Learning a New Skill (Dad would be proud!)

Hammer & Nails aren't just for Dads...

Look at her focus and perfect finger placement!

This is one of Children's Art Studio's favorite projects. It requires very simple items - follow these instructions and try it at home!  (Do not be afraid that kids can't handle these items...they are naturals, I promise.  Age 5-6+)

1. Get a scrap piece of wood.  I go to Lowe's and have them cut a 10x6x12 (or something similar) into 1 foot pieces.  This gives me plenty of even sized blocks of wood.
2. Artists choose one color to paint the entire piece of wood (acrylic paint covers best)
3. Then have kids choose 3-5 colors of TEMPERA (washable!) paint to add via splatter method :)
4. Add glitter glue, buttons, whatever else to spruce it up
5. Let dry over night
6. Next, nails (gold and silver nails) and a kiddie hammer. Make sure you give them a "How-To" tutorial for safety and procedures.  Making sure they feel comfortable and have it down pat before you let them go it alone is a must.
7. Artists can decide where and how many nails they use (the more the better)
8. After this is done, give students a ton of different string/yarn options
9. Show kiddo how to tie one end of the string to one nail and "connect the dots" but stringing yarn around certain nails (wrapping around nails to create tension on yarn). Stop and tie off on a different nail when yarn starts to run short.
10. Continue this with different colors of yarn or string for a geometric (almost kaleidoscope) look
11. Finish project by nailing a zigzag picture hanger in the center of the back of the wood 

Cheap packages of this hardware available at Lowe's  

(Great supply to have around the art studio)

Have fun and post pictures!