CRAFTS

These projects are good for all ages, and fun for multigenerational groups. Both  projects were contributed by SPECTICKLES ™ artist, Julia E. Newhouse.

Make a Multi-Color Super Crayon
(Children need adult supervision because materials are heated on an electric heater or stove.)

Here's what to do with crayon pieces, too small to draw with. Melt them  together to form a giant rainbow-colored crayon.

Supplies

• ends of old crayons in many colors
• muffin tin or metal mold (tomato paste can, metal ice-cube tray)
• electric food warmer; or stove, saucepan and large tin can

Remove paper  from crayons. Put crayons of different colors together in  a muffin tin or mold, filling it 1/2-3/4 full. Place mold  or tin on an electric food warmer on a low setting. Or fill  a mold (can, metal ice tray) 1/4 full and immerse in a saucepan  of boiling water. Melt the crayons slowly, so that the colors  do not mix. Let cool, or immerse mold in a sink filled with  cold water. When the super-crayon is hard, remove from mold.  Use it to create multi-colored pictures, or create Paper Batik Art.

Create No Fuss Paper Batik Art
This quick and easy art project uses few supplies, doesn't require  "cooking," and cleans up easily.

Supplies

• strong white  paper (e.g., construction paper--not newsprint or copy paper)
• crayons in  several colors (or Super Crayon)
• several large  sheets of newspaper
• 1/4 cup of  black or any dark color liquid tempera paint
• ½ cup water
• small plastic  bowl
• large bowl  of water
• large artist's  paint brush or 1-1/2" foam trim brush

Remove paper wrapped around crayon. Using the side of crayons, NOT the  point, press hard and make bold drawings or abstract patterns all over the paper. (One big star works better than many little ones.  But it doesn't have to be solid. Be creative. Color each point a different color, fill it with geometric patterns  or progressively smaller stars.) Cover as much of the white background as possible.

Dip finished drawing gently into a bowl of room-temperature water. When the paper is totally immersed in water, gently crumple it into a  loose ball. This should take about 10 seconds. Remove the paper ball from water and gently squeeze out excess water. Open the wet paper ball to its original shape and spread it out on sheets  of newspaper

Paint the tempera/water mixture over the entire paper. Let it dry. If The batik  paper is torn, tape it on the back when it is dry.

If you're design  isn't a masterpiece, use it for the background of a collage, cut  it up for bookmarks, cut out the best parts and glue them on homemade  greeting cards. (To brighten it up, add a little glitter).

See what you've missed If you've enjoyed this project, don't miss our crafts archive with projects including: You've Got Mail transforming an old shutter into a letter holder Bath Oils and Perfumed Skin Oils an economical beauty treatment Pressed Flowers and what to do with them Gift Tags and Wrap the perfect touch for that special gift and much more....

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