Need a unique gift? Have a few dollars, a few minutes, and a tiny artist in residence? How about creating a useful, lasting piece of art? Jude made this cereal bowl for his Daddy's birthday. Isn't it cool? It was so easy and this photo was taken after many trips through the dishwasher, which means your little one's creation can actually be used!
Here's what you'll need to make your own:
- A piece of white porcelain: a mug, plate, bowl etc.
- This pen
1. Set up your little artist, explain the project and let them go to town. (Be sure they are only drawing on the side that won't touch food, I just set the bowl upside down.)
2. Stop them before they get too wild. (Have more art supplies ready for a quick, tear-free swap.)
3. Let ink dry for 24 hours and then bake your piece at 300 degrees F for 35 minutes.
4. Gift and enjoy!
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of turning toddler art into gifts: t-shirts, birdhouses, bookmarks. I love that they enjoy making it. I get a big kick out of how interesting and beautiful the artwork of very young children can be. And of course, the gifts are given to those that know and love the artist, making them very special indeed. But the thing I love most about this type of gift is the pride children feel in seeing something they created being used. Even if you are hesitant to try a craft like this with your little one, I encourage you to give it a go, the results might just astound you.
Here's to giving (tiny)handmade!
