Bread dough clay is inexpensive, fun and can be done indoors
or out on a picnic table or deck. Give the kids some ideas of items
they can make such as flowers, trees or other things they love. If
you don't guide them they often become frustrated due to too many
ideas and they can't decide! I like planning theme days where
we read books on a subject, perhaps watch a movie in the related
theme and then do arts and crafts afterwards. This is especially
nice for rainy days.
You will need:
2 slices white bread
2 tsp. white glue
2 tablespoons water
food coloring
spray glaze or clear fingernail polish
Optional: pin back, magnets or string
Remove the crusts from the bread and discard. Working on
a surface that can be cleaned easily, or use plastic trays-one
for each person (foam plates are handy too). Add the glue and
water to the bread and "knead" it until it isn't sticky any longer.
Divide the dough into sections and add drops of food coloring to
each, so you have a nice variety. Place each section in a plastic
bag or container. When you are ready to use it place it in the
middle of the table for the kids to share, or divide it so they each
have their own. Don't work in the hot sun because the clay will
dry to quickly. After they form their creations, allow them to dry
overnight. When dry, they can brush them with clear nail polish,
or you can spray them with a sealant. An option is to hot glue
pin backs or magnets onto the art, or before drying, poke a hole
with a toothpick that you can later thread string through. Kids
can even make their own beads if they wish!
About the Author:
Brenda Hyde is Mom to three little ones, a freelance writer
and editor here at OldFashionedLiving.
