Character Collection

OBJECTIVE: For kids 6+
To explore typography and different fonts by collecting the same letter/character. Kids are encouraged to hunt for unique, funky, different fonts... all of the same letter. Search for different fonts such as: cursive, decorative, bubbly, block, digital, calligraphic, hand drawn, scribbly, etc. NOTE: the differences of each letter are in the SHAPE of the letter (font) NOT the color.

SUPPLY LIST:
- card board backing (cereal box cardboard works great)
- scrap printed materials such as: newsprint, magazines, catalogs, bulk mail, TV guides, etc.
- glue or glue stick
- scissors

DIRECTIONS:
1) Find a piece of card board to use as backing (something roughly letter sized) such as a medium sized cereal box or pasta box (cut out a side of box to use as your backing)

2) Select a letter of the alphabet to "collect" ... kids can do their favorite letter, their initial, it doesn't matter but just choose ONE letter.

3) Go through magazines, newspaper, junk mail, packaging, etc. and cut out a wide assortment of the letter chosen. Aim for 20-40 pieces to design with. NOTE: Don't be concerned with the color of each character, instead - focus on the SHAPE of each character.

4) Arrange the different pieces on top of cardboard backing - don't glue down till each letter is in place... the pieces will need to be puzzled together. Cover the entire cardboard backing - so that there is little space between the letter pieces. Keep the letters upright, so that the fonts can be compared easily (this is a collection of one character in the alphabet).

5) Once the design is configured, glue down each piece. Then, lay a heavy book on top so that it dries flat.

6) Hang on your bedroom wall as modern art. Consider having this framed for an ultra artsy and personalized look! :)

Torn Paper Monogram Wall Art

Create modern art to decorate your room with a personalized touch! Easy, quick and fun to do!

SUPPLY LIST:
- scrap papers (old magazines, junk mail, newspaper, etc)
- glue
- backing paper (stiffer construction paper, cardstock, etc)
This can be in whatever size you want your monogram to be, letter size, poster size... as big or small as you like!

DIRECTIONS:
1) Select the backing paper you will create your monogram on. Again, make this whatever size you like! Consider cutting a big scrap piece of cardboard into a fun shape like a star or circle... be unique!

2) Using pencil, sketch out the letter for your monogram. Try bubble letters, block, even cursive. Do your first initial, last or all three!

3) Gather scrap papers (old magazines, junk mail, newspaper, etc) to tear pieces of paper from and build your monogram.
Tip: Your monogram will stand out more if just 2 colors are used.


4) Tear uniform scraps from your scrap papers roughly 1" x 1" in size and set aside to use in your design.
Tip: Sort your pieces in color piles, one for your letter and one for the background color.


5) Apply a thin layer of glue to your backing paper.

6) Start adhering torn papers to your monogram, keeping in mind your letter should be a different color scheme from the background. Continue until your entire backing paper is covered.

7) Set aside to dry.

8) When dry, find a fun place to hang... maybe above your bed or on your bedroom door. :) You might even want to frame for a professional look!