By The Little Mulberry Project
It has rained a lot this winter – a lot! Whilst it’s restricted some outdoor fun (epic puddle-jumping aside) it has provoked some lovely new explorations for my little girls. Rain offers wonderful sensory exploration – touch (again with the puddle-jumping), taste, smell, sound (why do adults love the sound of rain on the roof but not so much for little people?) and, of course, sight.
Rain does beautiful things with light and colour: from light-refracting raindrop patterns on windows to seeing the world reflected in puddles, it is a magical source of amazement and amusement for little people.
Whilst stuck inside one cold, cold wet day we decided to make our own raindrops for the window and using melted crayons was a fun way to keep my little one’s fingers busy (if a little messy) and she loved watching the hard crayons melt, swirl and slide across the page under the hot iron.
We hung them like a garland on the window and have been captivated by their transformation in the light.
MATERIALS
- Crayons
- Pencil Sharpener and/or Hand Grater
- Waxed Paper
- Iron
- String / Wool
CREATIVE PROCESS
- Peel crayon wrappers.
- Use pencil sharpener or hand grater to create crayon shavings (little people might want to wear (gardening) gloves when grating to protect their little fingers).
- Spread shavings evenly across waxed paper (imitation greaseproof paper will work but not as effectively) and place a second sheet of waxed paper over the top.
- With iron set to lowest setting, iron quickly across the shavings to melt (place an old tea towel under the paper to ensure no melted crayon wax escapes on to your ironing board).
- Once cooled, cut out raindrop shapes (or any other shapes your little person desires).
- Punch a hole in the top and hang with string / wool around your windows to discover the delightful swirls of colour and light!
The Little Mulberry Project is a virtual scrapbook created by a stay-at-home mum of two adorable girls full of their creative crafty projects, adventures and explorations. For more creative inspiration check out their Website or follow them on Instagram.
