If you came over today and stepped into my creative space, you would discover a beautiful mess. My desk is overflowing with paper and glue, photos and fabric, list after list, and some glitter too! I've been working (and playing) feverishly on all of the handmade goodies I am giving this year for the holiday and I'm having so much fun with the process. As I create each gift, my mind goes to the person that I'm giving it to and my heart feels full. Giving handmade is good stuff and giving this way feels like a gift for me too!
Today, I'm sharing a fun little treat that I've made for my three year old niece and I can not wait to give it to her! It's called the "Remember Game" and it's just like the matching games I played when I was a kid. This time, however, she will be matching up photos of her family! As we play and she remembers where the matching card is, we'll also talk about and remember each person or event on the card. It was so much fun to make!
To make a game like this, you can either purchase a matching game from the store and alter the cards that it comes with or you can make the cards out of chipboard. Pick out photos and print them in pairs, crop them to size, and adhere to your cards. I found that a glue stick and brayer worked the best for attaching the photos. On the back of the card, trim a favorite patterned paper down to size and adhere to the card with the glue and brayer. It's best to use a paper with a consistent and repeating pattern so all of the backs look the same. Sand down all the edges and then cover both sides with a thin layer of mod podge, allowing one side to dry before turning over. DONE!
I'm still going to sew up a cute little bag for her to keep the cards in but if you are altering a pre-made matching game, you can alter the box it came in to store the pieces instead. Isn't it cute? I'm so excited to play with her!
Happy Monday!
That's such a great idea! I know she'll love it. I made a similar one when I was teaching of artists we were studying and their works. I even threw in a few student made projects. The "big kids" - 4th graders loved it (even though it wasn't as fancy as yours)!
Posted by: Shelley Ellis | December 11, 2009 at 01:07 PM