Our daughter has just moved into beginning chapter books and we are always on the lookout for ones that have meaningful narratives, characters that children connect with and those that will engage them to learn about new things or perspectives.  The Zoey and Sassafras series from The Innovation Press has done just that with a curious young girl who brings her scientific inquiry to a magical world.  In the fifth book in the series Zoey and her cat companion Sassafras discover a magical pod and they have to figure out what it is and what it contains!  We were inspired by not only the story, but also the illustrations in the book and wanted to replicate the beauty of the mysterious pod.  We used a watercolour technique that always creates marvel! 

Materials

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

  • Circle card template circles
  • Scissors
  • Watercolour paper
  • Tape
  • Pencil/ eraser
  • Liquid watercolours
  • Water
  • Containers
  • Paint brushes
  • Drying rack
  • Markers

We always find these items useful too:

SmockCraftTray

Get the book here:

Canadians:

https://www.amazon.ca/Pod-Bog-Asia-Citro/dp/1943147388/

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-pod-and-the-bog/9781943147380-item.html

Americans:

https://www.amazon.com/Pod-Bog-Zoey-Sassafras/dp/1943147388/

*We do not use affiliate links, nor do we recommend books that we wouldn’t honestly suggest to a friend.  We received our copy for review, only as we enjoyed other books from The Innovation Press.*

Directions

  • Print out the circle card template.  Cut it out and trace around it onto the rough side of your watercolour paper.  To hold it in place while you trace around it, you could tape it down with tape donuts (tape wrapped onto itself with the sticky side out).  Cut it out.

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

  • Lay your card flat in your tray with the rough side up and cover it with a thin layer of water.

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

  • While your card is still wet, apply your paint.  We used regular colours and a metallic for the splatters, taping the brush handle with our hand.  The magic in this process is watching the paint travel on the wet surface- it creates a magical effect.

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

  • Allow your card to dry on a cooling rack over night.

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

  • Once dry, fold it in half and then place it under a stack of books to flatten out.

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

  • Write an inscription in your card and give it to a friend, perhaps with the book- it would make a lovely gift!

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

Pin this idea:

Magical Cards: Watercolours on a Wet Surface Inspired by Zoey & Sassafras- The Pod & the Bog!

Purpose:

  • Extending literature with creative activities.
  • Experimenting with various painting techniques.

Safety Notes

  • We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
  • Use scissors with care and direct, adult supervision.
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