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Dotty-for-dots Stamping

From our provider: FamilyFun

True pointillism may be a little more refined than this. But with a giant make-it-yourself stamp pad and an array of circular printables, your little one can turn plain paper into a delirium of dots.

Tips
Getting Started with Creative Projects for Little Hands
1. Keep it safe. Make sure supplies are labeled nontoxic and are not choking hazards. Discourage kids from putting supplies in their mouths.
2. Set it up. Designate an art area in your home with an easel or a low table where young artists can stand to work (this is usually easier for them).
3. Don't rush. Make sure you allow plenty of time for setup, exploration, and cleanup.
4. Don't stress over mess. Set things up so cleanup is easier for you, then try to relax and let your child have fun.
5. Write it down. Before you forget, write the date on your child's creation and, if she's talking, what she said about it.

Prep Time: About 2 to 3 hours
What you need:
	Large sponge Washable, nontoxic tempera paint Paper Masking tape Circle makers, such as Bubble Wrap, cotton balls, Q-tips, potatoes cut in half, round scrub brushes, and jar lids
Seasons: Year round
Materials: paints
Instructions:
1.	Before you begin: Cover work surface, keep wipes handy, and wear a smock or old clothes
2.	Begin by placing a large damp sponge on a cookie sheet. Squirt a few blobs of tempera paint onto the sponge, then either fold the sponge together to get the paint absorbed or roll it lightly with a rolling pin. Now you have a large nontoxic stamp pad that's great for all kinds of stamping.
3.	Offer your child lots of items that print circle shapes (see What You Need for ideas). Tape a large piece of paper to the table. Then show your child how to press the stamp into the ink pad and then onto the paper, lifting straight up to make a clean print. But don't worry about holding her to this method -- after all, if your child drags Bubble Wrap across the page, who cares?
4.	Keep the fun going! This is a great time to talk about circles (and other shapes) with your child. You can also go on a scavenger hunt around the house for round things.