For the first "big" event of fall programming this year in my tiny library, I decided to try a "Beat the Back to School Blues" theme for youth in town. We made dry erase boards out of old thrift store picture frames. I was super worried because this was the first event I had completely planned and carried out on my own (and no extra help was available that day, so I knew I would be running around like a crazy woman). What if the kids spill paint everywhere (carpet, themselves)? What if I run out of frames because it turned out to be super popular? What if no one comes and now I am stuck with a ton of old picture frames?
Turns out I needn't have worried. The program went very well and I will probably repeat it in the future. (Pictures will be up within the week)
For the Dry erase boards:
-8x10 old picture frame for everyone who attends
-Paint (I used acrylic)
-Paint brushes
-Sponge brushes
-Blank calendar templates
For set up:
-Old newspapers
Here's what went down:
I went around to thrift stores around the area and collected some cheapo 8X10 picture frames. (I learned the non-glossy, wood frames allow the paint to dry faster and adhere better to the frame.)
Then I chose acryclic paint in colors youth would most likely enjoy at a local craft shop. (Bright Neon Colors!)
I already had cardstock paper for backing the frames and paint brushes for painting in my stock of "stuff". I also printed off templates of blank calendars in case some people wanted a erasable calendar.
I forgot I would need dry erase markers to give out for the kids to take home, but I found out that old Crayola markers work just fine, so I gave those out instead since I have way too many anyhow.
After getting all of the supplies rounded up, I decided to play it safe and tape newspaer securely around all of the tables I planned on having the kids work on. Turned out this was a great idea. The kids could just put the paint they wanted to use directly on the newspaper and it made cleanup a breeze.
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| The Set Up |
Then I sat around and waited for people to show up. (The worst part :S) Thankfully, the perfect amount of people came! Ten kids showed up to actually make dry erase boards (for the size of town I work in, this is great!) some came with parents and siblings, so around 15 people were there.
For the most part, the program went very well! (Only one minor paint spill.)
Then I had everyone remove the backing and glass from the frame to make it easier to paint.
After just the frame remained the kids started painting!
While the paint was drying between coats the kids talked and watched a movie which was playing in the background.
Then, when the final coat was drying, I had the kids pick out the color of cardstock paper they wanted to put in the back of the frame to be the background of their dry erase board and I cut all of the paper to size using a paper cutter. Some of the kids decided they did want to use their boards as calendars so I just glued the calendar template to the cardstock for them.
Once, the frames were dry (or mostly dry) we put the glass, cardstock, and backing back in the frame.
And Voila! Customized dry erase boards :)
What I learned:
-Make sure the kids don't use too much paint! Otherwise the frames will be camping out at the library overnight while they dry.
-If you have to use glossy frames, it would probably be best to sand them first to make it easier for the paint to stick and cover.
-Enlist the help of some adults or older teen volunteers especially if you will be working with a larger group of kids, because you will be running around helping people the entire time. (Cleaning the glass, answering questions, helping choose colors, etc.)
I would say this program was pretty successful! The kids enjoyed themselves, and it didn’t cost a lot (since what library has money to spare?). A win-win in my opinion! Plus, I had a lot of fun myself J
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