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Olympic Torch

I'm sure you see a lot of Olympic torches out there so I thought I would give you my interpretation.


Materials

• Cellophane- Red, Orange
• Tissue Paper- Yellow, Red, Orange
• Long Paper Roll
• Aluminium Foil
• Paper
• Markers
• Glue

Method

1. Start off by covering the long paper roll in aluminium foil. I found that the easiest way to do this was lying a sheet flat on the table, putting glue on the foil and then rolling the paper roll along the foil so it sticks and then covers the roll.
2. Cut off any extra aluminium foil at either end.
3. Using a mix off cellophane and tissue paper create a fire at one end.
4. Using paper and markers decorate the torch as you see fit.
5. To extend this activity you can have groups make different designs then race in a relay race.

Snowman and other wintry scenes

Materials Needed

• Cotton Balls
• Glue
• Coloured Paper
• Scissors

Method

1. Using the cotton balls make the shape of a snowman. Three circles;biggest on the bottom and smallest on the top.
2. Glue these down.
3. Using coloured paper cut out some arms, facial features and add detail to the back ground if you wish.
4. You can also create other snow scenes with the cotton wool as it can stretch out.

Tree Bookmark

Tree Bookmark

Materials Needed

• Brown and Green paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Coloured Pencils
• Thick cardboard

Method

1. Sketch an out line for the trunk and branches on brown paper then cut it out.
2. Using your coloured pencils add detail to the trunk and branches i.e. lines in the bark, animal homes etc
3. Sketch out a number of leaves on the green paper. You can either sketch out clumps or individual leaves.
4. Using your coloured pencil add detail to the leaves.
5. Glue your trunk on to some cardboard.
6. Add the leaves as desired.
7. Leave to dry
8. Cut out the tree.

If you are devoted enough you can get a box cutter and cut out all the cardboard showing between the leaves and branches. You can also add small flowers if you are doing this in Spring.

Leaf Sun Catcher

Leaf Sun Catcher

Materials

• Coloured Card
• Pins (Thick and/or Thin)
• Cellophane (Optional)

Method 

1. Sketch out a leaf on a piece of card, the bigger you make it the longer the project will take but the more intricate your design can be.
2. Cut it out.
3. Using your pin create poke through the card creating a pattern like the veins on a leaf.
4. It is a good idea to start out using either a thicker pin or to have more holes in the middle then thin them out as you get to the edges.
5. Once you have finished and hold it up to the light you should notice that the light comes through better on on side rather than the other.
6. You can either finish there or you can sick different coloured cellophane on the back so the light will be different colours.

Paper Ring Caterpillar

Paper Ring Caterpillar

Materials Needed

• Different Coloured Paper
• Scissors
• Glue/Tape
• Markers or Pencils
• Pipe Cleaners

Method

1.  Cut strips of paper about 5cm-10cm thick from your paper. The more you cut the longer your caterpillar will be. 
2. Glue one strip end to end in an 'O' shape.
3. Then glue other strips end to end through the rings so that they interlock like a chain.
4. Cut out a circle to use as a face.
5. Use the markers or pencils to draw a face on it, either realistic or cartoony.
6. Glue or tape some pipe cleaners on for the antennae.
7. Glue or tape the face to one end of your chain. 

This can be a good activity to teach young children about patterns. You can also decorate the rings before attaching them. See below for finished examples.