Make Amazing Prints with Sunlight!

I’ve always been curious about Sun Print Paper and began experimenting with it this Winter. It feels magical to work with because you use the sun to create blue and white photo-like prints. In these samples you see both Sunprint Paper and Sunprint Fabric Squares. You simply place leaves, ferns and other interesting objects on a sheet of Sunprint paper, expose it to the sun for a few minutes, immerse the paper in water, and watch as a permanent image appears. In these samples I used small wooden letters and small plastic letters to create names. The plastic letters let a little light shine through and created a more mysterious effect than the opaque wood. Lace and stencils add more imagery. Sun Print Paper and fabric squares react to sunlight, creating unique patterns that are always white on blue.

This is a perfect Winter activity that teaches science and illustrates the powerful and tangible effects of the sun. Both fabric and paper versions come with simple instructions and are suitable for children ages 6 and up, or small groups of younger children. I particularly enjoyed the fabric quilt kit and highly recommend it for beginners.

Happy New Year!

Thanks for checking in and Happy New Year! Can you believe we are crossing the threshold of a new decade? I thought I'd open the new year with one of my favorite inspirational ideas, "There's no time like now...today is the day." I love inspirational sayings and over the holidays I painted and gave away small gift canvases like the below. Who knew simple paints could look so sophisticated when combined with inspirational sayings?

If you like the textured effect produced on the canvas shown here, simply layer BioColor® and Colorations® Liquid Watercolor over collugated cardboard shapes. Begin by selecting a base of stiff cardboard, foam core board, or small canvas. Then cut out or tear corrugated cardboard shapes and mount with glue onto your base. Once glue is dry, begin painting with BioColor®, using large brushes and foam rollers. Be sure to include Metallic Gold BioColor®, it has a wonderful sheen. In this sample, I also sprayed on the Liquid Watercolor but you'll find your own combination of brushing, rolling and spraying paint that gives you your own personal sense of fun and discovery. As with all open ended art, there's no right or wrong way to apply the paint. And there's no day like today to begin!

We all enjoy making and receiving handmade gifts, and these were easy and inexpensive to create. Thank you for checking in for a little creative inspiration, and please come back soon!

Workshops get Rave Reviews! Join us!

Join us in Southern California! The 2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series currently runs through December 10th, and takes place from 9:00am to 12:00 noon.

The current hands-on workshop series, Math, Science & Sensory Play, is getting rave reviews from early childhood professionals as they learn new skills and re-charge their batteries in experiential workshops led by Anna Reyner, Training Director for Discount School Supply. Check out these photos from the first two workshops!

Get a substitute for your classroom and gain three (3) Professional Development Hours, practical classroom ideas and a renewed energy for the important work you do with children.

Hope to see you at the next session! Register now!

Southern CA 2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series

2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series
Math, Science & Sensory Play: Engaging Active Learners - Register now or Download the Brochure to learn more!

Make math and science an exciting part of your everyday curriculum! This workshop combines lecture, hands-on and small group activities in a creative and highly motivating atmosphere. Experience dozens of new math and science activities based on sensory play and "high-touch" learning for children ages 3-5. Participants will experiment with math and science activities as well as exchange ideas with other early childhood educators.

Learn more about the 2009 Workshop Series. Plus, find live action photos and comments from previous workshops below.

"Really creative ideas - I learned a lot and had a great time" - Corinna Castillo, Site Director, YMCA of Santa Maria Valley

"Informative, fun and easy to follow!" - Michelle Massen, Childcare Leader, Conejo Valley United School District

"WOW! My favorite work shop in ages!" - Pauline McCall, Director, The Learning Experience

"These are fantastic workshops! Thank you and keep them coming!" - Christina Cabrera, Assistant Executive Director, Camp Fire Boys & Girls Club

Register for the 2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series today!

Fall Crafting Fun - Colored Glue Leaves

Something fun to do with young children this time of year is explore the seasonal changes we see all around us. Whether you live in states where autumn colors abound or not, one commonality during the fall is falling leaves. In the yard, on the streets, at school-- it's easy to spot some leaves on the ground someplace. This Colored Glue Sun Catchers craft is a classic, but a favorite. It gives children the chance to explore light refraction and reflection and color blending, and each student can make a leaf as unique as they are. Here's how we make them:
1. Fill a 2oz. Nancy Bottle™ filled with clear glue and add a few drops of Colorations® Liquid Watercolor.
2. Stir with a craft stick to mix.
3. Apply the colored glue onto a sheet of acrylic in leaf shapes or use patterned rubbing plates and allow to dry flat for 24-48 hours.
4. When completely dry, peel off and make a small hole for hanging.
5. Try using different colors in a pattern for a unique effect.

BioColor® Flowers

Summer flowers are in full bloom so it's time to be inspired by the brilliant colors of nature. Children love making these simple fold-over flowers using brilliant BioColor®.

Simply take white construction paper, fold it in half, and place dots of BioColor® along the middle of the fold. Re-fold the paper and press around the BioColor®. Open the fold and let the BioColor® dry thoroughly. Once dry, cut out your flower shape and attach a craft stick stem. Create leaves from additional construction paper or painted paper plates. Glue them together and enjoy as individual flowers. Or better yet, create an elaborate class mural and have everyone paint the background and then add their own flowers. You'll find lesson plans for both these ideas in Smart Art 2.

Enjoy your summer and keep those gardens blooming!