Repurpose your old worn fabric bag into a colorful tote or activity bag for your child. This easy, kid-friendly glue batik technique will transform your bag in a few easy steps.

The possibilities with glue batik are endless; you can creative designs on a cape, fort blanket, flags, gift wrap, and/or table linens.

MATERIALS

Old cloth bag

School glue

Brush

Newspaper/ heavy cardboard

Fabric dye/ acrylic paint

1. Adult activity: Prepare your fabric by first washing and drying it. Place heavy cardboard inside the bag. Lay down newspaper.

2. Adult and child: Begin by telling your child you are going to use glue to make a design or picture on the fabric. Everywhere the glue is will remain white, after the paint is applied. You may want to use white crayon and watercolor paints on paper first to help them understand the concept. The choice is yours whether you want to allow your child to squeeze the glue onto the fabric or use a brush. If using a brush I would suggest using a thin brush. This may be a good time to talk to your child about shapes, design, and patterns. As they put their design on the fabric you may want to discuss your observations. An example would be, "I notice you are making big squiggly lines all over the bag." To add a personal touch, you may want to help your child write their name or initials on the bag in glue.

3. Allow the glue to completely dry.

4. Prepare your paint. If you are using acrylic paint, water it down. Allow the child to paint the fabric. This project serves as a great opportunity to discuss color mixing. After your child has finished painting and cleaned up you may want to share a book on color mixing. Mouse Paint is a book about the adventures of three mice and their adventures dancing in paint.

5. Once fabric has dried completely it is time to remove the glue. You have two options you may chose to peel of the glue or you may soak the bag in warm water for about ten minutes. Once the glue residue is off the fabric, hang it up to dry.

Variations: You can use this technique on T-shirts, pillows, tennis shoes, table linens, and sheets. Your imagination is the limit.

Laura Elson is a Westerly-based artist, certified preschool teacher, and mom. Her enrichment column for parents of young children, 'Wonder Years' appears online the second Monday of each month. She can be reached at exploreexpresscreate@yahoo.com