Have you ever wandered through the art supply aisle and drooled over the many fun stickers, glues, glitters, and papers? Having inspiring art supplies on hand needn’t cost a fortune. Remember all those macaroni necklaces from pre-school? Well, macaroni is inexpensive and today there are so many interesting pasta shapes available, macaroni is not the only option. Don’t forget things like dried popcorn kernels and the many varieties of dried beans available today.
Maybe set out three materials and have everyone in the family create a self-portrait using only those items. Then hang your masterpieces in the hallway and create a gallery. Play some classical music in the background and you’ve got the beginnings of a wonderful family evening.
To create more colorful creations, you can dye dried pasta. Here’s a link to a tutorial but basically, add some food coloring (the liquid kind, not the gel) to the bottom of a jar or a large ziploc bag. Add just enough rubbing alcohol (or white vinegar) to cover the bottom of the jar (this helps the dye adhere to the pasta but won’t be absorbed the way water would); add pasta to fill the jar half-way and shake. Leave them out for the day and shake periodically. Lay out some wax paper and spread the pasta in a thin layer to dry overnight.
If you create any macaroni masterpieces or something beautiful with beans, please snap some photos and send them in—we’d love to show them off on the blog!
Attention, Men! Have you purchased your copy of Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman? There’s still time to read the book and participate in the discussion scheduled for Friday, October 28th at 6:45 AM. You won’t want to miss it!
