Gather a paper plate, old magazine, scissors, white glue, water and a small brush. Have your child draw a picture on the back of the plate. The picture should be simple, without any intricate designs or patterns. Examples include an image of a sun or a flower growing from grass. Cut out small squares from of the pages of the magazines that correspond to the colors of the mosaic. For example, if you want a pink flower, cut out squares that are pink for the petals. Mix together an equal amount of water and glue in a bowl and then brush the mixture on the section of plate you are going to mosaic. Put down the correct squares while the glue is still wet. Mosaic the entire plate this way. If you need to cut the squares in a different shape to fit in between other squares or in corners of your design, do so.
Tie dying clothing is time consuming, messy and involves hot water, posing a burn risk. Instead, do a tie die activity that's table top friendly. You'll need wet wipes, felt tip broad line markers and rubber bands. Gather the wipe together vertically so it's in the shape of a tube. The wipe should be wrinkled and pleated. Wrap rubber bands around the wipe in different intervals, so the wipe is exposed between them. Use the marker to dot the exposed areas of wipe with color. Press the marker gently to the wipe and release it rather than draw on with a continuous line. The dotted color will bleed into the wipe and look like traditional tie die.
Introduce young children to weaving with an easy art project. Cut pieces of cardboard 9 X 12 inches in size. Use extra leftover paper from your copy machine or other sheets of 8 X 10 paper. Have paint and glue ready to use. Have children squeeze the paper pieces vertically until they resemble wrinkled tubes. Glue four tubes of paper to the cardboard vertically at even intervals. Have children paint the cardboard and paper any way they choose. Weave three other tubes in between the first four, horizontally, after the paint has dried. Paint the unpainted tubes. The child will learn the basics of weaving as well as have a piece of original three-dimensional art.
Carving pumpkins is dangerous for young children. Instead of carving, present small, medium or large pumpkins to each child. Give out permanent markers, glue and glitter as well. Encourage students to tell a story by drawing whatever they wish on the pumpkin. Let them use the glue and glitter too or a less messy option, such as a glitter pen. Students can draw objects from a favorite story or they can write about an event in their life or make up a story of their own. Display these pumpkins as indoor fall decorations.