Fun with Elastics

Re-use Play-Doh containers for this simple technique to personalize a paper bag or make your own gift wrap!  (You could use it on a fabric bag, substituting the paint for fabric paint if you like too.)

Materials

• Sturdy cylindrical containers (These Playdoh ones are perfect!)
• Elastics
• Paint
• Paper (we used gift bags instead)
• Shallow tray
• Smock
• Craft tray

Directions

• Depending on your age and abilities (you may need a bit of adult help for this step), stretch your elastics over the mouth of your container (so that they wrap around the bottom as well).  You could vary your elastic sizes, designs and overlapping.  Do this for a few containers.

• Don your smock and put your paper or bag into your craft tray.

• Put approximately two tablespoons of paint onto a shallow tray or re-use lids from take-out or deli containers.

• Dip your elastics into the paint and then carefully apply them to your paper or bag.

• Allow to dry overnight and then pop in a present and give it to a friend!

Purpose

• Learning various painting techniques
• Re-using materials

Safety Notes

• Be sure to exercise caution when working with elastics.
• We recommend wearing a smock and using a craft tray to protect your clothes and work surfaces.
• Use non-toxic products.