Project: Paper Chains

Seemingly simple art projects usually have myriad possibilities to be explored. Paper chains are one of those.
I really only thought of these as a holiday decoration, but after doing this project with a class of kindergartners, my mind has been broadened. Give a 5-year-old free rein and you'll realize there are tons of different ideas to try!





Materials:

-Scissors
-Colored paper cut in strips
-Tape
-Markers




The more colors the better! Also, cut the strips into various widths--you don't want them all to be the same size. (I'll explain why in a moment)

First of all, the basic chain link:

I used scotch tape instead of glue, because it's so much easier and faster. You don't have the mess or need to wait for the glue to dry.

So, you can make a basic paper chain to hang on the wall or string across the room for festive decoration. My boyfriend also suggested a good use that I hadn't heard of before: You create a chain with a certain number of links to count down to a special day. Each day you cut off a link (kind of like an advent calendar, but not just for Christmas). I took that idea to heart and made a chain to count down to my boyfriend's birthday...that's not until October. Needless to say it's a HUGE chain that's strung up all over his room. :)

You could try your hand at wearable paper chains:

 Necklaces! Simply a closed loop of chains.

Bracelets and rings! (variation for boys: superhero wrist bands) 

This is why I suggested cutting thinner paper strips. It'd be a good time to pull out the markers too. Obviously, I didn't measure these bracelets to be reused, since I wouldn't be able to get them off without ripping them. Just make sure your kids can slide their jewelry on and off easily if they want to wear it again. 

And you don't have to stick to a single paper loop. Your kids can try creating more complex bracelets. And they can be fun noise makers--add a bunch of links and shake. It creates a fun "shooka shooka" noise.
(And, yes, I know from trying it out myself)

Crowns, hats and masks!
This is just three wide paper strips taped together. Masks work the same way.

The ideas are really quite endless. Let the imagination run wild and you can come up with some pretty cool stuff.

If your kids make one of my projects, please send me a picture. I'd love to post it here on the blog to inspire others' creativity! E-mail me at elisabeth.preble@gmail.com