Retro Recycled Christmas Placemats

Kiddos @ the library recycled Christmas Cards to create retro placemats.

Each child chose fifteen card fronts. Then, using a semi-transparent margarine lid as a pattern, they traced one circle on each card. (Each 12” x 18” placemat needs about 15 circles.) After the circles were traced, they were cut out and arranged on a template. When the arrangement had been chosen, a piece of clear contact paper was put sticky side up over the empty template. The cards were placed on top of the contact paper.  Then a matching piece of contact paper was sealed on top. A final trim close, but not touching the edges, was the final step.  As you can see, the group really enjoyed this fun and eco-friendly craft project.

The "HELP RALPHIE" Costume Challenge

 Do you remember Ralphie from "A Christmas Story"?  Ralphie's grandmother sent him a pink bunny outfit.  Ralphie does not want to be a pink bunny. Can you think of a way to make Ralphie's costume more interesting?  Maybe he could re-design it for his sister? Maybe he could add other costume parts to it, dye it, or trim it?

Can you help?  Draw your idea on a piece of plain computer paper, or download the template at www.louannmattesbrown.com under the "Creative Kids" tab.  Send your design to louannmattesbrown@hotmail.com and your new costume for Ralphie may appear here!

Here are some great costumes designed by kids at the Benld Elemetary School in Gillespie, IL:

November 1 is the Day of the Dead

In Mexico, November 1 is called the Day of the Dead.  This enchanting "Talking Skeleton Puppet" is easy to make. I designed it for our October library program.  It is fun to make the puppet, then dress it like the wonderful costumed skeletons you'd see in market places throughout Mexico. Here's a link for teacher info and downloads for kids about the Day of the Dead, Or Dia De Los Muertos:
http://www.squidoo.com/dia-de-los-muertos

Photos from the Gillespie Library Visit

Here is a great photo from the Adventures program @ the Gillespie Public Library.  I've been working with these kids from Gillespie for a few years. We always have a good time.

This session was special because we created an adaptation of a costume from my new book, How to Create Spectacular Halloween Costumes. Our "Pirate Skeleton Body Puppets" are a variation of "The Shadow of Death" costume from page 10 and 11 in my book. Check out other pictures on my website: www.louannmattesbrown.com





Here is the cover of my book, release by Capstone in January 2011. To order click this URL:
To order the book click here!