Avery is getting very interested in copying what we say. She isn't really saying too many words yet but makes sounds as she points to things and tries her best to copy what we are saying. So Sam and I have gotten out a lot of our big, simple picture books. We sit with her, point to things, tell her what it is and then watch/listen as she points and tries to say it too.
The favorite right now is First Picture Nature a board book by Felicity Brooks.
One page that Sam really likes is the ocean page. Me and oceans do not really get along so her fondness of them is a little odd for me. Trying to sound excited about pointing out the shark and other ocean life is difficult for me.
Anyway, since Sam has been very into the ocean scene I thought maybe her and I could do a project to create our own oceans.
We started with paint. Using sponges for stamps we made fish. But I was really impressed with how she picked out certain features from the picture and focused on those.
Here is the jellyfish from the book.
And here is Sam's jellyfish.
The shark in the book.
Sam picked out the sponge that had the most "pointy things" to be the shark in her picture.
She also added green plants, fish and "pink stuff" like the coral in the picture.
After all the paint had dried we glued sand to the bottom of the picture and then hot glued some shells on there as well.
Unlike most times that Sam get creative, I took the time to get creative right along side her.
We both had a great time creating these pictures!
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The Nitty Gritty!
This was a neat way to use some shells and sand that we have collected from beaches in past trips. Using part of Sam's collection for an art project is a great way to have a reason to get it out, look at it and remember past trips. She had fun talking with me about finding the shells on the beach.
I can see using other collections to make "scenes" like this one. Leaves, pine cones and other seeds could be used to make a forest scene.
Love connecting our books with art projects!
Wow, way to go Sam! And I love Usborne books!
Posted by: Mama Pea Pod | 05/27/2011 at 01:15 PM
what great art :) love the book and the pictures :)
we reuse inside of boxes all the time they are great canvas's
Posted by: welcome to our wonderland | 05/27/2011 at 03:41 PM
Lovely! I look forward to creating alongside my little guy one day... and I love how you drew inspiration from a favourite book!
Posted by: Andrea Brand | 05/27/2011 at 09:28 PM
Love the idea of gluing sand to the bottom. Cute!
Posted by: Janet | 05/30/2011 at 05:49 PM