Go Green Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-Schoolers

We will continue to look at our pile of toss-a-ways to see what we can create.

Create a paper tree, using a paper towel roll, and discarded wrap.  Manipulate the paper towel roll to create a trunk for the tree.  The leaves are created with torn paper.  Tear a hole in the center to place over the tube.

The child template is created from discard cardboard.  The face is blank on purpose ready for a photograph of the child.

Create a stand. Start with a cardboard square and cut slits into the center for the feet of the child template.

Food packaging is fun and exciting.  This noodle package has transformed into an aquarium.  The a picture of fish has been glued inside of the package to the cello opening. 

Children love plastic bottles.  You can turn the bottle into a learning tool but caps need to be closed extremely tight or glued with a non-toxic glue. Remember the cap is a choking hazard so should not be used by young children. The bottle can be used in display if kept at a safe distance from young children.  Pour acrylic into the bottle, paint the inside by shaking and turning the bottle.  Create 1-10, 11-20, etc. bottles of different colors.

You will find that some packing material (cardboard) will come in shapes that easily help you to create unique project. This is the case with the above example. From a throw away to a beautiful Kimono.  The kimono is a good project for young children. You can teach them about Japan and art at the the same time. I have created a Pinterest with kimono examples and books.

Recycled paper is a good choice when making hand projects such as the African tribal hands above.

Anything that you can do decoratively with plates you can do decoratively with disposable ones.  The lightweight cheap paper ones that usually get tossed without being used work best.