Crafty Chaos With Erin: Painted Geometric Shapes
Hello friends in One Artsy Mama land! I’m sure you’ve noticed by Amy’s facebook statuses that it’s hot, hot, hot here in MD, with lots of wonderful humidity. In other words, a lot of days for this pregnant mama to bask in the coolness of the air conditioning! It also means trying to find some things to do with two active little boys in an indoor setting. I’m going to give you two versions of this project. First, I’ll show you what we actually did, and the finished project, but keep reading, because then I’m going to show you the “Honestly” version!
Collin kept asking to paint, so I thought, “sure, why not”, grabbed some brushes, paint, and wax paper, and we were off!
Glue
First, I put down a “splash mat”, then using the painter’s tape, I secured two sheets of wax paper on the table. I threw down some brushes and bowls of paint in the middle of the table. The most important step? Stripping the boys down. Seriously. That’s how we roll here. As well as lots and lots of wipes, because they HATE paint on their hands. Let the painting begin!
Once the boys were finished, we let the paper dry, and did the quick “paint in the ole bag” activity. You’ll also notice that Jake and Neverland Pirates provided a wonderful background soundtrack for all the activities. Hee.
After the paper was dried, Collin and I brainstormed about what shapes he wanted to have. He called out a few, and we cut them out of the painted wax paper. We’re also learning colors too, so each shape received a different colored border.
Then, using the painter’s tape, we hung the shapes on the back porch door. This allowed the sunlight to catch the colors, as well as let the boys see their masterpieces. We practice pointing to the different shapes or color, and the tape allows the boys to move around the shapes easily. I’d love to make more shapes so they could make scenes or creatures, or whatever else comes to mind!
So wasn’t the sweet and simple? Don’t your hearts just melt at the sight of little boys doing crafts and excited for learning? Shall we play the honestly game now?
Honestly? They painted for, um, 2 minutes. Maybe Collin did more, but Cam gave up, threw his wet brushes on the carpet, the dog, and well, himself. See?
OK, fine, let’s cut out the shapes. Well…Mommy forget the wax paper was left out. See? And honestly? That’s my kitchen. Only today the dishes are piled higher, waiting for the boys’ naps. Honestly though? I’ll probably nap too and let the dishes sit for a little while longer.
And honestly? I’m writing this blog post, while potty training a three year old wearing big boy undies for the first time today, and a naked two year old who refuses to wear his clothes. Crafty chaos at its finest. Man, I love this! =)
Great post! I love that you turned it into a “twofer” activity with the paint in the bag afterwards. (Although I am very sorry that it didn’t work out so perfectly…)
PS: My dirty dish pile is bigger than yours, Erin! Sigh. Oh how I long for a dishwasher… Or my kid to be old enough to wash dishes…
Thank you for this activity! I am trying to keep my little guy (a few months into 2) busy when I’m home with him this summer with fun crafts like this. I especially loved the honestly because my little guy is ALL boy and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who struggles!
What a great and fun post! My little ones are actually grown ones and your post brings back so many fun (and tiring) memories!
Your “honestly” section made me laugh and laugh. I have memories of what my kitchen looked like after “baking” with two young daughters. You and Amy are rock stars. 🙂
What a great project. and thanks for keeping it real. I had one of those days today for sure, poop on the floor and all!
Thanks for sharing your “honestly” story. Being a mom is the hardest, most fun you will ever have. Blessings on your day.
Thanks for sharing this! I LOVE this idea! 🙂