Creative Moments: Box Sculptures

Let's look at this project from the perspective of a play date activity. As a mother of three, I'm constantly looking for activities that'll keep my children engaged when they have friends visiting. There are days when they're very good at entertaining themselves and are happy with showing their friends their toys or playing a game. However, there are other days when they need something more.

This activity requires a lot of planning ahead, so give yourself and the parents you're inviting plenty of notice so items can be collected.

Supply list:

Seven or eight boxes of various sizes (ideas: band-aids, lip balm, cold tablets, medical tape, aspirin, toothpick)
Flat piece of cardboard (ideas: pizza rounds, calendar inserts, cereal boxes, the backing of a pad of paper)
Several pieces of construction paper, assorted colors
Several pipe cleaners, assorted colors
Painters tape or masking tape
Glue sticks
White glue
Scissors
Pencil
Crayons
Poster paint, assorted colors
Sponge brushes
Cotton swabs
Paper plates
Paper towels
Newspapers

Putting it all together:

1: Be sure there's enough materials on hand for at least one adult to demonstrate this project.

2: Paint the flat piece of cardboard. Encourage children to use their imagination. If they want green grass, that's fine, but encourage them to do think beyond that to something a bit more creative if you'd like. Be sure to paint in a light layer so it will dry quicker.

3: Set the cardboard aside to dry on pieces of opened newspaper.

4: Make sure all the boxes are fully assembled and, if they're loose or coming apart, use the tape to secure the ends. By the time you're finished securing your boxes, the pieces of cardboard should be pretty much dry.

5: Start building your structure one box at a time using the white glue to hold it all together. Use the tape to add extra reinforcements where needed. Create unusual structures in your demonstration so children will be encouraged to build something other than a typical house. Though, there's nothing wrong with that if that's their choice.

6: Set the project aside to dry on the newspaper.

7: Take pieces of construction paper and cut out different shapes to glue to the structure later. This could be smoke for a chimney, flowers for a garden, rocks for a path or whatever else you're inspired to created. Set it aside when you're finished.

8: Your structures should be dry by now, so it's time to paint. Use as many different colors as you can. Sponge brush the larger areas and use the cotton swabs to add details. Set aside to dry.

9: Bend the pipe cleaners into little people. Color on the shapes you've cut from the construction paper.

10: Once the paint is dry on the structure, use the glue sticks to adhere the construction paper embellishments you've created.

Play time!

Now you're ready to play! Use your imagination with your little pipe cleaner people and have some make believe. Use some more of the construction paper to make animals or other items you might need to complete this experience.