Kids can decorate and personalize their umbrellas.
A children's umbrella craft in the classroom is an ideal activity for rainy days. Since kids won't be able to go outside and play when the rain is coming down, making their own umbrellas will keep them entertained. They will also look forward to being able to test out their umbrellas in the rain afterwards. For this activity, extend your rule about not allowing open umbrellas in the classroom, since the students' umbrellas will have to remain open once they are opened.
Instructions
1. Glue four wooden rods to the top of a long stick by using a hot glue gun. Assemble the four wooden rods so they are equally spaced between one another, and are pointed down at a 45-degree angle. You may need to cut a slant in the wooden rods at the part that connects to the long stick so that the fit is secure.
2. Use measuring tape to figure out the circumference and dimensions of your umbrella canopy. Transfer the dimensions onto your nylon or waterproof fabric. Trace the outline of the umbrella canopy onto the fabric with a fabric pen.
3. Cut out the template for the umbrella canopy with your fabric shears. Drape the fabric over the spine of your umbrella to make sure it fits. Remove the fabric, add glue onto the tops of the wooden rods and cover the spine again with the fabric. This time the fabric will be glued down to the rods. The fabric should look stretched, as opposed to loose and droopy. It's okay if some of the fabric hangs lower than the wooden rods.
4. Draw designs on the fabric umbrella panes with fabric pens. Glue on any embellishments, such as craft gemstones, seashells, buttons or patches out of more fabric.
Tags: wooden rods, their umbrellas, umbrella canopy, with fabric, four wooden, four wooden rods