MUKU OWNERS

For some time Ive been looking at cookie molds over the internet with the idea that it would be a fun way to make cookies or paper creations. I couldnt believe my luck when on my latest trip to the Goodwill store I happened to find two cookie molds. We used them once to make cookies and then decided we would take a try at paper molding (or casting as it may be called).

The activity is pretty simple and only uses a few supplies. First, we sprayed the molds with a nonstick spray to help prevent sticking. Next, we tore 6 or 7 paper towels into 1 inch pieces and put them into a blender. Our second time doing this we also added two half sheets (different colors each) of construction paper. Next, we filled the blender half full of warm water and let the paper soak for a few minutes.

After blending and once we had a watery mix of paper and paper towels (in this photo we had used just paper towels), we were ready for filling the molds.

This part proved to be a fun sensorial experience for my daughters. Placing a towel under the molds, we took handfuls of mixture and filled each mold with the paper mixture. Next, using a large sponge, we firmly pressed the sponges onto the molds to soak up the water and compress the paper into the mold.

The sponges were squeezed out into a bowl. We repeated this until all the water was removed. Also, at this point, extra paper mixture was added into the mold if needed.

I placed the molds into our toaster oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes (keeping a careful eye on things) to dry them quickly.

While using the molds I also wondered if this activity could be done with a cookie cutter so we tried that too. We used the same sponge method for removing water. (For this paper we used red, purple and yellow construction paper with the paper towels- and F.Y.I. -a little construction paper goes a long way.)

The next day we decorated the molded paper. We used watercolors on one.

The cookie cutter mold is on the top left and came out pretty good. I found the molded paper also looks attractive left as is.

We also decorated with glitter...lots and lots of glitter. Overall, my daughters loved making these because of the involved process of tearing paper, using a blender, sticking hands in water paper mess and sponging water up. The decorating was just as fun too.

There are many crafts that are made with recycled paper. While visiting my sister I was able to shop at a Ten Thousand Villages store. The crafts that are made there by artists in developing countries, some using recycled materials like paper, were amazing- coiled paper baskets, bags, jewelry and more- it was all very impressive.

Using that as our inspiration, we tried our hand at making recycled paper bead necklaces recently. The materials for the activity include: magazine pages, scissors, glue stick, damp sponge or cloth, work mat, pencil, yarn and a darning needle (or childrens needle).

The beads were made from pages of a magazine. I decided to cut the inch-wide triangle shaped pieces beforehand. The more colorful the better!

To make the beads, my daughters applied glue, stopping about an inch from the widest end so that the bead would slide off the pencil after being rolled.

Next, starting at the widest end, glue side up, we rolled the paper.

After the paper was rolled, we applied glue to the tip of the triangle if needed. We then slid the bead off the pencil and trimmed the edge when needed (some of my youngest daughters were unevenly rolled but this could be fixed just by trimming the ends). If the pencil got glue on it or fingers got sticky we used a sponge or cloth to wipe clean.

After cleaning off hands, we got out some yarn and a needle and set to stringing the necklaces.

I tied a large knot at the end in hopes of preventing beads from sliding off (that can be so frustrating!)

We made extra beads to add to our bead collection for future necklace making. The magazine also has a permanent spot at the art cupboard to encourage more bead making and whatever else they may be inspired to make.

I feel a project such as this, allows my daughters to participate in the process of making something from very basic materials into something much more. I hope it encourages more creativity and an appreciation and openness to recycling and reusing beyond the recycling box.