Idea Inventors

Why

This hand-made folder is a brainchild for budding inventors. Inspire kids to think great thoughts and gather information with this clever organizer.

Steps

1. Create a folder to hold your ideas by folding flap up from the bottom of a large piece of construction paper. Then fold the paper lengthwise in half to make a folder with a pocket to store your ideas and drawings.

2. To make a printing plate to decorate your folder cover, scratch an invention symbol into a recycled foam produce tray with a craft stick or plastic dinnerware. Draw backwards so your design or words will print properly. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper.

3. Pour Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint onto the printing plate and spread with the craft stick. Press the folder cover onto the paint to print the design. Dry.

4. Add more designs with Crayola Crayons.

5. Write about and illustrate your great ideas. Store them in your Idea Inventors folder.

Safety Guidelines

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.

Modeling Tools—Use the least dangerous point or edge sufficient to do the job. For example, craft sticks, plastic knives and forks, and cookie cutters can cut or carve modeling materials.

Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.

Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Crayons
  • Washable Kid's Paint
  • Construction Paper
household supplies
  • recycled newspaper
  • craft sticks
  • paper towels
  • recycled foam produce trays
  • plastic dinnerware (optional)
  • container(s) of water

Where & When

"The kids added ideas to their folders all year."
Chantel J., outreach worker for after-school program.

"This project inspired my kids to invent snack recipes and design automatic bed-making machines."
Zachary C., dad of three children ages 7 to 12.


Interesting Info

The first carbon filament light bulb was invented by Joseph Swan of Britain almost a year before Thomas Edison received a patent for his light bulb in the United States in 1879.