With weather the little ones can finally enjoy, we thought we would treat you to an activity both you and the children in your care can do outside to say hello to spring! Author MaryAnn Kohl does a great job of introducing wire sculpture in this blog post. We thought we would get a little more hands-on to show you how every activity can be adapted to the appropriate season! Get ready for:
How to Make a Wire Sculpture for Spring
Materials
- pipe cleaners
- material for base (styrofoam)
- spring time objects (buttons, etc.)
What kids will learn
- color coordination
- cooperative play
- improved fine motor skills
- creative expression
To give you a visual, we made a tutorial video to show you just how easy having art time with kids can be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfpmdqsexoQ
What to do
1. Push the pipe cleaners into the base, or wrap around a base such as a rock. If using Styrofoam, push the wires in deep so they will be strong and hold up well.
2. Bend the wires into designs and shapes, or leave straight. It’s inspiring to cut the wires into different lengths with scissors.
3. Add decorations! Buttons will thread right onto the wires, and it’s easy to sandwich the wire between two gluey scraps or two stickers. Pony beads thread well onto the wires as do macaroni noodles and hardware “nuts”. Have fun choosing from whatever is on hand. You can always add cotton balls or even lumps of playdough! No rules! Wide open ideas.
4. Wiggle or blow on or shake or otherwise enjoy the movement of the wires and decorations. Movement = Kinetic.
Note: One of the brain-challenges of this sculpture is bending and arranging the wires so the sculpture will not fall over.
We hope you enjoyed making spring wire sculptures with your little ones! Feel free to share their art with us on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. We would love to see their creations!
-Mary Ann Kohl
