Alyice on November 18th, 2009

Creative Kids’ Frame

When I worked in a preschool, the one activity that the kids seemed to enjoy the most was playing with glue. For some reason, they got a kick out of taking something wet and sticky and creating projects with it. It always seemed to amaze them that that sticky white glob dried up and held whatever they put on that glue into place.

This year, budgets are tight but gift giving is better than ever—thanks to parents rediscovering the fun of creating handmade Christmas gifts. If you’re looking for a fun project that kids as little as 3 can do with you, then I highly suggest making a frame like this! There is literally no artistic talent needed—and the best part is that the kids get to learn about colors, patterns, and shapes while they’re having fun!

Supplies:

DecoArt 3.5 x 3.5 Memory Frame
White Gesso
Acrylic paints
Paintbrushes
Judkins’ Diamond Glaze®
Scrap papers cut into shapes using a paper punches.
Small buttons, beads, or other 3-D objects
Bottle caps, photo charms, even the metal from old floppy disks—anything that can hold an object and glue will work.
Fine tip permanent marker
Tweezers (or disposable toothpicks)
Personal photo or custom artwork

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Instructions:

Paint wood frame with gesso.
Let dry.
Sign and date back of frame with permanent marker.
Paint the frame using various colors—abstract is best.
Let dry.
Squirt a small dot of Diamond Glaze® on the back of the holders and spread using a cheap, throw-away paintbrush. Then turn over and place on the frame.
Let dry.
Squirt Diamond Glaze® into the holder, filling it up halfway.
Slowly drop objects into the glaze.
Use tweezers (or disposable toothpicks) to move the objects around, thus creating designs or centering objects.
Cover objects with glaze.
Lay flat and let dry overnight.
You may have to check the glaze after a few minutes for air bubbles. You can leave them in and allow them to add charm to the piece, or you can take a sharp needle and carefully poke the air bubbles.
Insert photo or artwork.

Now your friends and family will receive a unique, handcrafted frame they can be proud to display in their homes!

Keep Creating

P.S.

If you can’t find Diamond Glaze®, try Signature Series Magic-Glos™ with a UV light or a glue that will dry clear no matter how thick it is.

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AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

Copyrights

All material on this blog belongs to Alyice Edrich, unless otherwise noted. No project, artwork, or text may be reproduced or displayed elsewhere without the consent of the creator. That includes making derivative works for resale. Please use project tutorials for personal use and/or gifts only.