Use these FREE paint stir sticks to create friendships and structure at your meetings.
I love a super inexpensive craft that gives girls the chance to express their personalities, favorites and character traits. These paint stir sticks are FREE from the hardware store and work great in so many ways for adding structure to meetings. Read more to find out how.
LOADS MORE GIRL SCOUT CRAFT IDEAS!!!!
How to Use the Friendship Sticks
- The craft alone is a fun way to have girls create and explore what matters to them. Beyond the actual making of the sticks, they can be used the following ways.
- Pick two at a time from a large can to create buddies for a meeting. Give the sticks to the girls then let them share what they put on their masterpieces to get to know one another better.
- Split the sticks in half to create two teams or groups.
- Choose a different stick each meeting to have a “helper” for whatever you need.
- With each girl carrying her own stick, have the girls find someone who they have something in common with. If there is a girl left with nothing in common with any other girl – use that moment to express how amazing it is to be unique.
Directions to Make Friendship Sticks
These could be made with markers or paint. I think the paint is fun and adds such a pop of personality and color to the start of a meeting. However, this same objective could be accomplished with markers.
Start by painting the FREE paint stir sticks.
Add a top coat with either Decoupage or a spray. Either one will seal the paint and provide a smoother surface for the next step.
Add the girls’ names to the centers of the sticks.
This FREE printable might be helpful to do first (or while paint is drying) in order to prep them and give them some ideas. Grab it and print it FREE.
Give the girls PERMANENT markers to add things about themselves.
Put all of the sticks in a can or bucket and you are READY to go!
LOADS MORE GIRL SCOUT CRAFT IDEAS!!!!
Why Painting with Kids is a Good Idea
Painting with kids is so much more than a craft project or simple activity. It is a way for kids (of all ages really) do many very important things. Here are some fabulous reasons to get kids painting.
- It helps them convey ideas and share.
- Painting gives kids an opportunity to express emotions — even ones that might be hiding deep inside.
- It uses several senses to paint and through that kids make connections.
- Exploring color, the process and the outcomes teaches cause and effect.
- When kids made handmade masterpieces, it boosts confidence.
Preparation Steps for Painting with Kids
One of the biggest factors in creating successful paint crafts with kids lies in the prep. Here are four things you can do to prepare for a great time crafting.
- Expect a little mess. Prep your area knowing that paint can spill, drip and splatter. Cover your work are with kraft paper before starting.
- Provide aprons for the kids. If you don’t want to but them, they can wear old adult sized shirts as aprons.
- Have paper towels nearby and ready if needed.
- Know the dry time of the project before starting. If there are several steps, there might be a dry time involved. Have a puzzle or activity on hand to do during that in between time. You can grab free ones here on the blog.
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about this great friendship craft! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
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XO,
Laura