Keeping the kids busy during the holidays can be a challenge, but the experts at Art Beat Abu Dhabi showed TOAD a fantastic festive craft that will keep them entertained for hours, and brigthen up you Christmas too.
You will need
• Plain white glue
• Paint brush
• Colourful paper – you might try using some left over wrapping paper, although decoupage paper works the best
• An object to decorate – we used a papier-mâché ornament but you can use any small, smooth object to cover
Let’s get started
1. Tear up the paper into small pieces – about one square centimetre works best.
2. Use the paintbrush to apply a thin layer of glue to the surface of your ornament.
3. Next, using the glue-covered paintbrush, pick up one of the small squares you’ve ripped up from the top and press onto the pre-glued ornament. Then gently brush with a thin coat of glue – pushing all of the air out.
4. Continue this process, adding different colour paper around the object until it is completely covered. Pro tip: avoid placing the straight edges of the paper on top, make sure they are covered by ripped edges for a more polished collage.
5. When the whole object is covered, simply wait for it to dry. The colours will appear deeper and more vibrant. Then voila! Decorate your tree or give them as gifts for the holidays.
You can use materials from around the house or head to Art Beat for their specialised supplies. Abu Dhabi Art Beat, near Mushrif Mall, Al Mushrif www.artbeatuae.com (055 269 8011).
