!8: Best Buy Kids Projector Lamps: December 2011

!±8± Paper Crafts - The Low Cost Craft Alternative

When your family loves spending time together crafting but doesn't have extra room in the budget to buy art supplies, paper crafts might be the right choice. Compared to many other art and craft items, paper is affordable, easy to find, and not difficult to use. Your family probably has enough paper scraps at home to make several enjoyable projects right now. You could hold a family "art night" and create some great paper craft projects together tonight!

Watercolor Tie-Dye on Paper Towels

With one single roll of plain white paper towels and a set of watercolor paints, you have all that's required to make a great tie-dye art project. This is a fantastic family project because it is simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers to do. Additionally, your family will be able to make visually exciting products without needing some specific or well developed artistic skill.

Remember to cover your tabletop with a tarp or waterproof vinyl cloth before you begin this project so the surface of the table is protected. Then gather the necessary supplies: single roll of white paper towels, watercolor paint set, paint brush, bowl of clean water, and enough bowls for each color of paint to be used. Next, add water to each of the color bowls. With the paint brush, use watercolors to stain each bowl of water. Hand each family member one paper towel square. Demonstrate how to fold the paper towel in an alternating fan-folding fashion. When you reach the end, fold the strip into a small triangle, square or other shape using the same alternating fan-folding pattern. Now, take each corner and edge of your folded paper towel and place in different bowls of colored water until the towel has absorbed the colors. After the paper towel is completely covered by color, use a second paper towel to blot it and then gently unfold. The result should be a colorful geometric design. Make sure to dry the towel completely. Then, with a warm iron, you may press the towel until it is without any wrinkles. Finally, display your watercolor tie-dye towel s in picture frames as you would any other modern art.

Family Portrait Silhouettes

Family members will need to work together to create this wonderful paper craft project known as silhouettes. This project will require that you have a very bright light source, like a big flashlight, a lamp, or some type of projector. To begin, tape a big sheet of white paper to a wall. Move a chair so that the paper is centered directly behind it and then turn the chair so that it faces to the side. Adjust your source of light so that it shines towards the paper. Next choose someone in the family to sit down in the chair. With a pencil, carefully outline the shadow made by their face. Then, take scissors and follow the pencil outline to remove the silhouette shape. Get a large piece of black paper and outline the silhouette on it. Finally, cut this shape out and adhere to a sheet of paper in a lighter color. When everybody in the family has had their silhouette made, you will want to put them in picture frames and make a special wall display in your home.