Toddler Collage

Have I got an activity for you. It is the most perfect, bestest toddler art project we have ever done. Sadly, I cannot claim credit for the idea. Instead the wonderful folks over at Family Fun (not as good as the now defunct Wondertime but...). Have you browsed their website? Wowzers, do they have a slew of crafts, art projects, party foods, and other creative things.

Anyway, back to the project. Why's it so perfect? Well, for three reasons.

1. Minimal mess- It took less than 2 minutes to clean it all up, and Linus required no clean-up at all.
2. It can use up all that random stuff in the bottom of your craft box, recycle bin, or junk drawer.
3. The results actually kind of resembles art! (Not that your baby's fingerpaint smearings don't show the promise of a future Pollock.)

Here it is in all it's simplicity.

No Glue Collage

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Supplies:

Clear Contact Paper

Random materials collected throughout your house or from fun local reuse centers like The Scrap Exchange

One toddler, preschooler, or even elementary schooler

1. Find a place to work whether on an easel (which I prefer for the visual comfort of the budding artist) or just a table with plenty of room.

2. Cut a large chunk of the clear contact paper and carefully peel the backing off.

3. Clip the now sticky contact paper to the table or easel.

4. Hand over gathered collaging materials. Show or tell artist to stick them on.

5. Watch as he/she goes to town creating a masterpiece.

And after all that creating, you'll have a masterpiece worthy of framing... or at least taping to the fridge.

(In case, you were thinking I might be getting compensated for anything I say here, you'd be wrong. Not a penny, freebie, or coupon comes my way. I just like to share.)