If your kiddo needs a confidence boost or a moment to feel empowered, I’m telling you this activity is it. THIS IS THE ONE.
(Don’t let the flames intimidate you either, mama!)
WHAT YOU NEED:
birthday candles
a larger candle
lighter or matches
mini canvases
bowl of water
HOW TO MAKE:
*** This activity requires vigilant adult supervision!
Make sure long hair is tied back and there is a bowl of water is nearby – just in case!
Talk about the heat of the flame and how you can stay safe around it. We also discussed the importance of listening ears and how the activity would end abruptly if our ears were acting up
Arrange a canvas on a tray or other working surface.
Light a regular household candle. This candle will be used to light the birthday candles.
Teach your kiddo how to light an individual birthday candle safely by holding the candle at its base and holding it horizontally in the big candle’s flame.
Once lit, have them continue to hold it horizontally – but over their canvas. When the hot wax drips, it will fall onto their canvas. They can move the candle slowly above their canvas to alter the placement of each drip.
To change colours, have your kiddo blow out their candle, set it on their tray, then repeat steps 5-6 with a new colour.
Repeat, as desired, until your kiddo says their artwork is complete!
ACTIVITY EXTENSION:
Bigger kiddos can make a list of safety rules that people can use when working with flames. Little kiddos can draw pictures to show how to stay safe around a flame.
CONNECTION STARTERS:
What are some safety rules we should follow during today’s activity?
What is your favourite candle scent?
What occasions are celebrated with candles?
How did you know when your artwork was finished?
THINGS TO CELEBRATE & ENCOURAGE:
Following safety rules
Encouraging others to follow safety rules
Making a “big kid” piece of artwork!
After this crafternoon, my girls declared it was “THE BEST CRAFT EVER!!!!!!” and they also told me they loved me a billion times. Turns out this activity was a winner for their egos and my own
Happy connecting (and confidence boosting)!!!
XOXO,
Lindsay