The Mom I Want to Be

Foil Sculpting

Here’s a fun activity that keeps children busy and encourages them to use their imaginations. It’s a great activity to do in the car on a long road trip, or just something fun and different to do on a rainy day. All you need is a roll of cheap aluminum foil and some creativity.   One roll of aluminum foil can provide an instant cure for the doldrums.  Just give each child a sheet of aluminum foil and have them mold it into anything they want! Encourage them to use their imaginations. You might need give them a few ideas to get them going if they aren’t sure how to begin.

Start by making different little zoo animals. See how many kinds of animals you can make.

Girls might enjoy making jewelry and playing dress up. Make crowns, headbands, rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Make chains out of foil to hang little charms. Poke holes into the foil for added decoration. Think about whether you want to use the shiny side out or in for your jewels. 

Masks are another fun idea. Kids can really come up with some interesting ones — anything from superheros to carnival masks.  My son enjoyed making a shark helmet with a big fin on top of his head and matching wrist bands. 

You can also make hats, sun visors, body armor, “Wonder Woman” deflector wristbands, or even goofy eyeglasses. Maybe you’d like to make a fun little bowl for dry cereal or other snacks. Make tiny cups and saucers for a tea party.

Aluminum foil also makes good temporary Frisbees and balls. Or make a set of tiny bowling pins to knock down with a miniature bowling ball. Make a chess set. Make Star Trek communicators or Vulcan ears!

Toddlers can also participate in this activity, but they may need a little help. Be sure to watch them carefully so that they don’t put any pieces in their mouths.

Aluminum foil modeling is easy and doesn’t take any preparation. Clean up is easy too. Be prepared to use a whole roll of foil if they are really having fun!

 

Foil Etching

Cardboard
Tin foil
Tape
Tempera or acrylic paint (dark colors)
Liquid Dishwashing soap
Paint brush
Popsicle stick

Tape a piece of tin foil to a piece of cardboard. Add a couple of drops of liquid dishwashing soap to a small amount of tempera (or acrylic) paint. Brush paint over the entire piece of foil and let dry. Using the popsicle stick, carefully scrape a design into the paint. Glue the finished piece to a sheet of construction paper or scrap mat board for display.
Foil Painting

Foil
Construction paper
Paint
Q-Tips

Roll out a piece of foil about the size of a piece of construction paper. Squirt two or three colors of paint onto the foil. Give your child a Q-tip and let him or her draw designs or a picture in the paint. This is a wonderfully artistic activity! After the paint dries, glue a piece of paper onto the back of the foil to mount the picture.
Mosaic masterpiece

Foil can be crumpled into a loose ball, then smoothed out. The resulting lines (or wrinkles) form a variety of shapes that can be filled in with permanent markers, creating a colorful mosaic. Mounting the foil on construction paper or card stock gives it a “framed” look and adds the finishing touch.