1st Day of School Picture Frame Craft Keepsake
For some school has already started and for others it is just around the corner. My little guy will be headed off to kindergarten later this month {insert sniffles and watery eyes here}. As a way to remember this very special day, we made a 1st day of school picture frame craft craft. It can be displayed on the walls and put away as a keepsake in their memory box!
1st Day of School Picture Frame Craft Tutorial
This would be fun for pre-k through 3rd grade. It could be changed to say something like “My 1st Day of School” or “Officially a 1st Grader.”
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Supplies Needed:
- 1st day of school photo
- Cardboard (square, cut to size)
- Craft sticks
- Glue – we used hot glue
- Scissors
- Markers
- Permanent black marker
- String or something similar
- Clay Play Set by Melissa & Doug or modeling clay/roller
- Sequins, gems, glitter glue, etc. – optional
or something similar
, 
, Instructions:
Choose the clay colors you wish to use and tear off sections. Place these on the cardboard square in random spots.
Press the clay onto the cardboard square until all the areas are covered. Flatten with the rolling pin until it looks nice and smooth. My toddler said it looked like a napkin and asked if she could please use it….. he, he!
Cut a square section of just clay out where the picture will eventually go – in whatever size you think looks best. You could have the center part cut out with the picture behind it, but I chose this way so that it would be sturdy and not get wrecked or bent. Set aside to dry overnight.
While the modeling clay is drying, color 3 craft sticks using red, blue, and yellow markers. Cut one end on each so that it is a straight edge. Cut the opposites ends into a triangular point. They should now resemble crayons. Use permanent black marker to draw a line on each end so it looks like where the paper labels are on most crayons (this part is optional). I found that using regular markers caused it to bleed a lot which is why a permanent marker is best.
Next, write ‘1st Day of School‘ or something similar and the date so that it is spread out over all 3 crayons. We chose to write ‘1st Day of Kindergarten‘ on ours and predated it with what will soon be his 1st day of school later this month.
Take a photo of the child on the big day. Since we made ours before the school year starts, I had my son make a little drawing of himself to place inside for the purpose of this blog post; eventually we will replace with a real photo.
The easiest way to make the photo fit inside will probably be to use a paper template. To do this, take a piece of paper and place it over the handmade frame – this part should be done after it has dried completely. Use a pencil to outline where the square is, then cut it out. If you are having a hard time seeing, just push the paper down and cut where the bend marks are. Test to make sure the paper fits and trim accordingly if it does not. Place the template over the picture and outline it with a pencil, then cut the photo. Place it inside using either glue or tape to adhere it to the cardboard. Use acid-free glue or tape if you’d like to prevent the photograph from turning brown overtime.
Cut a small piece of string and glue it to the top of your frame so it looks like an upside-down u. Cut 2 pieces of string in the length you would like the crayons to hang down from the bottom of the frame. Glue the string to the backsides of the crayons and cardboard.
Now you have a cute keepsake that your child can hang somewhere to remember this special occasion!
There are many possible ways to make this same type of frame. Instead of using multiple colors, it could just be one color. If using one color, it would be neat to use one of the blocks from the clay play set to make impressions on just the edges or all over. A plain colored one could be decorated with things like glitter glue, sequins, beads, or anything else you can think of that would look great. If using white clay, the kids could color or draw on it once it is hard. Older kids could make pencils instead of crayons with the craft sticks.
What back to school crafts and activities have you made in the past or plan to this year?
1st Day of School Picture Frame Craft Post Updated on 7/20/17
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