What is Art?

Most everyone enjoys using their creativity to make something. Doing an art project is fun for many reasons. 

1. The fun you have in learning a new project.
2. The fun of showing others your completed project.
3. The fun of choosing it yourself.
4. The fun of exploring and feeling new textures & art forms.

Almost anything can be an arts & crafts project for Mini 4-H. This manual will give you some ideas to try. The ideas here are just a starting point, you are not limited to these ideas but whatever you choose it must fit and be mounted on an 11 inch by 14 inch poster and covered in plastic for hanging at the fair.

When you are old enough for traditional 4-H (3rd grade), Arts & Crafts are divided into many categories. Be sure to read the requirements for each category that you are planning to enter to prepare your project exhibit correctly. 

Use Your Imagination!  Have Fun!  

Activity 1 - HANDY HINTS

As you work on your projects for Mini 4-H remember to follow these helpful hints. 

Materials needed for this activity:  None

What you will do:  Have an adult read and explain these hints to you.

Handy Hints

1. Get help when you need it. Everyone needs help sometimes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
2. Get all the supplies together before you start. There is nothing more frustrating than getting half finished with a project and not being able to finish because you don’t have all the supplies you need.
3. Keep your area neat and clean. Clean up spills quickly. This is not always easy, but makes clean-up go much quicker. It is also easier to work in a clean area.
4. Look over the finished project after it has dried to be sure it is neat, clean and your very best work. Take the time to do your very best work and add those finishing touches.
5. Ask the opinion of others so you may improve your work. Sometimes asking someone who has tried the same activity can help you avoid mistakes or solve problems.
6. Mini 4-H Arts & Crafts projects have size limits and must be mounted on an 11 inch by 14 inch poster for display. Keep this in mind when choosing your fair project. All 4-H projects have detailed instructions for what to exhibit. Read these rules before starting your fair exhibit to avoid errors.  

What did you learn?

What do you need to do before starting a project?

Who do you ask for help?

Why is it important to work in a clean space?

Activity 2 - GEOMETRIC DESIGNS

Materials needed for this activity: 6 inch by 9 inch OR 8 inch by 10 inch white or colored paper, black crayon or marker, watercolor paints and a brush, and paper towels

What you will do:

1. Select a simple geometric shape, such as a square, circle or triangle. Using a black crayon or marker, draw that shape on the paper. Repeat it all over the paper in different sizes. Press heavy so lines are thick and dark.
2. Using watercolors, paint the shapes. Try to use many colors.
3. When completed. Let your picture dry thoroughly. Mount on construction paper in a color that compliments your painting.

Variation

1. Cut different shapes from colored paper and glue onto the white paper in a pattern.
2. You may take different shapes that make a picture.

           

What did you learn?

What shape did you choose?

Why? 

What colors did you use in your picture?

 Activity 3 – PERLER BEADS

Materials needed for this activity: Perler beads, iron or heat press, and parchment paper

What you will do:

1. Pick a design you want to make.
2. Decide which pegboard you need to use.
3. Place your desired color Perler beads on pegboard.
4. If you want your design to hang, make sure to leave out 1 Perler bead where you want your string to go through,
5. Place parchment paper on top of design. Careful as they can be staticy.
6. Using an iron on medium, no steam melt your Perler beads until they connect. Careful pressing too hard as you can melt your pegboard.
7. Let cool and enjoy. If you left a hole for string put that on now. 

What did you learn?

How long did it take you to finish your design? 

What did you make?

How did you use your craft?

Activity 4 - MOD PODGE

Mod Podge is a water-based sealer, glue and finish for all surfaces. It comes in two finishes (matte and glossy) and is available in most craft stores. It is simple to use.

Materials needed for this activity: Mod Podge, newspapers, wooden plaque – 5 inches by 7 inches or smaller, small brush (sponge), picture of your choice (old greeting cards work well), and paint or stain (optional)

What you will do:

1. Cover your work area with old newspapers.
2. If you are planning to paint or stain your plaque, do this first and let it dry.
3. Cut your picture to the proper size.
4. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge with a brush to the entire surface of your plaque. Let it dry about 15 minutes.
5. Add another thin coat of Mod Podge to your plaque and place the picture on the plaque.
6. Smooth out air bubbles with your fingers. Work from the middle of the picture to the outside.
7. Add a thin coat of Mod Podge over the plaque and the picture. You may add additional coats until you get the look you want. Always let the plaque dry at least 15 minutes between coats.
8. You may cover the back of the plaque with Mod Podge if you want, after the front is completely dry. It will stick to the newspaper if you do it all at once.
9. Be sure to wash out the brush when you are finished.

Hint: Your plaque will look white at first but will be clear when it is dry.

What did you learn?

What kind of picture did you choose?

How did your picture look when you were finished?

How long did it take you to finish your picture?

Activity 5 - COLLAGE

A collage is a form of art where different materials, such as paper, cloth, flowers etc. are pasted together on a surface to make a pleasing display.

Materials needed for this activity: White paper (no larger than 11 inches by 14 inches) (if using heavy items, use cardboard), scissors, colored tissue paper or construction paper, glue, and extras (flowers, beads, seeds, yarn, ribbon; use your imagination)

What you will do:

1. Choose a simple picture. Draw or trace it onto the white paper. Coloring books are a good place to find simple pictures. You may decide to just use a random pattern without a picture.
2. Glue tiny pieces on the paper onto your design to make a picture.
3. You may add extras to make the picture special. Be sure to use a cardboard backing if you are adding heavy items.
4. Let your picture dry before moving it.

What did you learn?

What is your picture?

What did you use to make your collage?

How long did it take to make your picture?

Did you enjoy making a collage?

Activity 6 - OTHER IDEAS

Have you ever made jewelry, a special knick-knack or a picture frame? Do you like to draw or paint? These are all things that are arts & crafts. There are many other things you can make in creating arts & crafts. For more ideas, ask a friend, visit the library, check on the internet or use your imagination. More ideas can be drawing, painting, watercolors, etc. Try different materials or techniques!

What to Exhibit

Arts & Crafts

Make an Arts & Crafts poster. Your poster must be exactly 11 inches by 14 inches, displayed horizontally (wider than it is tall) and attached to a stiff backing. You may use foam board. Foam board is already stiff and does not require additional backing. Your poster must be covered with clear plastic. This can be a poster sleeve.  

NOTE:  No oversized posters will be accepted for exhibition.  No un-mounted items will be accepted for exhibition.

You may exhibit one Arts & Crafts project of your choice. Projects may be three dimensional but must be firmly attached to the poster and covered with plastic so they can be hung on the wall for exhibition. If you’re concerned about it getting damaged opt for photos of your craft.

 NOTE:  If you are unable to pick your project up on Project Release Day, please make arrangements to have it picked up. All projects must be removed from the exhibit building on that day and there is no available storage space for unclaimed projects.

 All posters must include:

•  Record Sheet (attached to the back of the poster)
•  Exhibit Tag (attached in the lower right front corner)

Exhibit tag

5.5" x 2.75"

Record Sheet 

Name:                                                                                                      Grade:

What did you bring to exhibit at the Fair?

How much time did you spend on this project?

Who helped you with your project?

Where will you use your project?