Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Bean Mosaics: Easy Halloween Kids Craft



Here's an easy and thrifty Halloween craft to get fingers moving and creativity flowing.  Warning though, if you are preparing this for a "mommy and me" class, be sure to prepare a separate one for mommy because she'll want to do this, too.  This project has broad appeal to all ages.. playing with beans is fun! 


(Hint:  I was feeling gloomy that my boys weren't interested in crafts any more... I've had this out for awhile but couldn't get them to do it.  Then I had a moment of inspiration. Our school starts late, and when they get home, the boys want to run around outside. Soon enough it is homework, dinner and bedtime. But what about BEFORE school? This was my ticket. I set it up for them when they woke up... they're early risers.  They were so attentive and enjoyed this so much, they would have made more if I'd had more shapes ready. Whoo hoo!!!)


Materials
piece of thin cardboard
scissors, pen
tacky glue, sharpie
yarn
assorted beans
glossy clear spray paint






1) Start by tracing simple halloween shapes (free templates below) onto a piece of cardboard that's thin enough to cut easily but thick enough to hold a thick layer of glue and heavy beans.  If you are making these for a class, choose the pumpkin for easy cutting.




2) Place a thin line of glue along the entire edge of the shape.  Starting from the top, wrap a length of yarn around the edge, forming a hanging loop when you reach the top again.  The yarn "frame" will help the seeds stay in place.  Set the shape to dry on something that you'll be able to peel it off from (some glue will likely stick to the bottom).


3) Gather assorted beans. We used "red" lentils (they look orange), black beans, navy beans, and lima beans. Tapioca pearls or rice would also work well. (Red lentils are a key ingredient in dahl, a type of Indian soup, so you may need to check out the Indian food section of your grocer to find them.)




4) Smear the shape with glue. We used tacky glue, but school glue would work, too. 




5) Have your kids form the eyes and mouths (and fangs!) first, then let them have at it!  Use a sharpie to add pupils to eyes or other features.


6)  After the glue has dried, spray the creations with a coat or two of clear, glossy spray paint to give them shine and deepen the colors. 


7) Hang your creations on a wall, put magnets on for the fridge, or as you like! If you have several shapes, consider re-purposing and old picture frame by arranging the shapes inside.... that's what I'm doing next!


Seed Mosaic Halloween Shapes

I've linked up here!  Thanks for the parties!

Be sure to check out Meg at her MEGA-SPOOKY all Halloween, all the time blog: http://www.megaspooky.com/2011/10/easy-kids-bean-art-project-and-free.html
I couldn't find her button, but she's got a really great collection of Halloween ideas, and I sure appreciate the nice things she said about this project!  :)





NightOwlCrafting
Confessions of a SAHM

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju-ph204DMmYeAknnbnv969vQZ1bbJl_U23gBgcaD-232R2uyf-HcdUnx3cTq71Yyyx3kbvVFbc7cEDOkGzSPKJlJgKjjKtVsgigAieNYDu2_-2RCzDQP6Dp_0ywjwomk6y3hQiWOwoM/s1600/wgw+button.jpg







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5 comments:

  1. This is a great idea, just what I need for my kids. Something easy, cute, and fun.

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  2. Those came out so cute. I love the faces on all three, they are just darling! I would love to link to your project, use one of you pictures and let the readers on my Halloween blog MegaSpooky know that you have a free template. Let me know if that's ok.

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  3. Aww thanks for the link love Cheryl!

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  4. Hi Cheryl,

    We recently stumbled upon your blog {through Pinterest} and loved your bean pumpkin mosaic craft! We've featured your post at our blog, MPM School Supplies Blog, along with three other pumpkin mosaic/collage crafts we thought were unique!

    You can find the full feature here:
    http://blog.mpmschoolsupplies.com/3370/4-beautiful-pumpkin-mosaicscollages-for-fall/

    We were sure to give both photo and idea credit, as well as a link back to your blog, but we'd love for you to take a look at the post! If there are any problems, we'll be certain to take it down immediately!

    Thanks so much!

    Kayla Johnson
    MPM School Supplies Blog

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  5. I think this is a great idea to do with kids.

    I just wanted you to know I've included your Seed Mosaics in my 15 Halloween Kids Craft Round-up. You can find the post here: http://beanbugcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/10/15-halloween-kid-crafts.html

    Thanks,
    Anna @ Bean Bug Crafts

    ReplyDelete