In creating children’s art projects for my Creative Art for Children class, my main focus is on using found objects (preferably natural or recycled and easily found around the house). Although in the class, kids are presented with different materials each week and are then allowed to use them to their creativity’s delight (with no artistic limitations), I also came up with some easy art projects for kids that follow the same concept. Starting this week, I’ll be posting some of those projects for your use and fun. Enjoy!

This week’s art activity – creating colorful birds – is a recycled art project.

A "Green" Bird

Materials: a single newspaper page (or used gift wrapping paper), 30 yards of recycled ribbons (or yarn), a dozen leaves (or newspaper), 2 thin branches (from either a plant or tree), 1 unopened flower bud, scissors, toilet paper roll, glue (optional)

I used camellia leaves (due to their availability during the winter) but you can pick any leaves as long as you keep the stem. As for the ribbons, you can choose 1 single ribbon/yarn type or mix and match any widths or yarn mixtures you like (this is a perfect project for any left over ribbons, yarn pieces, or great after a birthday party!).

You’ll start by tying all the ribbons together to create a long string. Mix and match the ribbon/yarn colors. Try to keep the most interesting ribbon for last, as that will be the one that will show the most.

After you have created your long ribbon string, wrap it around a toilet roll. Start rolling it from your most favorite ribbon. It’s a great way to keep it from tangling up!

Open up the piece of newspaper. You are going to twist the paper (like a necktie) around the top 1/3 of the paper. Once you twisted it, it should look like a bow tie.

Starting from the smallest third, crunch the newspaper towards the twist. Once you have crunched the top 1/3 of the newspaper into a ball (don’t worry about it being perfect), do the same thing to the other 2/3 of the paper. This is the body for your bird.

Grab your ribbon string and tie it around the “neck” (where you twisted the newspaper).

Start rolling the ribbon around the biggest newspaper ball. This is where you can start shaping the newspaper, since it is crunchy and will give way.

Once you have covered all of the biggest part of your bird, start wrapping your ribbon around the small ball section (this is the bird’s head).

Tuck the very end of the ribbon onto another ribbon strand (with all the criss crossing, it should hide quite well). Also tuck in any other pieces of ribbon that may be sticking out. Now you have your bird’s body!

Collect your leaves. You’ll be using approximately 3 per side (but you may add more if you wish). You don’t need the whole leaf (but you do need the stems) so fold – or cut  – the leave slightly above the spine stem. Notice on the photo how I’ve cut 3 leaves with the stem facing left and 3 leaves with the stem facing right.

(If you don’t have access to fresh leaves, use your extra newspaper to cut out some oval shaped leaves. Once you cut them, glue them on top of the ribbons to create the bird’s feathers.)

Once your leaves are cut (and the more irregular the tear the better!), tuck them into the bird’s body. The criscross of the ribbons should give you plenty of hold. Start by placing a leaf towards the bottom back of the right side of the bird. Above it and slighlty closer to the bird’s head place the next leaf. Continue doing this in a step ladder method. Repeat on other side of bird.

You may glue the leaves together or leave them as is. Also you can decorate the back of the leaves by cutting them at a 45 degree angle and then cutting straight lines to create individual feathers.

Now it’s time for the beak. Insert the unopened bloom into the front center of the face area. It should be tucked nicely into the ribbons and the newspaper inside.

Finish the bird off by placing the two little twigs on the bottom part of the bird, creating it’s legs.

To show off your bird creation, loop a small piece of string through the center top of it’s back, and tie that to a windowsill or ceiling hook. Then simply watch your bird fly!

A "Green" Bird

I hope you have enjoyed this fun and simple art activity, using everyday objects that can be found in your home or backyard!