A Big and Little Collaboration :: Abstract Printed Scarf
Play , Winter 2012
Rhythm of the Home6 Comments
At my core I am a creator. I’m not happy unless I have a project, or twelve, to keep my hands and mind working. While I love creating on my own, I find that when I invite my children to create with me the experience is even richer and more fulfilling, for both of us.
This project is perfect for collaboration. The set-up is simple, the act of creation is novel and unique, and the finished product doesn’t scream “made-by-kids.” Not only is it a perfect project for the little ones to make for themselves; they always take such pride in being able to use (and wear!!!) their work. It also makes the perfect gift; something handmade for the little ones to give to the special people in their lives.
Materials
Lightweight jersey fabric in a solid color
Masking or packing tape
Fabric paint (I recommend Jacquard Neopaque)
Paper plate for paint
Toy cars
Directions
First cut the fabric to size. For a regular style scarf, I like 60 inches by 15 inches. If you want to turn yours into an infinity-style scarf, 72 inches by 28 inches would be about right.
Find an area in your home — we had to use the floor in one room — that is larger than your scarf. Cover it in newsprint or butcher paper. Tape the paper to the surface. This will give you a good space to work and will keep the project as mess-free as possible.
Then, tape the fabric, making it slightly taut, onto the paper. You may want to add some more lines of tape across the scarf. Do this for both effect (we made diagonal stripes) and ease. If the fabric is too large between taped portions, it may bunch as the little ones begin painting.
Add some paint to the paper plate, spread it out with a paint brush and drive the car through the paint.
Let your child start making tracks onto the scarf!!
Don’t let your little one have all the fun, get a car for yourself and drive with them. My little guy and I had a blast once I started driving (and crashing) all over the scarf!
Keep going once you like what you see!
Heat-set the fabric paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep it as a traditional scarf or sew it up into an infinity scarf (tutorial found here). Your choice!
Explore More
What else could you use to make prints on the scarf?
What happens if you use another color?
What else could you print onto?
Make Connection
Who would you like to give the scarf to? Why?
Think about a gift you’ve received in the past. What made it special?
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Danielle Reiner and Andrea Folsom, LCSW are the co-founders of Crafting Connections, a website and quarterly digital publication for little ones and their grown-ups. Creative business women, mamas, and friends, Andrea and Danielle are doers to the core and can often be found crafting and creating with their own little ones. Connecting with the natural world through exploration, their children through creation, themselves through focused hands, and the community through shared experience – that’s what they’re all about! Learn more about Crafting Connections and join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Rhythm of the Home is an online magazine for families that focuses on creating with children, nature explorations, seasonal celebrations, conscious parenting, and mindfulness in all that we do.
