Are your kids already saying that they’re bored?? Summer break just started, and if you’re already out of ideas, stay tuned. I’ll post some ideas over the next few weeks to, hopefully, curb the Summer boredom!
Here are just two ideas that we’ve done in the past, and had a lot of fun, even when friends are over!
Shrinkable Sun Catcher:
We’ve worked with Shrinkable Plastic before, and thought it would be great to make Sun Catchers out of. Make sure you get the Clear Shrink Film!
These are super easy to make and great for any age, with a little help from a grown up, of course!
To make the Sun Catcher, you’ll want to make the picture as big as possible. You can find an image on the internet that you like, or draw one by yourself. Whatever you choose, try to make it as large as the sheet of Shrinkable Plastic. Draw or trace the outline of your image onto the textured side of the Shrinkable plastic.
Color it in using permanent markers. Some will say colored pencils are ok, and they are, but just keep in mind that the color may come off on your hands after it is baked.
If you want to cut the design out, do so now. Whether you cut your design out, or leave it as a full sheet, make sure to cut, or punch a hole in the top for your ribbon or string.
Preheat the oven to 350˚F. You can use a large oven, or you can use a toaster oven, depending on how many sun catchers you are making. Place your sun catcher onto a baking sheet and place in the oven. In just a few minutes, you’ll see it shrink before your eyes! It will curl up, that’s normal. The plastic will flatten out as it shrinks.
Once you’ve see the shrinking stop, carefully take it out of the oven. It will be HOT!
Tie a string of fishing line, or a colorful ribbon to it for a hanger.
You can put up a hook on the window and hang your Sun Catcher from it! The colors will really shine through in the sun light!
These are so quick and easy to make, and like I said, just about any age child can make these. It’s a great way to have fun with color, and art… Enjoy!
Bleachout Shirts:
We all know how to tie dye things. This is a project that is probably better for older kids, but younger kids can do it also with a grown up’s help.
For this project you’ll need Colorful T-Shirts. Solids work best. Painter’s Tape, Clear Contact Paper, Freezer Paper or any plastic with a sticky back. We used our shipping envelopes since we had them laying around the house. Scissors, A piece of card board to slip in between the T-Shirt, A Spray Bottle with a 50/50 mix of bleach and water.
This project is best done outside, or in a well ventilated area.
First, decide what kind of design you want on your T-Shirt. One of my girls wanted a palm tree and some hearts, so I drew them out on the plastic and cut them out. Next, we stuck the cut out design onto the top, and made sure it was securely stuck to the fabric. Place the cardboard inside the shirt so the bleach doesn’t bleed through.
Lightly spray the bleach/water mixture onto the shirt. Don’t soak it, because the bleach will bleed under the plastic. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then peel the plastic away.
You’ll see your design left behind! Rinse in water to stop the bleaching process and toss into a dryer to seal in the design.
The designs can be as elaborate as you want, or as simple as you want. You can even take other stencils, or objects to use as designs for the shirt. Toss a bunch of fishing line, or string on the shirt and lightly spray to see what designs you get! Have fun with it!
We’re going to work with this a lot more, and see what other designs we can come up with! If you do something like this, please feel free to share!
