals and leaves. Do they resemble animals or bugs? Monsters or people? Let children's imaginations run wild as they envision what their collection looks like. Have them gently glue the pieces onto paper and draw in any necessary details. You can also make letters with the delicate collection, working to spell out each child's name.
Children can also decorate light switches and provide a colorful, personalized accent to their bedrooms or playrooms. First remove existing light switches or purchase new ones from a local hardware store. Prepare a mixture of glue and water and have a few paintbrushes at the ready. Have children arrange their flowers and leaves on the light switches and glue them in place. Then have them gently brush over the design with the diluted glue mixture, allowing the plate to dry before adding a second and third coat. Simply install the light switch and watch the faces light up!
Squashing Flowers, Squeezing Leaves