Grandparents Day is just over two weeks away (Sunday, September 13). This is a holiday that can sometimes be overlooked, but I think it is very important to honor our grandparents, and our children’s grandparents.
With the weekend ahead, it’s the perfect opportunity to make something for the grandparents in your life.
Because my children LOVE to craft, we got an early start on making gifts for all the grandparents. I love creating handmade gifts with Elias and Adeline because it teaches them the value of giving of themselves instead of just buying a silly tchotchke. It also fosters their creativity. Lastly, by creating the gift themselves, the gift is more meaningful to them – and their grandparent.
One gift that we made was an easy mixed media canvas using photos, paint and Elmer’s glue.
Elias and Adeline had a BLAST and now want to make lots more mixed media art. I think I will need to start buying canvases in bulk.
Supplies
- Elmer’s School Glue
- Canvas
- Photo(s)
- Paint
- Paint brush
Directions
Take your photo(s) and glue it to the canvas.
Use Elmer’s glue to create a design on the canvas.
Let the glue dry completely. We left the canvases overnight to dry. If the glue isn't “puffy” enough, go over it with more glue and let dry completely. (I went over it a second time for the kids to make sure the design stayed consistent.)
Paint the canvas and Elmer's glue a variety of colors. Water down your paint 50% so that it spreads easily and allows the Elmer's glue to pop.
Optional: adhere other embellishments to the canvas.
Celebrate a job well done and enjoy giving the canvas to your grandparent with love.
I found it helpful to talk to the kids about the project ahead of time and get them to really think about the glue design that they wanted to create on the canvas. It would have been easier for me to just glue the pictures down and make the shapes myself, but that would have not translates to a teachable lesson for the kids. By them making their own gifts, they became delighted over the thought to give.
This is part of a year-long sponsored post campaign with Elmer's.
What a CUTE idea!
Jessica~ I am enjoying your posts so much! This idea will be used in our home for MANY gifts in the future. It looks Wonderful, and seems easy! Thank you!
oh this is such a cute project! what a fun idea to use glue to add texture! the grandparents will love them!
I can’t imagine a grandparent not going CRAZY for these gifts- what a beautiful keepsake and what a wonderful way for kids to demonstrate their love for their grandparents!
SUPER CUTE and so simple–love this. And I love the idea that this craft involves multiple steps–great for kids to learn patience this way!!