If Dogs Could Fly

Imagine animals with amazing abilities! These wacky block print creatures will tickle your fantasy.

1. Choose a favorite creature, such as a pet, farm animal, or forest creature. In your wildest imagination, what do you wish this animal could do? Or what if it were combined with another animal? Imagine if an elephant had eagle wings, or your fish's bubbles contained words. Invent a creature with fantastic abilities!

2. On paper, sketch your amazing animal with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils.

3. Cut upturned edges off of a recycled foam produce tray with Crayola Scissors to make a flat printing block. Engrave your design on the tray using your pencils for thicker lines and a wooden toothpick for fine details. Everything will print in reverse of what you draw on your printing plate. Can you write your imaginary animal's name in reverse, too?

4. Cover your work area with newspaper. Using Crayola Washable Kid's Paint and Paint Brushes, cover your printing block with paint. Place construction paper on top of the plate. Smooth the surface with your hand so the paint transfers to the paper. Carefully remove your print.

5. Make as many prints as you like, adding more paint as needed. To change colors, wash your printing plate first. Dry your monoprint menagerie.

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.

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

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

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

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Paint Brushes
• Erasable Colored Pencils
• Washable Kid's Paint
• Pointed Tip Scissors
• Construction Paper

household supplies

• recycled newspaper
• toothpicks - wooden
• paper towels
• recycled foam produce trays
• container(s) of water

"My kids invented really silly creatures. If Dogs Could Fly is a great way to channel young imaginations!"
Victoria S., mom of 7- and 9-year-olds.

"Our nature camp is all about animals and their attributes. Kids combine them in these imaginary prints."
Francine D., museum volunteer.

Many cultures, including Native American and Hindu traditions, have hybrid creatures that are a part of their mythology. Well-known mythical beings from Ancient Greece are Centaurs---with the body of a man and legs of a horse; Chimera---the front part of lion, dragon tail, and a third head like a goat; a Sphinx---face of a woman, body and feet of a lion, and wings of a bird; as well as Pegasus---a winged horse.