Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for “rookie” parents, “third-time’s-the-charm” parents, or even “been-there-done-that” grandparents? You’re in luck! Gryphon House is counting down our favorite picks for parents. Whether you’re looking to spice up a holiday road trip, explore some exciting art activities, or bring out your baby’s “baby smarts,” we’ve got a book for that!
Can we really make art with that? According to MaryAnn Kohl and her book Art with Anything, the answer is always yes!
With a year’s worth of creative art activities that combine easy-to-find household items and simple-as-can-be instructions, you and your child will have a blast as you redefine the meaning of recycling!
Have some extra cotton swabs or Q-tips® lying around? Then you’re ready to test this theory!
Cotton Swab Snowflakes
Materials
Optional:
- Glitter
- Paper clip
- Thread, embroidery floss, or fishing line for hanging from paper clip
What to Do
1. Spread a sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. With a handful of cotton swabs (10-20 and probably many more), create a snowflake design on the waxed paper. Swabs can be used whole, bent, or broken, but should always connect and touch. Real snowflakes are six-sided, but feel free to be creative with these snowflakes.
2. When the design is ready, squeeze plenty of glue over each joint. Don’t worry if the glue blobs out or looks messy because it will harden clear and look more crystallized that way. Optional: Sprinkle glitter on the glue before it dries. Allow the snowflake to dry on the waxed paper overnight or for at least four hours.
3. When the glue has dried completely, very slowly and carefully peel the snowflake from the waxed paper. If the snowflake breaks, put it on the waxed paper again and add more glue. Dry and peel again when dry.
4. Hang snowflakes with thread, embroidery floss, or fishing line. An unbent paper clip makes a simple hook for hanging.
