The ideas outlined here are appropriate for kid's craft projects, as well as for mixed-media artists working in their creative spaces. Let's explore the art of autumn!
Autumn is an nspiring season that suggests lots of creative arts and crafts projects for kids and adults. Here are some ideas for altered art projects:
Altered art project idea #1
Alter the cover of a notebook, composition book or journal. For this project, you'll need:
- gel medium
- acrylic glaze
- leaves that have been pressed (in a flower press or between the pages of a heavy book)
- fall-themed scrapbook embellishments
- fall-themed images and fall colored cardstock
Cover over the entire surface of the book cover with leaves using the gel medium. Cut the cardstock so, when positioned in the center of the front cover, there's a three-inch border all the way around. Embellish the cardstock using the fall-themed images, and fall-themed scrapbook embellishments. Seal over the entire project with acrylic glaze (glossy decoupage medium also works very well). Allow the book to dry completely before storing on a shelf or putting the book to use.
Altered art project idea #2
Create fall themed greeting cards. The first stage of this project involves heading outdoors with a camera and photographing the leaves, trees, bark and other natural elements tickled by this season. The next stage involves gathering pieces of cardstock (white, and fall colors), fall themed embellishments (brads, stickers, clip art, and so on) and glue sticks. Cut the pictures so they fit on the cardstock either with or without a cardstock matte. Embellish each card as desired.
Altered art project #3
Create fall themed altered bookmarks. This is a great project for kids; however, supervision is necessary when using the paper cutter. Have each child layer leaves and fall-themed clip art all over pieces of construction paper. Seal each piece of construction paper completely with gloss decoupage medium. Allow collages to dry completely before cutting! Using a paper cutter, cut the collaged pieces of construction paper into bookmark sized strips. Punch a hole into the top of each bookmark and add a piece of fun fiber. Also consider altering those freebie bookmarks found in stores!
Take these ideas and run with them.
- Add other mixed media elements such as gold paint, gold cording, and pieces of pinecones, acorn caps and pieces of cornstalks.
- Consider adding only photography, rather than incorporating fall-themed clip art.
- Consider using cornstalks, rather than fun fibers on the bookmarks.
- Rather than creating bookmarks (or in addition to), create fall-themed artist cards.
- Rather than altering a book cover (or in addition to), create a fall themed handmade book.
The ideas are endless! Don't be afraid to experiment because, whatever isn't liked can be altered again with another element!
