Now that Emily is finished with her school work for the Summer, we’ve been taking advantage of these pockets of time during Clara’s nap for some one-on-one crafting fun. This project is very easy (and frugal) to make!
Begin by folding a sheet of paper in half as shown.
We used kitchen sponges (pack of 12 for $1) from the dollar store, and cut them up to make different sized buildings. Emily stamped each sponge twice — once above the fold, and once directly below it to make the reflection. I love that she chose the color pink for the buildings!
Next, add some blue paint below the fold for some water.
Allow the painting to dry completely, and then cut up price tag stickers (also $1) from the dollar store to make windows!
This was Emily’s favorite part, and she was quite particular about the placement of each window!
You can use this same technique on a long sheet of butcher’s paper for a fun classroom mural. Have fun, and be sure to admire your beautiful artwork!!
May 28th, 2010 on 9:41 am
I love the reflection. And the window placement. Great idea!
May 28th, 2010 on 9:41 am
Wow that came out great! I am so not creative and would have never thought of that.
May 28th, 2010 on 9:49 am
My world travel loving girl might really like this project. I'm curious — and feel safe enough asking you — how do homeschooling families decide to end for the summer? Isn't it hard to transition away? I'd been prone to just continuing.
May 28th, 2010 on 9:50 am
What a fabulous idea! Do you homeschool Emily?
May 28th, 2010 on 10:02 am
Dear Valerie,
Did you use all of my sponges again? ARG!
Love,
Mark
May 28th, 2010 on 10:03 am
@ Anna — I had to laugh at your comment, because really we're never truly DONE with school. There is always learning going on, however technically she's fulfilled the requirements for the year, so it leaves a little more time for crafts and such.
@ MaryAnne — Technically, she's enrolled in cyber school, which is an awful lot like homeschool. It is done completely at home and I teach each lesson, however they supply the curriculum and we report to an accredited teacher (who grades everything) every few weeks. One bonus is that you can work at your own pace, so we were able to finish a bit early!
May 28th, 2010 on 10:04 am
@ Mark — You're in luck – There are still 4 in-tact sponges left! I think there were only 8 left in the package when we started.
May 28th, 2010 on 11:12 am
The end result looks really effective. I know my children would love to do this art…
May 28th, 2010 on 11:29 am
this is beautiful!
May 28th, 2010 on 11:36 am
@ Helen — Have fun, and thanks for stopping by!
@ danita — Thank you!!! It's one of my fav paintings Emily's ever done!
May 28th, 2010 on 12:21 pm
I really like the reflection. Great project!
May 28th, 2010 on 1:56 pm
Ooooh that turned out so beautiful!! Love it!
May 28th, 2010 on 3:20 pm
Whoa, this looks so beautiful, but I admit that sponge collage would look rather neat too. Congratulations on completing your school year!
May 28th, 2010 on 4:01 pm
That turned out so cute. I can totally see that framed somewhere.
May 28th, 2010 on 7:24 pm
It looks great! You do such a fabulous job coming up with fun,creative crafts for children you should think about contacting a publisher and putting them in a book.
They look fun and kid friendly and consistently produce great results that can boost a child's self esteem by being able to proudly exclaim, "I made that!".
May 28th, 2010 on 11:09 pm
Great idea! I love, love, love your blog and I hope you win your trip. You've inspired many crafts for my girls and me, including this one today: http://livintheyehlife.blogspot.com/2010/05/coloring-and-smore-night.html
May 28th, 2010 on 11:46 pm
Love it! Again!
May 29th, 2010 on 9:28 am
That's very "Ezra jack Keats"…
Cool-i-o…
May 29th, 2010 on 9:38 am
I just love your art projects! I can see that your kids do too!
-Phyllis
May 29th, 2010 on 11:14 am
Stunning!!!!
May 29th, 2010 on 11:46 am
SO Crafty! Luv it!
May 29th, 2010 on 12:03 pm
That is really beautiful. Love it.
May 29th, 2010 on 2:01 pm
I just saw something really similar in a museum type art book for kids – but they didn't have the windows. Very nice idea!
May 29th, 2010 on 3:50 pm
From Stacey–I love your site and so many clever projects. I want to do more painting but i'm never sure which to buy. washable children's paint? tempera??
would appreciate the input. thanks!
May 29th, 2010 on 8:28 pm
This is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! We'll be making these very soon I'm sure but you should ask Emily if she'd do an autographed copy for our playroom
I'd love to frame one of her masterpieces. One day you'll have to tell me where you come up with all your ideas
May 30th, 2010 on 3:24 pm
Hi Valerie!
This is so pretty!! I don't know if you saw our 3D city skyline we did recently…I think you would approve..it's very frugal and creative!
Do you know that I have checked out every one of your craft posts! You have such wonderful ideas!
Thanks for popping by! I love the comments!
Take care,
Georgia
May 31st, 2010 on 8:03 am
Way to take a more advanced artwork idea and turn it into a child-can-do, attractive piece!
May 31st, 2010 on 9:25 pm
I think my favorite part is the windows and especially their random placement. Looks awesome! Linked on this week's roundup!
June 1st, 2010 on 12:59 am
That's beautiful Emily! I think you did a great job.
Blessings,
Val
June 1st, 2010 on 7:32 pm
This is really beautiful – how artistic!
June 2nd, 2010 on 7:46 pm
Looks like you have quite the little Picaso there!
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