by bluephin

Created on: August 12, 2008

Doing crafts is a perfect exercise for ones creativity and imagination. It is also a good activity for bored kids to indulge in during school holidays or on rainy weekends when outdoor activities are taboo.

Try out these flower stamp ideas the next time the kids are around. Lets you have time for a little crafty bonding as well.

VEGETABLE FLOWER STAMPS

You'll need:

Raw Bok choy or petchay for rose stamps
Raw Carrots
Paper towels
Sharp pointed knife

How to make the vegetable flower stamps:

For the rose stamps:

1. From the base of the stem measure about one and a half to two inches and cut it off from there. You would know that you cut it off from the right spot if you can see the likeness of rose petals from a top view on the end where you made the cutting.
2. Put it on a paper towel, cut end down to absorb any amount of moisture.

For the carrots:

1. Cut it crosswise in 3 different positions to get circles of 3 different sizes.
2. With each piece, cut ridges on the sides of the carrot. The number of ridges that you make will dictate how many petals your carrot flower will have.
3. Put the cut out carrots on a paper towel, the end that you want to use as stamp should be face down to absorb the moisture.

CITRUS FLOWER STAMPS

You'll need:

Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange or mandarin
Sharp pointed knife
Paper towel

What you have to do:

1. Cut the fruit in half crosswise. That is, when you flip open the sliced fruit, you should see the surface like a sliced up pizza.
2. Dug out the pulp of the fruit leaving a clear partition of the segments.
3. Clean the cavity properly and dry it out using a paper towel.

SPONGE FLOWER STAMPS

You can make use of old or slightly cleaning sponges and scrubs that you can find at home. Just make sure to clean it well before letting the kids handle it.

You'll need:

As much sponge as you can find
Scissors
Rag or paper towel
Pencil

What you have to do:

1. Clean off the sponges (especially if they are used) with water and perhaps a bit of soap.
2. Wrap the sponges in paper towel or rag to soak out the water and dry it completely. Alternatively, you can also let it dry under the heat of the sun.
3. Once dry, draw the shape of the flower of your choice on the sponge.
4. All drawn, cut the sponge along the drawings using scissors.
5. Now your sponge flower stamps are all complete.

Now that your stamps are ready all you need to do is prepare the papers and paints. Gather the children and make sure that they are dressed in clothes that are alright to get paint on or you can ask them to put on a smock. Surely the kids will enjoy stamping their hearts away with your home-made flower stamps. Happy stamping!

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