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Fun Children's Projects With Old Newspapers and Magazines

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 04Jan2012
Word count: 1722
Viewed: 119 time(s)

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If you are looking for a fun rainy day activity for your child, you do not have to look any further than a stack of old newspapers or magazines. Although most people simply throw them away or take them to the recycling center, newspapers and magazines can actually be used to make a variety of interesting projects. Here are a few ideas for paper projects that you can use to get started. Of course, once you start crafting with newspaper, you will probably come up with a lot of new ideas on your own.

Paper Mache Projects

There are a number of different ways you can make paper mache out of old newspaper. The paper strip method is extremely easy for children to handle, even if they are young. Start by making a paper mache paste out of flour and water. Simply mix together one part flour and two parts water, along with two or three tablespoons of salt, until you have a paste with the consistency of thick pudding. Cover a table with a drop cloth or vinyl table cloth, and give your child an old shirt or apron to wear. Then, tear old newspapers into thin long strips. Give your child a collection of old cereal boxes, cardboard toilet tissue or paper towel tubes, or any other small cardboard containers. Your child can dip the paper strips in the paste, scrape off the excess by using their fingers, and cover their project. Depending on their mood, they could make animals, space ships, houses or almost anything else. Place on a piece of waxed paper, and let dry. Once dry, your child can decorate his or her creation with tempera paints. Take a few photos of your child's creations and display in picture frames.

Paper Cheerleader Pom-Poms

If your child enjoys pretending she is a cheerleader, make her some inexpensive pom-poms. Simply lay several sheets of newspaper on a flat surface. Then, using a sharp pair of scissors, cut the newspaper into half inch wide strips, leaving the strips connected along one edge. Cut enough strips to form two full pom-pom shapes. Then, roll the newspapers up, forming a handle from the uncut edge. Wrap masking tape around the handles to hold its shape. You can also add a couple of string loops to the handles. Be sure to take several photos of your young cheerleader in action, since when displayed in picture frames these photos are sure to be priceless.

Homemade Paper

Making homemade paper can be a fun as well as educational project for children. Since a blender will be used, this project will definitely require your assistance. To make the paper slurry, you will need a collection of old paper, such as newspaper, clean toilet or facial tissues, or some colored construction paper. If you have a bit of clean dryer lint, this can also be helpful for adding strength and stability to your paper. Tear the paper into small pieces, placing it in a blender. Add water, allowing the paper to soak for about fifteen minutes. Then, use the blender to form a slurry mixture. Stretch a piece of plastic window screen material over a bowl, securing it with a rubber band. Then, pour the paper slurry onto the screen, allowing the water to drain into the bowl. Let the paper dry then cut it into the desired size and shape. This paper can be used as wrapping paper, crafting paper, or to make decorative photo mats for inside picture frames.

If you've got some extra newspapers lying around, put them to use right away with these simple crafts and your kids are sure to have a great time.

Autumn Lockwood writes for Your Picture Frames. Find the artistic collage picture frames you are looking for when you visit our website. Check out our decorative photo frames now or talk to us when you call 800-780-0699.

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