A simple idea from Karen became a major project of preparation when I couldn’t find large Halloween flavored stamps. That meant searching computer images, digging into last years’ decorations and coming up with some not-scary drawings. I traced them onto foamy sheets with adhesive backing and cut them out easily with scissors (using an Exacto knife for the small spots). Then I mounted them onto foam core, using scraps for handles on the backs of the stamps.
I used all sorts of colored fabrics that I’d dyed over the years and cut out similar sized pieces but without measuring and ripping instead of cutting so there were lots of raw, stringing edges. I sewed a sleeve long the tops of all the flags making sure to lock the stitches at each edge. I also took along a bag of scraps torn into half inch strips to tie between the flags.
Before letting the playmates stamp on the fabric, we had them try stamping on scrapbooking paper which made some lovely holiday signs for their doors. Then we proceeded to the fabrics. There was lots of oops and laughs along the way, acrylic paint on fingers, and upside-down images but it all worked out well and everyone had a great time. We made a streamer of flags for the activity room in the morning group but as there were only two members in the afternoon group, we helped them each make three flags and strung those together so they each took a banner back to their room for either door or inside.
Now there is more flag sewing to do for next week’s activity!
Extended Play Dates 