Something fast and simple materials I used frequently:
Good sulfite construction paper
wallpaper and wrapping paper alone or in any combination
~~~~~
1 Fold rectangles in 1/2 the long way and do the traditional lantern
cut leaving (marking) an inch border along the long edge.
2 Mark the slits in from the fold to the border line (1 or 1/2 inches
wide).
3 Cut following the mark either straight or curving a little using the
line as a guide. 4 The resulting folded double (but still attached to
the border) strips will each be rolled on a pencil and will curl. roll
up the border to make a Bromeliad (pineapple leaves) style flower
shape. If you have crimpers you can crimp some of the strips.
5 Make several of these and sit one inside the next. All kinds of
interesting things for a theme can be taped or glued or wrapped onto
this base. I remember one theme that inspired fish of all kinds
swimming in water colored construction paper curls.
~~~~~~
2nd idea I have used successfully that is quick:
1 Kids trace their hands on good construction paper or white drawing
paper. make a generous long wrist when cutting out hands.
2 Design their hands by writing a message about the event and adding
decoration whatever comes to mind.
3 Attach the "wrist" of the hands by scrumpling and gluing or taping to
a straw - the short tight ones, or popsicle sticks, and least
desirable, toothpick,.
4 Poke many of these on Styrofoam cones or balls. Sometimes we added
base but right now I can't remember what. I think once attached onto
top of a cheap glass vases and once to flowerpots. Additional things
like flags or toys can be pressed in depending on the theme.
I particularly like this one because every kid has a few hand prints in
the mix so are invested in the project. I have them put name and grade
level on the back of their hand cutouts and write and decorate the
front. this way the adults know the skill level that has gone into the
finished work. If you had time you could send paper and instructions
home for parents to contribute a hand print and message to mix into
each of the flower bouquets.
~~~~~~
Let us know what you come up with in such short notice!
Sharon ~ NJ
On Wednesday, January 7, 2004, at 11:21 PM, Ray Leal wrote:
> I was just looking at the Stumps catalog today and saw some 3-D star
> centerpieces that looked fairly simple but nice. Look at this link-
> http://www.stumpsprom.com/catalog.cfm?pgp=P0450Q > Good luck- it definitely doesn't leave you much time- Heather
> Linda E wrote:
> Our elementary school is having a dinner / dance next week to kick off
