Art project ideas for family get together?

Question

I am in charge of keeping the kids occupied this year at thanksgiving. I was thinking of showimg them how to marbilize paper with shaving cream and paint. Last year I showed them how to make paper and they loved it! I need a cool idea that will keep them interested..not a cut and paste project. The ages range from 5-13, and my cousin and I who are 18. Any quick ideas, please?

Answer 1

http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=Ale6kKVyZCSHhZhs7CY.XqLxxQt.;_ylv=3?p=kids+crafts

Answer 2

Do you have any of the paper you made last year, if not, can you make some up for the day? Make your marbled paper and use it to make a frame on the handmade paper. Take some photos of the family day and present as a gift to each family member, a framed photo of the day with the handmade paper and marbled paper.
Alternatively, use some inexpensive 100%cotton fabric and using fabric dyes, marble the fabric squares, dry quickly and mount the fabric on cardboard squares or whatever shape you desire, handsew some of the fabric into narrow tubes to frame the cardboard shapes, fill with wadding, and sew or glue to the edges of the cardboard shapes with the sewn seam glued or sewn down so it is not visible. Again, take photos of the day and present as a gift to each family guest, or alternatively, each child can present them to their parents or whomever they choose or keep it themselves.
Alternatively again, use the fabric and paints and let the children paint the fabric themselves, sew the edges under, teach them some simple embroidery stitches, draw a design on their fabric and let them follow the lines to embroider their design. Mount the finished item on cardboard and using some coloured cord, frame the picture, using the same cord to make a hanger. Add some tassels or beading to pretty it up and voila, the children have made a picture for their room.
If this seems a bit too much for the younger ones, try foam sheets cut into shapes they desire and using embroidery floss, sew the pieces together to make a frame and place photo in it. You can punch holes along the edges so the young ones only need to go in and out of the holes, keeping the stitches neat.
Of course on all these little projects, sequins, beads, etc can be glued or sewn on to embellish the projects. If time constraints, add the embellishments later once photos are developed and give to each child or family member as desired. Also, to dry paper or fabric quickly, use the low setting on a hair blowdryer. Of course, if giving as a gift from the children, don't forget to put their names on the gift, and while marbling, paper, make some cute little gift tags on the paper using stamps or stickers.
I appreciate the time you take to spend with the young ones and I hope the day goes well whatever you decide to do.

Answer 3

You could have each person decorate a 12 1/2 inch by 12 1/2 inch piece of broadcloth fabric with water proof paints, inks, and attach embellishments if you'd like. Then you make all of the squares into a nice throw blanket/quilt and give it to a special family member for Christmas or some other holiday.