Art Attack - Pull String Art

We're switching up the focus of this blog, and moving away from Boredom Busters and into Art Attack projects. Some of these projects we will have done before at the library, some are new to us. We will feature two or three art projects per week for you to try at home. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's project is Pull String Art!

This is a really great project to do with minimal materials. All you need is: 

- Paper
- String/yarn
- Paint (liquid watercolours work great too!)

First you want to cut some long sections of string/yarn. You want them long enough that you can create some curls/swirls on the paper, and have enough hanging off the paper to pull through. 

Next, choose your colours. If you have black paper/cardstock, try using some bright colours that will really pop! Coat your string in paint (except for the part at the end you'll be holding on to), then remove the excess paint by pinching the string between your fingers and sliding them down to the end. This can be a very messy project!

Once you have the excess paint off, lay your string out on the paper in whichever design you like. Check out this rainbow pull string art, or this one done with liquid watercolours! You can fold your paper in half to have your design on both sides, or grab a second piece of paper to press down over top of it - then you'll have two designs that are the mirror image of each other! 

Experiment with different colours and different designs, until you have your masterpiece (or many of them!). Grab a canvas, paint a background, and experiment with some different techniques. The only limit is your imagination!

Hopefully this project helps break up the day, and gets your family engaged in Pull String Art!

If your kids love these art projects, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Art Attack - Bubble Art

We're switching up the focus of this blog, and moving away from Boredom Busters and into Art Attack projects. Some of these projects we will have done before at the library, some are new to us. We will feature two or three art projects per week for you to try at home. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's project: Bubble Art!

This is a project we've done for Art Attack and in Story Time. While we normally use food colouring to add colour to our bubbles, we recently discovered that liquid watercolours work phenomenally well in making the colour really POP! off the canvas. 

What you'll need: 

- Bubbles (store-bought works fine, or you can try one of these homemade recipes)
- Bubble wands (you can make your own with a pipe cleaner too!)
- Liquid watercolours (food colouring will work as well, you'll just need to use a lot of it)
- Paper/canvas

Whether you're using food colouring or liquid water colours, you'll want to separate cups or small containers to mix your different colours of bubbles. You can use a stirring stick to mix the bubbles (gently, if you agitate the bubbles too much they're difficult to blow) or just whichever bubble wand you want to use for each colour. A little bit of bubble mix goes a long way, you can always create more. But once you've mixed the colour in, you're pretty much stuck with it unless you want to mix some of them together to create a new colour. Be careful not to over-mix, or you'll end up with brown (unless that was your goal).

This is a perfect project to do outside when the weather in nice. If you don't have table space outdoors, just lay out a mat or a blanket (make sure it's one you don't mind getting messy). 

 

There are a couple different ways to create your bubble art. You can blow the bubbles directly onto the paper and allow them to POP!, creating random and unique patterns. This would be a great project for a banner, which could be placed on the ground or hung on a fence to catch the bubbles in the wind.

You can also try stamping with your bubble wand to create fun shapes! Just load up the wand with bubbles and then gently press them onto your paper/canvas.

 

Another great way to paint with bubbles is the splatter effect! Dip your bubble wand in the colour of your choice, then flick, shake, or whip the bubble wand at the paper/canvas to create a great splatter pattern! You'll definitely get messy for this one, so make sure you're wearing paint clothes and watch out for those around you.  

Hopefully this project helps break up the day, and gets your family engaged in Bubble Art!

If your kids love these art projects, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Boredom Busters: Summer Poetry

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Summer Poetry!

River of Words: http://madebyjoel.com/2011/07/poetry-river-craft.html

Get inspired to create your own poetry river craft with this example by Made By Joel. Have the kids set the scene with some found items and some crafted ones. Draw from your own outdoor experiences and tweak this poetry project however you like!

Craft Poetry Monster: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/2017/crafts-poetry-monster/

This is a super cute poetry project! Follow the instructions linked above to create your own Monster Poetry Box, and see what creativity it inspires! Let your imagination run loose, and see if you can create your own unique "Sylvan Lake Monster" craft box/poems.

Poem Petals: https://blog.readingeggs.com/2016/04/15/3-fun-craft-ideas-to-celebrate-poetry-with-your-kids/

This is a fun and easy project for kids of any age. Help your kids come up with words following a specific theme (like Summer or Sylvan Lake), or let them freestyle their own words for this fun petal poem. Make it even more unique by using found objects for the base of the craft!

Poetry Books for Kids: https://imaginationsoup.net/reading-poetry-with-kids-new-and-favorite-books/

Getting into poetry can be a hard sell for some kids. Check out some of these titles linked above, then check out some of the titles in our collection. Shel Silverstein is a tried and true classic, and Martin Rising: Requiem for a King is one of my personal favourite poetry collections.

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in creating summer poetry!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Bored Busters: Garden Meals

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Garden Meals!

Garden Chicken Wrap: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/chicken-wrap.html

We have carrots and spinach in our garden, so this one is perfect for us. Throw in some of your other favourite garden goodies, like peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers. Drizzle on some dressing and wrap it up tight! You can also mix it all together like a salad before tossing it into your wrap! Delicious!

Italian Roasted Snap Peas: https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/italian-roasted-snap-peas/

If your peas are doing well in your garden this year, check out this delicious summer recipe for roasted snap peas. Throw in some tomatoes from the garden, maybe even some peppers. Season and serve! If you like those, check out these Crunchy Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas or these delicious Roasted Carrots!

Tomato and Cheese Tart: https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/vegetables/heirloom-tomato-and-goat-cheese-tart/

I love tomatoes. I love cheese. I love tarts. Perfection! This recipe has some great seasoning, but feel free to experiment with some of your other favourite spices. If you don't have goat cheese, cream cheese will work great!

Lemon Pesto Garden Salad: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/crunchy-lemon-pesto-garden-salad/

This is a great recipe to throw in whatever you have in your garden; lettuce, peas, cucumbers, onions, squash, peppers, tomatoes ... throw the whole garden in there! Pesto is such a wonderful addition to literally everything, so if you've been growing an herb garden, add in some of that deliciousness! Lemon gives this salad that extra zing it needs to be truly fantastic!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in making some delicious garden meals!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Boredom Busters: Rainbow Reads

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Rainbow Reads!

In celebration of the recent proclamation of Pride Week in Sylvan Lake, today's Boredom Busters are all about celebrating the rainbow!

Reading helps develop empathy and understanding. It broadens our scope of the world, and helps us see perspectives other than our own, and celebrate all kinds of voices, families, and people. Check out some of these books in our collection, as well as those available digitally through cloudLibrary.

Pride: the Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, by Rob Sanders

Celebrating Difference, by Shaun Dellenty

Rainbow: a First Book of Pride, by Michael Genhart

A Family is a Family is a Family, by Sara O'Leary

Sparkle Boy, by Lesléa Newman

Jamie is Jamie: a Book About Being Yourself and Playing Your Way, by Afsaneh Moradian

Birdie and Me, by J.M.M. Nuanez

Celebrate the Rainbow with Crafts: crafts are a great way to engage children and discussion and have fun with expression and creativity. Check out some of these fantastic, rainbow-themed crafts that you can do at home, and afterwards you can pair them up with a storytime from one of the books listed above.

Balloon Rainbow Wreath: https://hoosierhomemade.com/birthday-wreath/

Rainbow Shaving Cream Marbled Art: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/rainbow-shaving-cream-marbled-art/

Dancing Rainbow Ribbon Rings: https://buggyandbuddy.com/make-dancing-ribbon-rings/

Handprint Rainbow Painting: https://kidscraftroom.com/handprint-rainbow-painting/

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in celebrating rainbow reads!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Boredom Busters: Beat the Heat

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Beat the Heat!

Water Balloon Baseball: http://www.4theloveoffamily.com/family-fun-backyard-water-balloon-baseball/

This game is exactly what is sounds like. Break out the baseball bats and water balloons to beat the heat this week! Throw down some hula hoops for bases, and make sure you make enough water balloons (so many more than you think you'll need) to try and tag the runner out with water balloons as they run the bases! That'll cool you down!

DIY Dunk Tank: https://www.instructables.com/id/Backyard-Dunk-Tank/

Nothing beats the heat like a bucket of water dropping on your head. Check out these instructions for how to create your own Dunk Tank at home. This is a project for the whole family, so stretch out those muscles and grab the safety goggles. Could this be the summer that brings back the Ice Bucket Challenge?

Mini Water Blobs: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/HOW-TO-MAKE-MINI-WATER-BLOBS/

We've seen the giant water blobs before, but check out these adorable mini versions! A great way to beat the heat, and a cool sensory feeling as well! The benefits to making mini blobs:

- faster and easier to iron smaller blobs than one big one

- they fill up much quicker

- each kid gets their own - perfect for social distancing!

Water Painting: https://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/simple-paint-outdoors-activity/

All you need for this project is paint brushes, water, and a blank canvas. We suggest putting down a mat or towel to sit on, that pavement gets pretty hot! Dip your brush(es) in the water, and paint your masterpiece. When it dries, start all over! Take lots of pictures to preserve a memento of the artwork!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in making things better with ice cream!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. With the library re-opened, you can also access any of our physical materials. Request your items through the library's catalogue!
 
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Boredom Busters: Better With Ice Cream

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.'

Today's theme is Better With Ice Cream!

Ice Cream Cookie Dessert: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ice-cream-cookie-dessert/

Even a rainy day can be made better with ice cream, especially when that ice cream has hot fudge topping!

All you need to make this dessert are oreo cookies, butter, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge ice cream topping, and frozen whipped topping. Make it according to the recipe, or throw in some of your other favourite ingredients!

10-Minute Ice Cream Pie: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/10-minute-ice-cream-pie/

This is a great project to do with the kids! They can make the crust themselves, or by a pre-made crust from the store. Choose their favourite ice cream and some extra toppings, then spread the softened ice cream into the pie plate and sprinkle the toppings on. Add a little whipped cream if you desire, and freeze it again to thicken everything up before serving.

Make it a little healthier by adding some fruits like strawberries and bananas to the mix, maybe some chopped nuts. The only limit is your imagination!

Bacon Ice Cream Sundae: https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/you-gotta-eat-here/recipe/bacon-ice-cream-sundae/13328/

Did someone say bacon? On ice cream? This recipe is a little more involved, but looks absolutely delicious! Caramel sauce, bacon brittle, and of course, ice cream. Put the whole family to work making this piece of culinary art!

Ice Cream Floats: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/ice-cream-float-recipes/

As a kid, this was my favourite way to "eat" ice cream. We make a cold butterbeer with vanilla cream soda, butterscotch ice cream, a little whipped cream, and all the caramel sauce you want! Check out some of these other ice cream floats to make at home, like the pink lemonade floats, or a caramel apple float!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in making things better with ice cream!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. With the library re-opened, you can also access any of our physical materials. Request your items through the library's catalogue!
 
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Boredom Busters: Book Crafts

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Book Crafts!

Accordion Books: https://octoberafternoon.typepad.com/october_afternoon/2013/03/accordion-book-tutorial.html

This is a fun and versatile project that the whole family can do. You can create your own mini book, photo album, scrapbook, or your own collection in a box (a mix of scrapbooking and "found object art".

Follow the template in the link above to fold and cut your paper, then you decide what you want to fill your mini book with. You can make your own mini collection! When you're finished, tape the edges to make it more sturdy and bring your card-making skills to create an awesome cover! Then tie it all together with a ribbon!

DIY Pop-Up Book: https://babbledabbledo.com/3d-pop-up-book/

How cool would it be to make your own pop-up book? I know I love bringing them out for story time, and our story time kids love reading them! Check out the tutorial linked above for how to create these fun books, then add your own own favourite things to them. Draw pictures of monsters, or your favourite animals. Make it a superhero design and throw in some comic book phrases! Pow! The only limit is your imagination!

Art Explosion Book: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/diy-art-explosion-book/

What a fun way to showcase your child's drawings or art projects! All you need is paper, glue, and markers, but you can add any extra embellishments you like. I love the shark idea! Just like the accordion books, you can decorate the outside of these with some fun scrapbooking paper or cardstock, tissue paper, stickers, or all sorts of fun stuff!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in making book crafts!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. With the library re-opened, you can also access any of our physical materials. Request your items through the library's catalogue!
 
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Boredom Busters: Bee-autiful!

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Bee-autiful!

Bee Corner Bookmark: https://www.redtedart.com/bee-corner-bookmark/

Corner bookmarks are a fun and easy origami project, and these bee bookmarks are just adorable! Grab some yellow, black, and white paper, a little bit of glue, and some markers to create a happy bee face!

Bee Puppets: https://iheartcraftythings.com/diy-bee-puppets.html

We're making these bee puppets for story time this week! You can pick up a craft bundle at the library, or use your own materials at home. You'll  need: Paper (yellow and black), a craft straw or other "stick", googly eyes, white tulle, glue, and some markers. You can use black paper for the bee's antennae, or pipe cleaners. When it's all finished, create your own buzzing puppet show!

Bee Crown: http://simpleathome.com/busy-bee-headband-kids-spring-cleaning

Kids can be the Queen (or King) of their own colony of bees with this cute bee crown! Follow the instructions in the link, or add any fun extras you can think of to make you very own unique crown!

Pistachio Shells Bee Craft: https://crafts4toddlers.com/pistachio-shells-bee-craft/

This craft is so tiny but so adorable! Hold on to those pistachio shells to create these itty bitty bees! I love the idea of glueing these on to canvas! Be careful about nut allergies before doing this craft!

Read All About It: these are some of the "bee" books we're reading this week!

Please Please the Bees, by Gerald Kelley

Beehive, by Jorey Hurley

Beware, by Bob Raczka

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in the bee-autiful world of bees!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. With the library re-opened, you can also access any of our physical materials. Request your items through the library's catalogue!
 
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Boredom Busters: Make Your Own Kind of Music

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Make Your Own Kind of Music!

Balloon Drums: https://www.makeandtakes.com/earth-day-craft-challenge

This is one of my favorite projects for recycled tin cans. Cut up a few balloons, and grab some different sizes of cans from the recycling. A little ribbon and and some paint adds some decoration that really makes these drums pop! Once you have your drum set, start thumping out some awesome beats!

Bell Shakers: https://www.hellobee.com/2013/07/29/diy-wood-instruments/

These were one of the first instruments I made when I started working with children. They're easy to hold, the kids can decorate the sticks however they like, and they make great sound when they shake them around. Add some ribbons to multi-purpose them into shakers and ribbon sticks!

Check out some of the other great wood instruments you can make, like the mini mandolin!

Popsicle Stick Harmonica: http://www.housingaforest.com/popsicle-stick-harmonica/

Harmonicas and recorders are some of the first instruments we learn to play as kids. Check out this DIY harmonica; all you need is jumbo popsicle sticks, rubber bands, a piece of paper, and some toothpicks! Then start humming your tune!

DIY French Horn: https://blog.pomelody.com/french-horn-diy/

The world needs more DIY French Horns. Check out this fun and funky DIY instrument, and then get ready to blow your horn! You will need a piece of garden hose, a funnel, the pipe from a birthday party noisemaker, electric tape/washi tape, and scissors. Put it all together, and get ready to make some need!

Tambourine Stick: http://ohrubbishblog.com/2015/03/tambourine-stick-upcycled-musical-instruments-homemade-recycled-instruments/

This is such a cool instrument to make, and you a great way to celebrate nature! Head out on a scavenger hunt to find the perfect stick, then build this funky musical instrument!

Mini Lid Banjos: https://www.thecrafttrain.com/mini-lid-banjos/

If you, like me, have been listening to Steve Martin play the banjo during this time of COVID-19, then this is the instrument for you! You'll need jumbo craft sticks, loom bands, washi and/or duct tape, sequins and craft glue. Follow the instructions to make your adorable, mini banjos, then carefully strum out a fun tune!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in making your own kind of music!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. With the library re-opened, you can also access any of our physical materials. Request your items through the library's catalogue!
 
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Boredom Busters: The Science of Glitter

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is The Science of Glitter!

Glitter Fireworks: https://lifeovercs.com/glitter-fireworks-surprise-kitchen-science/

We know that glitter is a touchy subject in the craft world, but in the realm of science, there is much fun to be had! Put a sparkly twist on baking soda and vinegar with these Glitter Fireworks!

All you need is food colouring, glitter (preferably gold/silver, but use what you have), baking soda, vinegar, a deep container, and a turkey baster or syringe to release the vinegar. Sit back, and enjoy creating your own fireworks at home!

Rainbow Glitter Tornado: https://www.instructables.com/id/SCIENCE-EXPERIMENTS-WITH-CANDY-GLITTER/

Watch all the science experiments in the video linked above, or skip ahead to the 2 minute mark. All you need to try this science experiment at home is a glass, water, a spoon, food colouring, and glitter. Create your own rainbow glitter tornado in the awesome and colourful science experiment!

Magic Glitter: https://abcsofliteracy.com/magic-glitter-science-experiment/

All you need for this activity is a paper plate, water, dish soap, glitter (different colours if you have them), confetti, and a cotton swab.

This is such a fun way to learn about the science of surface tension. The kids will have lots of fun making the glitter and confetti "run away" like magic. Try adding some different variables and see what happens!

Read All About It: Check out some of these fantastic books you can get from the library about glitter!

Glitter, by Stella J. Jones

Just Add Glitter, by Angela DiTerlizzi

101 Things to do With Glitter, by Momtaz Begum-Hossain

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in having fun with the science of glitter!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help.  
 
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All About Castles

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is All About Castles!

Lego Castles: https://www.instructables.com/id/Custom-Lego-Castle/

You can build just about anything with Lego. Break out the tiny bricks, or build a massive castle out of Mega Blocks or Duplo! Check out the castle above, or use your imagination to create your own! Try following these tips from Lego Land Discovery Center!

Castle Crafts: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/castlesartscraftsideasprojectskids.html

Whether you're using a cardboard box, toilet paper tubes, or even mixing sand and glue together to create a permanent sandcastle - all you need to make a fantastic craft is your imagination and a will to have fun!

Try this variation on a permanent sandcastle, or make your own fantastic painted castle!

Food Castles: http://alipyper.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-gingerbread-castle-template.html

I love building structures with food. Whether we're building the Great Wall of China out of sugar cubes, or the Eiffel Tower out of Twizzlers - food building is the best. Once, for a GISHWHES (the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen) I had to build the Empire State Building out of sugar cubes, and then dissolve it in a time-lapsed video. I used glue ... it did not dissolve.

So, learn from my mistakes! Use icing instead of glue to keep your structures together, and you can still eat them when you're done!

Take a picture of your finished project, and share it with us on social media!

Read All About It: There are some fantastic books about sandcastles to read! Now that the library's open, check out these books from our physical collection!

Try Sandcastle, by Einat Tsarfati, or How to Code a Sandcastle, by Josh Funk. Your sandcastle will sail off in Sea of Dreams, by Dennis Nolan! So many books, so little time.

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in having fun with castles!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help.  
 
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