When your family loves to spend time together doing crafts but you don’t have extra room in the budget to buy art supplies, paper crafts may be the right choice. Compared to many other arts and crafts supplies, paper is affordable, easy to find, and not difficult to use. Your family probably has enough scrap paper at home to make several nice projects right now. You could have a family “art night” and create some great paper craft projects together tonight!
Watercolor tie-dye on paper towels
With a single roll of white paper towels and a set of watercolor paints, you have everything you need to make a great tie-dye art project. This is a fantastic family project because it’s simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers to do. Plus, your family will be able to make visually exciting products without the need for any specific or well-developed artistic skills.
Remember to cover your table with a waterproof vinyl drop cloth or drop cloth before beginning this project to protect the table top. Then gather the necessary supplies: a single roll of white paper towels, watercolor paint set, paintbrush, container of clean water, and enough containers for each color of paint that will be used. Next, add water to each of the colored bowls. Using the brush, use watercolors to tint each bowl of water. Give each family member a paper towel square. Demonstrate how to fold the paper towel into an alternate fan shape. When you reach the end, fold the strip into a small triangle, square, or other shape using the same alternating fan-fold pattern. Now, take each corner and edge of your folded paper towel and place it in different containers of colored water until the colors have been absorbed by the towel. After the paper towel is completely covered in color, use a second paper towel to blot it dry, then gently unfold it. The result should be a colorful geometric design. Make sure you towel dry completely. Then, with a warm iron, you can press the towel until it is wrinkle-free. Finally, display your watercolor-stained towels in frames just like you would any other modern art.
Family portrait silhouettes
Family members will need to work together to create this wonderful paper craft project known as silhouettes. This project will require you to have a very bright light source, such as a large flashlight, lamp, or some type of projector. To start, tape a large sheet of white paper to the wall. Move a chair so that the paper is centered directly behind it, and then turn the chair so that it faces the side. Adjust your light source so that it shines onto the paper. Next, choose someone from the family to sit in the chair. With a pencil, carefully outline the shadow that makes her face. Then take a pair of scissors and follow the outline of the pencil to remove the shape of the silhouette. Get a large sheet of black paper and trace the silhouette on it. Finally, cut out this shape and adhere it to a sheet of paper in a lighter color. When everyone in the family has made their silhouette, you’ll want to put them in picture frames and make a special display on the wall in your home.