Imagination on the Go Greeting Cards from Scraps

Descriptor & Goals
Create greeting cards using computer drawings and colorful patterns.

Grades: 1-6
Elements: Line and color
Principles: Variety
Child Outcomes: Expressing self
Life Skill: communicating
National Art Standard: Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas

Activity Time: 30 minutes to an hour

  Preparation:

Time: 10 min.

Materials:

•  Scraps of colored papers, stickers, ribbon, and other interesting scraps

• Computer, printer

• Markers or crayons or colored pencils

• Glitter, potpourri, confetti

• Card stock paper

• Scissors, including pinking shears and other edgers

• Paper punch

• Glue

• Envelopes

Setup:

• Read through the activity.

• Set out the supplies.

Background Wonderful greeting cards can be made from scraps and print-outs that would otherwise be tossed. The cards made from these scraps are one of a kind 3-D cards for very special people and very special occasions. In this activity children use their computer skills and hands-on art skills.    Ready, Sketch, Paint Print out several computer drawings, colored images and designs. Look for printouts you’ve discarded. Draw new ones. Find some interesting ones on the internet. Fold the card stock paper into a card that will fit the envelope. It may be necessary to cut the card to the right size.

3. Cut interesting shapes out of the scraps and computer print-outs.

4. Arrange them in an interesting design for the front or inside of the card.

5. Glue them down or punch two holes through the design and the card, and tie with ribbon. Curl, bend, or twist the edges to give it a 3D look.

6. Add decorative detail with drawing tools, glitter, etc.

7. Print out a message or write one free hand on the side (front or inside) that you did not decorate.

8. Decorate the envelope. If planning to mail the card, decorate simply using drawing tools.

S9. hare or send with someone special for their birthday, un-birthday, or some other special occasion.

Reflect What scraps did you like using? Did you use any prints you would have tossed otherwise? Describe some of the lines and colors you used. How do you think your card will make someone feel? Why? Apply  Create colorful boxes by gluing scraps on the sides of boxes. Overlap the cut shapes and glue flat. To protect the finish, spray on an acrylic varnish.

Learning Indicators

The children:

• Created original designs using scraps.

• Used words and images together to express a greeting.

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