Fan-Fold Color Towers

Fan-Fold Color Towers

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw bright patterns on three index cards.
  • Show your child how to fold the card back and forth to create a fan or accordion shape.
  • Press each fold firmly with your thumb and index finger to make the creases very sharp.
  • Squeeze a few dots of glue onto a sturdy cardboard base.
  • Stand the folded card upright on the glue to create a wavy tower.
  • Pick up a pom-pom using your pinching fingers and glue it onto the peaks of the paper fans.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using glue to ensure it stays on the craft and away from faces.

Mystery Yarn Foil Maze

Mystery Yarn Foil Maze

Steps:

  • Draw a winding maze on a piece of sturdy Cardboard.
  • Trace the path with Glue and stick Yarn on top.
  • Once dry, place the Cardboard inside an Aluminium Foil Pan.
  • Turn the pan over so the Cardboard is underneath.
  • Ask your child to press the foil using their pointer finger.
  • Follow the raised yarn bumps to finish the maze!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they are using small materials like yarn and glue.

Resistance Fold & Tweeze Art

Resistance Fold & Tweeze Art

Steps:

  • Give your child the index cards. Encourage them to use both hands to tear the cards into small, rough, 2-inch squares.
  • Take one torn square. Use strong finger force to fold it tightly in half, then fold it again to create a stiff, resistant 3D shape.
  • Draw a simple line or shape onto the cardboard base using the liquid glue bottle. Encourage controlled squeezing.
  • Press the stiff, folded cardboard shapes firmly onto the wet glue line. Use maximum force to create a stable, textured sculpture or wall.
  • Place the pile of sequins nearby. Hold the tweezers like a pencil in your dominant hand.
  • Use the tweezers to carefully pick up one tiny sequin. Transfer it to the cardboard structure.
  • Press the sequin onto the resistant folds to decorate your 3D art. Continue this until all the folded pieces are covered in sparkle!

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Sequins and small, crumpled paper pieces are very small objects and pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Tight Weave Screw Frame

Steps:

  • Use the Markers to draw a sturdy frame or square onto the Cardboard. Use the Scissors to cut this frame out (parent assistance may be needed).
  • Take the Index Cards and cut them into long, colorful strips for weaving. Draw a simple pattern on them using markers.
  • Glue the beginning of each strip to the back of the Cardboard frame. Weave the strips tightly across the frame, then secure the ends with Glue on the back.
  • Using the Hole Puncher, squeeze hard to punch 4 holes straight through the woven layers and the Cardboard frame. This requires strong effort!
  • Stabilize the frame with your helper hand. Push a Bolt straight through one of the tight, punched holes.
  • Pick up a Nut with a precise Pincer Grasp. Twist the Nut firmly onto the Bolt until the woven strips are compressed tightly. Repeat until all holes are secured.

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required when using scissors. Ensure the child handles the nuts and bolts appropriately, keeping them away from the mouth, nose, and ears.

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Spiral Twist Core Threading

Steps:

  • Adult Step: Secure the paper roll horizontally onto the cardboard base using strong masking tape. This creates a stable ‘dowel’ for twisting.
  • Use the markers to draw colorful stripes or dots onto several index cards. Cut the decorated cards into long, narrow strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
  • Take one paper strip. Use your fingertips to curl and twist the strip tightly around itself to create a stiff, narrow spiral shape.
  • Secure the end of the paper spiral with a small amount of glue to keep the resistant shape from unrolling. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a pile of colorful spirals.
  • Hold the cardboard base firmly steady with your non-dominant hand. Pick up a paper spiral with your working hand.
  • Aim the spiral at the paper roll. Use a continuous twisting motion (like screwing in a lightbulb) to thread the spiral onto the roll, pushing it along the core.
  • Continue twisting and pushing the colorful spirals until the entire paper roll is covered in dense, textured art. Then, try unwinding them!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Adults should manage the scissors for preparation. Ensure the child remains seated stably to focus on the fine motor movements and to prevent the board from tipping.