Far-Away Friends

Keep in touch with far-away friends and relatives. Do crayon drawings together!

1. Do you have a relative who lives far away? Or an old friend who moved? Sometimes people never meet each other, but they are still good friends. How? With letters, computers, and e-mail, you can get to know people all over the world. Here's an unusual way to stay in touch.

2. Divide a large piece of paper in half with Crayola® Crayons. On one side of the paper, draw your computer or house. Surround it with things you think your friend would like to know about you. How do you spend your day? What do you take to school? Any pets? Favorite activities? Hobbies? Who is in your family? Illustrate information about yourself with pictures and a few words. Cram in as much as you can-but only on your half of the sheet!

3. Mail your drawing to your friend so that he or she can study your artwork. Ask your friend to complete the other side of the paper. When it's done, your friend then returns the picture to you. What did you learn about each other?

4. Cover your art area with newspaper. With Crayola Washable Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes, apply a watercolor wash to give your drawing a finishing touch. Wet the paper first, or make your brush really wet with water and then dip it in the paint. As you spread the paint, the crayon wax will shine through. Air dry flat.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Idea Inventors

Off-to-School Map

Hello-From-Here Stationery

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Crayons
• Washable Watercolors
• Watercolor Brushes with Plastic Handle
• Giant Marker and Watercolor Pad

household supplies

• recycled newspaper
• paper towels
• container(s) of water

"We color copied the drawing. My son sent the original back to his friend in Korea. They're almost ready for an update."
Jee-na T., mom of 6-, 9-, and 11-year-olds.

"Our class is gaining so much international understanding with their pen pals. Kids CAN work toward world peace."
Itzhar S., religious volunteer.

Would you like to find a pen pal in another country? Ask your teacher or parent to check out Web sites where you can connect with kids from around the world who are looking for pen pals. Until you get to know your pen pal well, ask your parents or teacher to read your e-mails with you.