Indian Summer is lasting a very long time in Northern California. After an early but wicked rainfall in late September all my roses are blooming again. We will have a summer-like Halloween. Unfortunately for my family and friends in New York they will be having a white Halloween and burning jack-o-lanterns might be the only light many powerless East Coasters will have. Hard to imagine what the next two months will bring.
My friend, Garnet, a young girl in her twenties, wondered where the year has gone. And me--now officially in my sixties---saw it flash by even faster!
Well my birthday was a success. All my children, son-in-law and granddaughter were there and the entertainment was tie-dye. Tie-dye inspired by "KITCHEN ART" of course! Over the summer my son Teal experimented with recipes from "KITCHEN ART" his favorite being FOOD COLORING and COFFEE FILTERS. This lead him to dying t-shirts and an afternoon of family tie-dye. T-shirts, bandanas, dresses for Zora, and bedsheets. Lots of Fun!
Well my birthday is past, but my daughter and mother and cousin all have birthdays in the next two weeks. Here are to ideas from KITCHEN ART to help them celebrate!
PINATA MONSTER*
Pinata originally delighted children in Mexico. Today they can be found in local supermarkets, and as the highlight of many birthday parties. Here is a wild papier-mâché do-it-yourself pinata:
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups white flour, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 gallon warm water, 1/2 quart cold water, 1/4 teaspoon oil of cinnamon, 9" paper plate, two recycled toilet paper tubes, one recycled egg carton, box of straws, recycled newspapers, balloon, tape, stuffing goodies (candies, small toys) string, tempera paint.
TOOLS: large bowl, blender, stove* (adult supervision required), paint brush, wooden spoon, scissors, large clear recycled one gallon plastic soda bottle
INSTRUCTION: * (adult supervision required). Prepare Monster: 1. Blow up balloon, tie to string and hang from work area. 2. Cut newspaper into 1 1/2 by 7" strips. 3. Cut paper plate in half. Cut top from egg carton and cut cups so you have a group of four. Prepare papier-mache: 4. Mix flour and sugar, add some warm water, stirring slowly until you have made a smooth paste. Add rest of warm water stirring continuously. 5. Place on stove and boil until a thick and clear, constantly stirring. 6. Add cold water and stir again until you have a thick gloppy mixture. 7. Add oil of cinnamon at this point if you need to keep the mixture more than one day. REMEMBER: this paste works best while still warm.
Make Monster: 8. Cover balloon with papier-mâché: dip newspaper strips into paste, pull through fingers to remove excess, then lay on balloon. Repeat steps until balloon is totally covered. Repeat process to make three layers. 9. Add monster features. EARS: paper plates EYES: toilet paper tubes MOUTH: egg cups HAIR: straws. To adhere hold in place and attach with newspaper strips and paste. If this becomes too difficult let base dry for a day then tape facial features into place and adhere with newspaper paste strips. Dry. Cut slot in base and fill with goodies. 11. Tape closed then papier-mache for added strength. Dry. 12. Paint to decorate. Make PAPER TUBE BAT and have a wild party.
ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Use liquid starch or wallpaper paste to cover base. OR use newspaper stuffed grocery bag instead of balloon as base. OR create other pinata shapes and designs and use tissue paper as the final cover.
PAPER TUBE SWORD PLAY
How many times have you discarded the empty cardboard holiday wrapping paper tube, towel or toilet paper roll and wondered if it could be recycled or reused? Here is one versatile project that answers your question.
INGREDIENTS: lots of recycled tubes, tape, tin foil
TOOLS: scissors
INSTRUCTION: 1. Tape tubes together, end to end, making one long tube about one yard long. 2. Cover with tin foil, if desired. Use as sword or baseball bat. Attach a short tube at base to create L shape and you've made a golf club or hockey stick.
ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Cover taped tubes with papier-mâché and decorate. Now you have a more durable toy to use with Pinata Monster.
No comments:
Post a Comment