Creativity Center
Innovative lessons for your art classes
Try one out today!
Decorative Gift Boxes from Best-Test Art Supplies
Estimated Project Time: 30– 45 minutes
Project Description: Plain gift boxes can be purchased at any craft store. They come
in a variety of sizes and are sold flat. Cut five pieces of paper that are just a little
smaller in size than the four sides and top of the box. For example, if the front of
this box is 4½ x 6", cut 4¼ x 5¾" pieces. You can use patterned scrapbook paper
or create a design yourself with solid card stock. We used a hole puncher to make
white polka dots on a green background. While the box is still flat, center and glue
each piece of paper to the corresponding side of the box using Best-Test Rubber
Cement. When completed, press the box by stacking a few heavy books on top of
it (approximately 15 minutes). Once dry you can assemble the box and clean up any
excess glue with a rub of your finger. We tied ours with a decorative ribbon. These
boxes are a beautiful way to present a gift or purely for decoration.
For more information and projects, visit www.bestine.com, and don’t forget to sign
up for our newsletter and craft projects by e-mail.
Circle No. 172 on Reader’s Service card.
Robot Shoes from Blick Art Materials
Grade Level: K– 8
Estimated Project Time: 2– 3 class periods
Materials: shoe, metallic acrylic paint, brushes, tacky glue, sculpture wire, tooling
foil, assorted objects for collage, spring clothespins
Project Description: This project gives new life to second-hand shoes by turning them
into “robots”—sculptural assemblages created with metallic paint, wire and found
objects. Your students’ imaginations will go straight to work if you ask them to
assign a purpose to their creation—an imaginary function that they would like it to
be able to perform.
Visit DickBlick.com for the complete project instructions. Blick Art Materials has a
giant selection of art supplies for the classroom, unique lesson plans and helpful
information, as well as lower prices on hundreds of items. Online, open-account
purchasing is available for schools at DickBlick.com. Call 800-447-8192 for a catalog.
Circle No. 164 on Reader’s Service card.
