craft2gether

We welcome Ashlie Blake, artist and Hudson Valley parent, who will be showing us how to create terrific arts and crafts projects using simple items around the house.  Just for HVParent.com.

Here, she shows us what can be done with an empty box, paint and marbles.  When done, you’re child will have a great piece of art suitable for framing, or gift giving.

{{Marble Rolled Canvas Art }}

Recommended for children ages 18 months and up

Prepare to get messy and have fun too!

Your kids will love this project with it’s bright colors.

Get ready to hear giggles as paint covered marbles glide across a kid driven canvas!

{{Supplies}}

Canvas

Bag of Marbles

Liquid Acrylics (found in the wood section of your local craft store)

Cardboard

Packaging Tape

Paper Plates, water and bowls

Special Note: Liquid acrylics will stain clothing, please dress your child accordingly. In our house I let my boys create in their underwear, this way it’s straight to the tub when they have completed their projects.

#Step 1 : Cut several long strips of cardboard about 2 inches wide, attach pieces together with packaging tape. Wrap strip around canvas creating a rim (This rim will protect your marble from falling off of the canvas while your children roll)

#Step 2: After forming rim and securing with tape,  flip canvas over and tape vertically/horizontally pulling tension tight (see image below). Cardboard should be secure yet removable.

#Step 3 : Cover your dining room table with a twin sized fitted sheet. Corners will hold onto the table preventing slippage while also keeping your surface clean. Offer bowls of water for rinsing marbles between colors and paper towels for drying them as well as wiping hands.

#Step 4 : Squirt paint onto paper plates. Let children coat marbles one by one and place in the center of their canvas. Once you have placed your marbles and are ready, let your child pick up and roll the marbles in any direction they want.

The more you roll, the more you paint… when marbles appear to have lost their paint, coat again and keep creating. Repeat as much as you want! layer after layer your child’s canvas becomes a modern piece of art to be shared!

Also, the more the marbles – the more fun rolling them!

This project being an absolutely hands project provides a child with fun and enjoyment. Parent’s work one on one with the child/children offering plenty of quality time and smiles. Finished projects create confidence and build esteem.

Be sure to offer lots of praise to your child/children, they soak it up like sunshine.