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Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that Minnesota Wild Rice has been a staple food for Minnesota’s Native Americans for centuries? Minnesota wild rice also provides a unique habitat for Minnesota’s fish and waterfowl.
Wild rice is not an actual “rice grain” and is unrelated to other rice grains. It is an annual grass which grows naturally in many Northern Minnesota lakes. Its edible grains are long, slender and black, with an earthy, nutty flavor.
This recipe uses the delicious Minnesota wild rice in a soup that is perfect for a cold winter day!
MINNESOTA Wild Rice Soup
What You Will Need:
- 6 tablespoons Margarine or Butter
- 1 tablespoon minced Onion
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups cooked Wild Rice (follow cooking directions for rice) (NOTE: 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice is about 1-1/2 to 2 cups, cooked rice)
- 1/2 cup finely grated Carrot
- 1/3 cup minced Ham
- 3 tablespoons chopped slivered Almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Half and Half Cream
- 2 tablespoons dry Sherry, optional
- Snipped fresh Parsley or Chives
What You Do:
- In large saucepan, melt margarine and then saute onion until tender.
- Blend in flour and gradually add broth.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil and stir 1 minute, then stir in rice, carrots, ham, almonds and salt.
- Simmer soup for about 5 minutes.
- Blend in Half and Half and Sherry and heat to serving temperature.
- Garnish with snipped parsley or chives.
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
Minnesota State Information – Click this link to learn more about Minnesota attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
Minnesota Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that Michigan is the top producer of tart cherries in the United States? Michigan’s cherry orchards are located along Lake Michigan, where the lake tempers the weather and the soil and elevation are just right for ideal growing.
This recipe takes advantage of the delicious Michigan cherries – and it’s one your kids are going to love!
MICHIGAN Cherry Tartlets
What You Will Need:
- 1 can (8 ounces) Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
- 1/4 cup Cherry Preserves
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped Almonds, toasted (optional)
- 1 round (8 ounces) Brie Cheese, rind removed and cut into 24 chunks
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries
- Mini Muffin Tin
What You Do:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease or spray 24 mini muffin cups.
- Unroll dough and separate into 4 rectangles.
- Firmly press the dough together at the perforations to seal, then cut each dough rectangle into 6 squares.
- Gently press dough squares into mini muffin cups. The dough will not completely cover the inside of the cup. Make sure not to press too much on the dough.
- Spoon 1/2 teaspoon cherry preserves into each cup.
- Top the preserves with a rounded 1/2 teaspoon of nuts and a cheese chunk.
- Bake 16 to 19 minutes or until the edges are a deep golden brown.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove from muffin cups.
- Garnish each tartlet with fresh cherries.
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
Michigan State Information – Click this link to learn more about Michigan attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
Michigan Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest.
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
 This just in…. Brainstring Advanced!
Brainstring is a fascinating 3D puzzle. Based on a unique concept, Brainstring calls for a new way of thinking – and we like that!
Combine intuition with structured thought and experience the fun of unimaginable possibilities. The game consists of a clear acrylic “globe” with slots in it’s surface, with stretchable strings criss-crossing it’s interior. Technically, the shape is an Archimedian solid, specifically a Tetradecahedra (wait… what?) – that’s a 14-sided polyhedron to the normal lay-person. By maneuvering the strings through the slots, you can twist the strings in an unlimited pattern, creating a true conundrum to try and unravel. Simple as this sounds (and looks), it’s actually a fascinating 3D challenge that will keep your hands, eyes and mind busy for hours on end.
Our hands-on team has had a hard time putting this teaser down – give it a spin!
Available now in our store: Brainstring.
 Our Valentine’s Day Newsletter was just mailed to our subscribers. In case you don’t subscribe to our newsletters, we’ve recapped it here.
In this issue, you will find fun art projects, crafts, and science projects that you can do together with your kids. These projects can also be easily adapted for other holidays and events.
Have fun – and Happy Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Projects
Valentine’s Day Puzzles – “I go to pieces without you!” Instead of sending a regular card on Valentine’s Day, surprise your friends and family with a special puzzle that you make yourself.
Crystal Hearts – Surprise your sweetheart with a crystal heart on Valentine’s Day – one that you grow yourself!
Valentine Shrink Art – Make unique decorations and holiday gift tags using shrink art film! Kids love to watch their works of art shink before their eyes!
Eco-Friendly Silk Gift Wrap – Make your Valentine’s Day gifts extra special… wrap them in silk! It’s two gifts in one! This article includes detailed diagrams for a variety of different wrapping styles.
Scent-sational Dough – Mix up a batch of sweet smelling play dough, and color it red or pink! Kids love this colorful, sweet-smelling, easy-to-make dough. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make sweet hearts!
Valentine’s Day Magnets – Use our Valentine Hearts Template or our Conversation Hearts Template to make your own Valentine magnets! These templates work great with our Magnetic Ink Jet Paper.
Small Gift Box or Party Favor Box – Package small gifts, treats, or party favors in this gift box you can make yourself! Includes template to download.
Candy Cone Treat Holder – Surprise your special someone with a hand-made candy cone filled with sweet treats! Perfect for hanging on a door knob! Includes template to download.
Racing Hearts Game – Here is a fun game that allows kids to experiment with the laws of physics while racing hearts! Include template to download.
Outside the Box – Creative Thinking Activity
Do you really know how creative your kids are? Ask them our Creative Thinking activity for this month to find out:
You’ve been asked to create a new candy for Valentine’s Day. What flavor would you like it to be? What color is it? What does it look like? What will you name it? How will you package it?
Have your child write or draw pictures of their ideas!
Website Links
Necco manufactures 8 billion Sweethearts year ’round to meet consumer demand. See how this popular and iconic candy is made with this virtual tour! Click Virtual Tour to get started.
Free Printables
February Calendar – Customize your own calendar for February!
February Sketch and Tell™ – Download this activity sheet for your kids to express themselves!
Subscribe!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter – Click this link to read more about our newsletters and to subscribe.
 Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it!
Now is a great time to get started on making your own unique Valentine Cards!
Making Valentine’s Day cards is a fun family project. We’ve added these new products to help you get started.
 DIY Valentine Card Making Kit – No need to drive all over to find supplies for hand-made cards; this kit contains enough supplies to make over 60 cards. The craft box not only holds all your supplies, but doubles as a storage box for the Valentine cards you receive!
 DIY Valentine Puzzle with Gift Box – “I fall to pieces without you!” Create your own Valentine’s Day puzzle, take the pieces apart and place them in the gift box. Decorate the box if you wish, add the ribbon and gift tag (included), and your special Valentine gift is ready to give!
 DIY Valentine Puzzle with Envelope – Create your own Valentine’s Day puzzle, take the pieces apart, place them in the bright red envelope and mail to your special Valentine!
For more fun Valentine’s Day gifts, visit our Valentine’s Day Shop
Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that early colonists in Massachusetts learned to make baked beans from their Native American neighbors? Native Americans flavored the beans with bear meat and maple syrup. The colonists substituted salt pork for the bear meat and molasses for the maple syrup. Baked beans on Saturday night became a Massachusetts food tradition in colonial times. The tradition started because the Puritans were not allowed to work on Sunday, so beans were cooked on Saturday and served for Sunday’s dinner as well.
This recipe makes a delicious batch of beans!
MASSACHUSETTS Boston Baked Beans
What You Will Need:
- 1 medium Onion
- Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray
- 2 16-ounce cans Navy Beans
- 1 15-ounce can Pinto Beans
- 1/3 cup Ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Molasses
- 1 tablesoon Spicy Brown Mustard
- Saute Pan
- Colander
- 2-quart Casserole Dish with Cover
What You Do:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Remove the skin from the onion, then chop into small pieces. (Adult supervision is required).
- Spray a saute pan with vegetable oil cooking spray, then heat the pan over medium heat.
- Add onions to the pan and saute until soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Open the 3 cans of beans and rinse them in a colander under cold, running water. (Kids like this step!)
- Stir onions, beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and mustard together in a casserole dish.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy!
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
Massachusetts State Information – Click this link to learn more about Massachusetts attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
Massachusetts Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2009 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
 Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to share your love with playful gifts.
We’ve created the list below with lots of ideas for educational Valentine’s Day gifts for kids of all ages (adults love them, too)! Just click the links for more information about each item.
Make sure to visit our store for more great gift ideas – we have over 800 gifts for under $10!!!
For the Artist:
For the Do-It-Yourselfer or Crafter:
- DIY Blank Postcards – Create your own unique Valentine’s Day postcards to send to your favorite Valentine’s!
- Magnetic Paper – Make your own magnets for Valentine’s Day! Click this link to download our FREE Conversation Hearts templates and Valentine Heart templates.
- Precut Vinyl Magnets – Write all the reasons you love someone on these do-it-yourself magnets. Perfect for creating magnetic love poems for your refrigerator door!
- Glassine Bags – Use these simple and elegant glassine bags to create party favors and to package special treats for Valentine’s Day. Available in two sizes.
- Blank White Craft Box – No Valentine’s Day is complete without a special box to keep your Valentine cards in! Keep it white or have a blast decorating this quality cigar-style box.
- DIY Playing Cards – Use this deck of blank playing cards to create small, unique Valentine’s to give to your family and friends.
- Hardcover Blank Board Book – Why send just a regular Valentine’s Day card, when you can create an entire book! Fill this book with all the reasons you love someone, then seal it with a kiss and mail.
- Polyshrink Film – Remember “shrinky dinks”? Now you can create your own small works of art with this polyshrink film! Create small charms to use to decorate your Valentine’s Day cards. Create dozens of small hearts to use as table decorations. Be creative!
- White Wire Handle Box (Chinese Take Out Box) – This box is not just for take out anymore! Use the box for party favors or for packaging small gifts. Easy to decorate, and so many possibilities!
- DIY Valentine’s Day Puzzle and Gift Box Kit – “I go to pieces without you!” This is the sentiment you can convey with this unique Valentine’s Day puzzle and gift box kit! Be creative!
- DIY Valentine’s Day Puzzle and Envelope Kit – Create your own Valentine’s Day puzzle and mail it to your special Valentine!
For the Builder:
- 3D Heart Shaped Puzzleball – Learn to say I Love You in various languages as you build this 3D heart puzzle! Don’t forget to hide a special trinket inside the heart!
- DIY Drinking Strawz Construction Set – This crazy, wacky straw set is fun to build, and even more fun to use to share a special Valentine’s beverage!
For the Thinker:
For the Game Player:
- Photo-Opoly – Relive favorite Valentine moments and make your own Monopoly-style game!
For the Scientist:
For the Nature Lover:
For the Music Lover:
For Physical Fun:
- The Top – Show your kids you think they’re “tops” with this incredible spinning play top!
- Heart Silk Streamer – Dance, twirl, run – have fun!
Just for Fun:
 Ah, Winter in Minnesota. Land of 10,000 lakes and enough snow to make snowmen to cover them all! That’s our goal… sort of.
We get quite a bit of snow where we live each winter, and of course, all this snow means lots of fun! Every year I challenge my kids to create 100 tiny snowmen in our front yard. These adorable snowmen greet our visitors and put a smile on everyone’s face.
If you have snow where you live, give your kids our Snowmen Challenge!
What You Need:
What You Do:
- Dress in appropriate winter clothing to stay warm and comfortable outdoors.
- Gather your children to show them how to create mini snowmen. We like our snowmen to be at least 18 inches tall. Of course, if you are really ambitious, taller snowmen are even more fun!
- Form a snowball and roll it in the sticky snow to create the large ball that forms the base of your snowman. We recommend this first snowball be at least 10″ in diameter.
- Form another snowball and roll it in the snow to form the middle section (or torso) of your snowman. We recommend this snowball be at least 6″ in diameter. Stack this snowball on top of the base snowball.
- Form the last snowball to make a 3″ diameter snowball – this becomes the snowman’s head. Stack this snowball on top of the torso of your snowman.
- No two snowmen are alike! Some might be snowwomen! Use rocks, sticks, and mini carrots to decorate your snowpeople – be creative!
- When your armada of snowmen are complete, make sure to take a picture and save it for your family album!
- Enjoy your gathering of snowmen while you can. Remember, when the weather gets warmer, they will get tired of standing around and will ultimately disappear!
Variations:
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that most of Maryland’s food products come from the Chesapeake Bay? This includes crabs, clams, and oysters. Poultry is Maryland’s primary agricultural product, and Maryland is also known for producing milk, apples, and tomotoes.
This recipe takes advantage of those incredible crabs – a recipe that is sure to please kids of all ages!
MARYLAND Baked Crab Cakes
What You Will Need:
- Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray
- 4 Scallions
- 1/2 Green Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons sliced Pimientos, drained
- 2/3 cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs (we like to use the herb and garlic variety)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Parsely Flakes
- 1 pound Lump Crab Meat, shell pieces and cartilage removed
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 3 to 4 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 9″ Square Baking Pan
- Nonstick Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Large Bowl
- Shallow Baking Dish
What You Do:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Spray a baking pan with vegetable oil cooking spray and set aside.
- Wash and dry the scallions, then slice the white part of the scallion into 1/4″ pieces. Discard the root end.
- Wash the pepper and pat it dry. Use a knife to trim the white ribs out of the inside of the pepper. Slice the pepper into 1/4″ wide strips, then cut each strip into small pieces. This is a great opportunity to teach your children how to use a knife safely.
- Put olive oil into a nonstick skillet and heat on medium heat for two minutes.
- Saute scallions, peppers, and pimientos until they are soft and translucent.
- In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, paprika, and parsley until well blended.
- In a large bowl, mix together crab, sauteed scallions, peppers, pimientos, and 1 tablespoon of the bread crumb mixture. Add the soy sauce and mayonnaise and mix well.
- Form the mixture into 4 to 6 flat crab cakes. Kids love this part!
- Pour the remaining bread crumb mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Coat the crab cakes on all sides with the bread crumb mixture.
- Place the crab cakes in a prepared 9″ baking pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown.
- Remove crab cakes from the oven and serve!
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
Maryland State Information – Click this link to learn more about Maryland attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
Maryland Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
Art Works! is a series of blog posts created by the staff at www.EscapadeDirect.com that offer children of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on art activities that allow them to explore, discover, and express their individual creativity.
We encourage parents to join in on the activities, too, and create their own Art Works!
 ATC's created by various children Artist Trading Cards provide such a wonderful opportunity for kids of all ages, as well as adults, to express themselves and share their talents with others!
This activity sparks imaginations, stimulates creative thinking, and enhances spatial thinking skills… and it’s very rewarding!
Artist Trading Cards are original, miniature works of art. When you have created your trading cards, you get to trade them with other people who create trading cards – either at trading sessions or whenever you meet another trading card artist.
Artist Trading Cards were first initiated in 1997 by a Zurich artist. Since then, thousands of people from around the world have traded ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). Start your own collection today!
What You Need:
What You Do:
- Create your own artwork on cardstock that measures exactly 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. Use your imagination and any art materials that appeal to you (see list below for some ideas).
- Artist trading cards must be signed and dated on the back of the card. You can also include the title of the artwork, as well as any additional information you would like to include.
- After you have created your cards, get together with friends and family and trade! Choose the cards you like the most in exchange for the cards you created. Begin a collection of your favorite cards. Trading cards promote interaction with others and gives your children a chance to talk about their artwork.
Variations:
- Create your own Artist Trading Card group! Encourage your friends and family to create unique works of art. Set aside a time to trade cards with each other. What a fun way to interact and to exchange ideas!
- Artist Trading Cards are perfect for classroom artworks! Have the students in your class create their own cards, then trade with each other to create a unique collection.
- You’ve heard of Book Clubs/Groups – now create your own Artist Trading Card Club/Group! Get together with your friends at least once a month and exchange cards. This is a fun activity for children as well as adults.
- Use these cards to create your own comic trading cards!
- Artist Trading Cards make fun greeting cards, and Valentine’s Day cards, too!
Media, Materials, and Techniques to Experiment With:
- Markers, permanent and/or watercolor markers – or both!
- Colored Pencils
- Watercolor Paints
- Acrylic Paint
- Pastels
- Inks
- Stamps
- Needle and Thread or Needle and Embroidery Floss
- Old Pictures
- Magazine Pictures and Text
- Stickers
- Music Sheets
You Might Also Like:
DIY Artist Trading Cards – We created these Artist Trading Cards to be easy to use with all art mediums. The cards have a blank front side for you to create your unique masterpiece and a backside that is preprinted for you to fill out and provide details about your creations.
Vellum Envelope – Use these small envelopes to tuck away notes, photos, ticket stubs and other memorabilia. They also work perfect with our Artist Trading Cards!
Share Your Art Works! Activities!
If you have an Art Works! project that you would like to share, email us a digital picture (or scan) of your project , and we will post it in our Kids Gallery. If you would like, include the artists first name, age, and your state. It’s fun for kids to see how other children interpreted the project!
As always, encourage your children to come up with their own new ideas for art – and make sure to check back next week for another Art Works! activity in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
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