Thursday, October 6, 2011

Gettin' Crafty Post #2: Popsicle Stick Bookmarks


For an introduction to this new series of Gettin' Crafty posts, visit Post #1.


On the heels of the pencil topper craft, I decided to start an ongoing craft series. The only problem I had was that I didn't really have much supplies lying around. But I wanted to begin right away, so I took stock of what was in my craft supply closets, and realized quickly that I had a billion craft sticks and lots of little gems and things.

Here is what developed:

Popsicle Stick Bookmarks
I Googled a little bit to come up with ideas, but ultimately, I went my own way.

Here are the supplies I laid out:


Large plain craft sticks
The big ones that look like tongue depressors worked really well because little hands could easily grip them and there was lots of surface area for coloring and gluing. I have no idea where this came from. I inherited them from the last children's librarian.

Washable markers
Washable or not, my manager still wasn't pleased about the kids getting marker on the tables. More on what I should have done in a moment.

White glue
Also messy. Also not my manager's favorite. Keep reading for details.

Assorted gems, buttons, and ribbon
These were all leftovers I inherited from the previous librarian as well.

I made a simple example, gluing a ribbon to the top of the stick, then a button over top of it. Then I made a second example using just markers, so parents of younger kids could see the simpler possibilities, if they didn't want to glue.

In all, at least 10 kids participated in the craft, and they got really into it. So into it, in fact, that we are still finding glue on the tables. What I should have done - and what I will do in the future - is lay down a tablecloth over the surface of the table to keep it from getting sticky. I have also done that with our small round tables, since kids - and adults!!! - have been coloring indiscriminately on the tabletops.

This is a great craft to do for library card sign-up month, or children's book week. Kids like to use their creativity, and they love the idea of making something they can use. It's also nice because it can be adapted to almost any holiday or season. I'm already considering repeating this project for Halloween or Christmas, with different stickable items.

Next time: Family Finger Puppets!

7 Singable Picture Books

 
Today Is MondayToday is Monday by Eric Carle
The classic children's song is illustrated with various animals eating the different meals designated for each day of the week.
The Babies on the BusThe Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz
The wheels on the bus go round and round, but it's being driven by a baby!
Down by the StationDown by the Station by Jennifer Vetter
An extended version of the traditional song, featuring many modes of transportation.
Five Little DucksFive Little Ducks by Raffi
The Raffi version of this song is illustrated in bold colors.
Five Green And Speckled FrogsFive Green and Speckled Frogs by Priscilla Burris
This version's illustrations add some sparkle and extra details to the traditional song.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (Caldecott Honor Book)I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback
Simms Taback brings this song to life with his colorful, folksy illustrations.
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