Tons of Thanks

Why

Here’s a clever way to say "Thank you!" Even young children can be creative with these easy-to-make, practical paperweights.

Steps

1. Ask an adult to help you find a rock that’s just the right size for a paperweight. Wash and wipe off the rock with a paper towel.

2. Spread newspaper on your craft area. A picnic table would be perfect. Paint the rock with Crayola® Washable Kid’s Paint and Paint Brushes (young children use So Big Brushes or sponges). Air-dry the paint.

3. Personalize the rock by painting a colorful design or writing a thank-you message. Air-dry it again before you gift-wrap it or put in on your desk.

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.

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Paint Brushes
  • Washable Kid's Paint
  • So Big® Brush
household supplies
  • recycled newspaper
  • rock or stone
  • sponges (optional)
  • container(s) of water

Where & When

"Kids made these for Teacher Appreciation Day. They would be great for Mother’s Day, too!"
Jaimie T., student council advisor.

"Instead of writing thank-you notes for his birthday gifts, our son personalized paperweights for his guests."
Kumar S., dad of 8-year-old.


Interesting Info

The first paperweights were made of glass and appeared sometime around 1845 in Europe. The popularity of novelty desk items in the 19th century, such as paperweights, is attributed to mass-production made possible by the industrial revolution, and the Victorian-era interest in letter-writing.