Friday, January 16, 2009

Snowflakes Everywhere!

It is so cold here, but not as cold as in many parts of the country. We have lots of snow and I decided to take advantage of that idea for some new reading and simple art projects with snowflakes.

My suggested reading for this will be:

Fiction- "The Hat" by Jan Brett from G. P. Putman. Many of you might be familiar with her book "The Mitten" which is certainly a favorite of many children. You may not be as familiar with her other story of winter fun. It takes place on a farm with animals using a child's clothing to have hats to wear in the cold snowy winter.
- "Down The Hill", a Frog and Toad story from the book "Frog and Toad All Year" by Arnold Lobel, published by Scholastic, Inc. We see the famous duo in another hysterical story about riding down a steep hill on a sled. The kids just laugh and laugh during this wonderful winter tale.

Non-Fiction- "Zoo Flakes ABC" by Will C. Howell, published by Walker & Co. This is a superb book for teaching children the alphabet using gorgeous cut paper snowflakes showing animals. The kids and adults as well, will enjoy admiring each piece of art. The bonus is that you get the directions for making your own six-sided paper flakes in the last few pages of the book.

Art Project
1- Following the directions mentioned above, cut some great paper snowflakes to string and hang at the windows.
2- Make some fingerprint flakes. Using blue construction paper folded in half, cut (from the folded edge) a simple pattern as in my sample. I used white so you can see it easier. When unfolded, let the children dip their index fingertip into white tempera paint (if mixed with a small amount of liquid soap washes off more easily), and make finger prints on the flake. You can follow up with some silver glitter if you wish, which really looks nice. Another option is to use white paper with blue paint. Either way, they have fun!







3- The last idea I have is using popsicle sticks. You will need three uncut sticks and about three sticks which you will cut into smaller pieces. An adult will need to use pruning shears to cut three sticks into quarters. Then you crisscross the three full size sticks and glue into place. Let dry. Next, you use the small pieces to glue to the ends of each sticks at an angle. As you can see in my sample, I then painted the snowflake white. You don't have to do this step but it really enhances the look. Then, find all those unused buttons you have around and decide how to arrange them. I used buttons I bought at JoAnn Fabrics since they comes in large bags or coordinated colors. I also use them for making cards and scrapbook pages. You can also use the extra buttons you get with blouses and sweaters that you rarely use and the mix of colors and sizes adds interest. Glue them on and then add a hanging ribbon. These look great at the window, in doorways, and if you like planning ahead, on Christmas trees as ornaments.

14 comments:

bsgstamps4fun: Barb Gault said...

More great ideas, thanks so much. I have lots of popsicle sticks and lots of buttons, will have to give this a try with the grandkids.

As I have said before in a comment to you (I think!) I just love Jan Brett's illustrations. I'll have to look up "The Hat" at the library. The kids love "The Gingerbread Baby" and have taken it out again for them.

Stay warm. We too are staying inside. I know you are way colder up north than we are, but you must remember that we aren't used to this here in MD.

Take care

Lisa Phillippi llelsik@aol.com said...

welocme to group 9, I am Lisa from San Antonio, TX just checkin out everyone's blog and saying hello.
cute popsicle snowflake! we never see snow down here!

Lisa Phillippi llelsik@aol.com said...

welcome to group 9, Im Lisa from San Antonio, Tx. Cute popscycle snow flake...we never see snow down here.

Cindy said...

Great idea! I am always looking for something different!

Becky said...

what cool snow flakes, great idea for the buttons and popsicle sticks.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I am Julie From SCS group 9. Thanks for sharing your ideas to stay busy during this COLD!

I tried to "follow" your blog, but there isn't a link to click on. (maybe I am just not seeing it) anyway, thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to getting to know you better.

Ann said...

Oh, my, those button snowflakes are super cute! Such a fun little project!

Joanne Travis said...

Hi Barbara,
This is such a wonderful idea! Love the snowflakes and all of your other cards and ideas. You are very creative.
I'm Joanne from blogger group 9 stopping by to say hello, I look forward to getting to know you better!
Have a great weekend,
Joanne

Alison Anderson said...

Cute project! I like this idea- I may make a sort of garland of these for decor next year!

Sharon said...

Oh, I had not heard of the Zoo ABC book...I'll have to look that one up (I teach preschool).

xiumaiyuki said...

Super cool idea! I wish I could see some snowflakes here in sunny-all-the-time Hawaii. Never seen snow before and gotta admit I do get a little envy when I read about all the wonderfulness of snow out there. I'm sure it'll be a little different when I'm actually there, though. Sending you lots of sunshine...have a great day!

Karen said...

Very cute ... would make a great project for kids that are home bound due to the weather. And yes, it is freezing here in RI too. Although I have to admit, it is colder on the mainland than the island I live on. Brrrrr ...

laos348 said...

It's snowing here as I read this so thats perfect timing. My kids love making paper snowflakes! I like the popsicle stick idea - thanks for the ideas.

Unknown said...

Hi fellow Blog Group 9-er. Just added your blog to mine. Love your buttoned snowflake.