Amy Here, with yet another informative article by Guest Blogger Sally Keys (AKA Sally Writes)!
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| To create their own CUSTOM PRINTED T-SHIRTS, Corben (14) and Madison (16) use a computer and mom’s electronic die cutter to design and make stencils from printer transparency sheets. They apply ScraPerfect’s Best Glue Ever™to the acetate film to create a very tacky but temporary adhesive by letting it dry to clear before pressing onto the shirt. With a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt, they apply acrylic paint to the fabric. Cleanup of both dried paint and sticky adhesive is especially easy with ScraPerfect’s Best Cleaner Ever™. Easy, cheap, and safe! Stencil-cutting without razor blades or knives, using non-toxic paint and adhesive in the process, and fast cleanup with ScraPerfect’s Earth-friendly, people-safe solvent! |
Crafting with Kids in a “Clean”and Safe EnvironmentDoes your child like to get messy with her arts and crafts projects, or does he prefer to keep his hands clean while creating? Either is just fine! Observe a preschool class and you’ll see both kids with finger paints up to their elbows and others wearing perfectly clean smocks. As the adult in the room with fingers covered in ink, try to remember to encourage good health and safety habits as well as artistic talent. Inspire your kids with a clear and safe work space, preparing craft materials in advance, and remembering to involve them in the clean up afterwards. You’ll have a more fun and relaxing time knowing your kids are safe, comfortable and looking forward to their next project.
A Safe Crafting Space
Before your kids get started on their project, make sure they are working in a safe and clean environment, clear of dirt, dust, clutter, and that the grown-up tools are safely put away. By giving them plenty of room to spread out large sheets of paper, paints, adhesives, and other crafting supplies, they will be able to let their imaginations blossom. When choosing products, check the labels to be sure that are labeled age-appropriate for the children and are earth-friendly, especially if your kids are very young or have issues with allergies. Even if you’re using safe, non-toxic and low odor products such ScraPerfect’s Best Glue Ever™, it’s still a good idea to take breaks, work in a room with good air circulation and of course, provide good lighting to reduce eye strain.
Safety And Protection
Once you’ve prepared all the materials your kids will need, it might be a good idea to get them to wear wear protective clothing if you think things might get messy. Even though children’s products are non-toxic, we don’t want them eating the art materials. (If you are older than the glue-stick generation, you might remember the kid in your class who loved to eat the paste. Yuck, right?) Keeping food and drink away from the crafting table will reduce the chance for contamination. Instead, suggest a “water break”, or save snacks until after they have cleaned up. If your children are designing scrapbooks and greetings cards, make sure they stay seated when using scissors and know their scissor safety. Keep in mind that embellishments like sequins, buttons, and gems are pretty to use but may not be age appropriate for the young ones. Art materials that are designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger must meet additional requirements by law, and are labeled according to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. And finally, you might want to think twice about using glitter. Not only may more glitter in the hands of small children end up on the floor than on the project, scientists are starting to question whether glitter could be contributing to the micro-plastic problems in the oceans.
Cleaning Up Afterwards
After your kids have finished painting and gluing, make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly when they are finished. Just as the best way to prevent colds is by simply washing hands, it can become an easy habit to embrace in transitions between activities. And if sticky fingers do leave marks around the house, just remember to keep a bottle on hand of ScraPerfect’s Best Cleaner Ever™, the earth-friendly people-safe solvent. In addition, high quality micro-fiber cleaning cloths such as ScraPerfect’s Perfect Cleaning Cloth™ attract dirt like a magnet and even remove germs with just a little water. Learn a clean up song to encourage the youngest kids to help put away the materials, wash brushes, wipe down surfaces, and cap anything that may dry out so everything is clean and ready for the next time.
Kids love to spend time “working” on craft projects, and with a little careful planning, you can relax and enjoy this time, too. If you pre-plan to ensure that they are only using age-appropriate materials, know the safety rules in the craft-room, and are working in a comfortable, well lit environment, you’ll be able to worry less and enjoy more as they create their masterpieces.
Want to see more pics of the T-Shirt Project? Here ya go!
