You may do your best to avoid sticky situations, but toddlers love nothing more. In this first collage project, clear Con-Tact paper stands in for glue, offering all the fascination of adhesiveness -- with none of the mess.

Materials

• Clear Con-Tact paper
• Masking tape

• Flat stickables, such as felt scraps, tissue paper squares, crepe paper streamers, ribbon pieces, cut-up calendars and magazines, and feathers

Instructions

1. Begin by taping a piece of Con-Tact paper, sticky side facing out, to a wall or a low table. Set out bowls of small, flat stickables nearby (see the materials list).

2. Now let your toddler explore the sticky feeling of the paper first with his hands, then by placing the items against the paper. Once he gets the hang of it, just sit back and enjoy the show.

3. Preserve the collage with a second piece of Con-Tact paper. Frame the artwork with colored masking tape around the edges.

4. Keep the fun going! Make a theme collage, such as a nature collage with flowers and leaves or a color collage of all things blue.

Tips:

Getting Started with Creative Projects for Little Hands
1. Keep it safe. Make sure supplies are labeled nontoxic and are not choking hazards. Discourage kids from putting supplies in their mouths.
2. Set it up. Designate an art area in your home with an easel or a low table where young artists can stand to work (this is usually easier for them).
3. Don't rush. Make sure you allow plenty of time for setup, exploration, and cleanup.
4. Don't stress over mess. Set things up so cleanup is easier for you, then try to relax and let your child have fun.
5. Write it down. Before you forget, write the date on your child's creation and, if she's talking, what she said about it.

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• 2-3 Hours |
• Decorating Projects |
• Paper Crafts |
• Playspaces |
• Toddler

Related Categories:

• Playspace Crafts |
• Toddler Crafts