Children six and up can make paper mache masks. Older children will create more complex masks than younger children, but everyone starts with the same basic materials, which consist of a balloon, newspaper strips and glue. Children blow up round balloons until they are slightly larger than their heads. They cover the balloon with newspaper strips that have been coated in diluted glue. After the balloon has dried, they cut out a mask shape. The entire mask is painted and embellished until it takes on the appearance the child wishes. Glitter, strips of crepe paper, yarn and plastic jewels can make the masks particularly eye-catching.
A nature mosaic is made with natural materials such as seeds, beans, tree bark and stones. All ages of children can make a nature mosaic--except the really wee ones who are still putting small items in their mouths. Children delight in taking nature walks to gather the materials for this activity. Adults need to provide children with a sturdy base--thin plywood works well--as well as thick craft glue, a variety of dry seeds and beans, a piece of chalk and a palette knife to spread the glue. Children lay the largest materials, such as the bark, on the base and sketch the outline with chalk. After planning their approach, they cover the areas that are not outlined with the smaller materials. They will need to work on a small section at a time, as the glue will dry fairly rapidly. After the background has been filled in, children add the larger pieces to the mosaic. To add to the awesomeness of this activity, adults can spread out the process over several days, encouraging complexity.
Woodcuts are a beautiful art form, but take considerable practice and skill to produce. Young artists can get the same effect by carving their own rubber stamps. Adults can provide a selection of simple clip art for kids to choose from, or older youth can use their own designs. Designs should be simple and comprised of fairly thick lines, as these are easier to work with. Each individual will need a stamp carving block, which is made from medium-soft rubber. Youth trace over their designs with pencil and lay them over the carving block. They rub the back of the designs firmly, creating a faint copy of the image on the carving medium. Youth can use a permanent marker to make the lines more visible. Using a sharp tool such as a graphic artist's knife or special stamp-carving implement, individuals carve out the rubber that surrounds the design, leaving the design to stand out in relief. Once completed, the stamp can make colorful personalized stationary and enhance other art projects. Note: This activity should be done with teens, as the tools required are sharp.
Woven paintings add an element of surprise to an art activity. Appropriate for all ages, this activity encourages children to experiment with color and shape without being concerned about the accuracy of figures. Adults give children two sheets of thick paper. Children paint two different paintings. The paintings should use colors that are different from one another--if one painting is primarily red, the other painting should emphasize a different color. After the paintings have dried, children cut them into strips and weave them together, alternating strips of the two paintings. The result is almost always awe-inspiring and can have a surprisingly professional appearance.