Are you like me? Reluctant to let your children do messy projects? We seem to do more science and art during the summer months. I’d like to say the ability to do these projects outside is only a coincidence. But it’s not. It’s much easier to be creative when we aren’t worried about making a mess (okay, I’m probably more worried than they are). We have been having fun with the Rigid Wrap and CelluClay Quik-Sculpting Kit from ACTÍVA Products. The kit contains two rolls of Rigid Wrap and
Along with the kit, ACTÍVA also provided us with an ebook full of inspiration. Inside ACTÍVA Products’ Favorite Sculpture KIDS CRAFTS are full color photos and instructions for 12 projects. We settled on one of these – Bold Beads, for a fun activity with friends. We had a range of ages, and all were able to make the beads. The directions were very basic, and we were able to follow them easily. Once we shaped the beads, we had the option of letting them air dry or use the microwave or oven. We opted for the oven so we could dry all of them quickly. We wanted to get to the painting.
The cloth is easy to measure out and cut. Then it needs dunked in warm water to activate the plaster. It starts to dry and harden, so don’t waste time getting it in place. For the beads, we wrapped the strips around a straw. Plastic or plastic covered forms are best to use so it releases easily. Once we shaped the beads, we had the option of letting them air dry or use the microwave or oven. We opted for the oven so we could dry all of them quickly. We wanted to get to the painting.
We followed the drying temperature and time and were able to paint in the same afternoon. Once we started working on the beads, we noticed some were still a bit damp in spots. Rather than heat them longer, we opted to just continue with painting them. One of the tips in the guide recommended a way to hold the beads while painting which made it so much easier. We used basic acrylic paints and various size brushes and even toothpicks. Some of the children rushed through painting in broad strokes. Other artists took their time, creating a scene on the tiny canvas of a bead. We all had a lot of fun. I tried to use Sharpies to be even more detailed. The ultra-fine tips did not like the surface of the dried plaster cloth.
We had so much fun, I hope we can do it again. There are so many options for this versatile material, Rigid Wrap. It really is as easy as cut, wet, shape then dry. The other material in our kit, CelluClay, was not quite as easy. We had thought it would be more like the name sounds, clay. Upon watching some of the videos both from ACTÍVA’s website and their YouTube channel and thinking of the material differently, we are re-thinking our plans. The CelluClay is instant paper maché. This means it needs a form and/or support for molding and shaping. It does not hold its shape well on its own. My boys had hoped to make some large structure, but upon mixing some of the material, we found it was not what we were expecting. Watch some videos to see how it works and what it is best suited for.
Now, my boys are thinking a volcano or a diorama for their army men or other soldiers. I think we’re going to need to purchase at least one more box and find sturdy base material. This is less messy than I anticipated, so I won’t mind, much. As long as we do it outside. The Quik-Sculpting Kit has so many possibilities. Check out other reviews by clicking the image below to see more.
