Astar's Craft: All Things Marvelously Astral
With Astar
All Things Marvelously Astral - Celebrating the Maori New Year
In looking up into the night sky, I have spent my life so far, being beyond fascinated. The thought that some of the stars I view now are that far away they know longer exist... how could this be!
And I like that stars twinkle and planets shine... I say, I'd rather be a planet!
The Solar System
Mums, Dads, and caregivers, if you are looking for a great way to introduce your children to all things Solar, then this project is a must. I'd forgotten so much about our Solar system until I started researching this segment and it really is fascinating
Things to gather
From Spotlight you can purchase The Solar System Kit which
contains everything you need to build your very own solar system
model.
+ kit containing full range of acrylic water based paints.
Paint brushes
Satay sticks
Block of oasis
Wire cutters
AND because I could, I've devised an alternative assembly system
and you'll need - fishing line, long pearl headed pins,
glue,
- a tube of 'Glow-in-the-dark' Mod Podge paint
Polystyrene star shapes
Card holder - These free standing metal stands can be
purchased from Chinese Emporiums or the stores in most malls in the
Country selling EVERYTHING for CHEAP!
Method
Identify each ball with each planet by matching numbers on
each ball.
Paint all balls and rings relevant colours.
You may want to use a toothpick to hold the balls as you paint.
Then insert into the oasis to hold so that they can dry
evenly.
To assemble - as per instructions in kit&
OR - once all wires have been cut, suspend on the card
order&
THEN to further enhance - apply a coat or two of Mod Podge
'glow-in-the-dark' paint to the polystyrene stars.
Once dry, fix to individual lengths of fishing line. Tie a
knot in one end, and then push a pin through knot. Dip into
glue, and then push down into stars. Make a knotted circle at
the other end, then suspend between the existing planets, on metal
card holder.
Wall Charted Solar System - art for the bedroom wall
This is a groovy project and the kids will love it... especially when the lights go off in the bedroom at night.
Things to gather
Large pre-stretched canvas frame
Tube Mod Podge 'glow-in-the-dark' paint
Paint brush
PVA glue or similar
Set of Glow Superstars kit - contains over 500 'Glow-in-the-dark'
shapes
All above can be purchased from Spotlight
- from Chinese Emporium's or Shops in most malls in the
country that sell EVERYTHING CHEAP - a peel and stick sheet Room
Décor depicting the Solar System major planets.
Method
Apply a good coat of 'Glow-in-the-dark' paint. When
applying, pull the brush across in a random fashion. Don't
paint entire surface. You want finished effect to look like
the Milky Way.
Once dry - and it will take several hours or better still, leave
overnight.
Peel and stick planets down on top of canvas, as per Galaxy layout
or create your own Galaxy.
To further embellish work, glue in a pattern to suit, the
'Glow-in-the-dark' planets, stars, meteorites and glittering
stars.
It is the exposure to light that makes the paint, and stars
shine.
(Broadcast 21 June 2012)
