If you are anything like me, you have at least 20 reusable grocery bags in your car….that you forget to bring into the store almost every time. Which leaves us with massive amounts of paper bags busting out of whatever space we have designated for paper bags. Well, now you’ll have another use for them! This art project is perfect for the little ones because there is no “right” or “wrong” way to make them. There is even a bonus handle to neatly hang them up. The colors are also just right for this time of year. Fall is my favorite season and it’s officially here!
Supplies:
Paper bags
Liquid Watercolors + paint brush
Oil pastels
Chalk
Making your paperbag art:
Cut your paper bag down the side along a fold. Cut off the bottom. Open the bag up and get the creases out as much as possible by folding the folds in the opposite direction.
Set out the watercolor paints, brushes, damp sponge and glass of water. Let the kids paint, covering the whole page. When they are finished, let the paintings dry a bit before adding the next layer. (They can either be just about dry, or completely dry, but if they are too wet the paper might tear when adding the next layer.)
Next, set out your chalk and oil pastels and let the kids add to their paintings. If they like their paintings the way they are, then encourage them to add maybe just a wee bit of layers. One of my daughters really didn’t want to touch her painting. We talked about how sometimes, when making art, simple and quick does the trick. But since this was about making mixed media art, and about the richness of layering, maybe she could try and see where to add without messing up her design. She decided to draw a few lines across the page. And it turned out that she liked them! (Phew!).
That’s really all there is to it. These paintings are low stress and fun for the kids. They can make many in a short time, and it’s also a great project to do with a friend. My son thought the handles were really cool and decided to take a trip with his painting (carrying it like a suitcase). Hmmm…I see more possibilities for this project!
xo Bar
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