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Fun & Fast Family Portraits
by Deborah Shelton
Making self-portraits and pictures of family, friends, and even pets, is
a great way to connect with children (and it's a lot of fun!). There are
so many imaginative ways to create a person's image. Try these
techniques, then invent some of your own.
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Traditional. Drawing
the way most of us are used to: withpencils, crayons, markers, paint
and paper. Just because his uses traditional supplies doesn't mean
that your picture has to be traditional. Try out Picasso's abstract
style or even a minimalist portrait (think stick people with a
little more detail).
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Crafty. This is where
all of those scrap pieces of fabric and miscellaneous office
supplies come in handy. Buttons, flat marbles, googly eyes, and
coiled paperclips work well for eyes. Shredded paper strips, yarn,
and shoelaces can be used as hair. Small rubber bands are cute for
curly hair.
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Food. Ah, the wonders
of elbow macaroni...it's delicious and artistic! Create a dry pasta
portrait, or an edible picture with slices of cucumbers or olives
for eyes, small carrots for noses, a slice of bell pepper for a
mouth, whipped cream hair--anything goes!
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Hands-On. In other
words, finger painting! The secret tohaving fun with this hands-on
technique is to use only your hands and fingers--no brushes. Double
fingerprints, one inside the other, work great for eyes. Apply dark
lipstick on your lips and kiss the paper to add a mouth!
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Artistic. Object
painting can become very addictive once you get started, so go
through your garage sale box to find plenty of "canvases." Paint
portraits on clear dinner plates, keepsake boxes, T-shirts, tote
bags, and any other object that lacks pizzazz.
About the author: Deborah
Shelton is a mother, a freelance writer, and author of the brand new
book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for You and Your
Little Ones." Visit Deborah's website for more fun ideas and book
ordering information:
http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
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