String Sculpture

Ever thought of sculpting with string? It's a fun and unique activity that is sure to fascinate your preschooler. All you need to get started is granulated starch, a balloon, and, of course, a length of string. Wrapping the string around the balloon will help your child hone his fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

What You Need:

• Granulated starch
• Water
• Pan
• Stove
• Spoon
• Bowl
• Colorful string, yarn, or embroidery floss, about 1 yard (1 m) long
• A strong balloon
• Table covered with newspaper

What You Do:

1. To make liquid starch, dissolve one tablespoon of the granulated starch in the amount of water stated on the starch package. Follow the rest of the instructions on the package. Place in a bowl and let cool.
2. Blow up the balloon and tie a double knot at the end.
3. Help your child carefully dip the yarn or string in the starch mixture. Make sure it is completely coated with starch but not too heavy to drape around the balloon. If the string is too heavy, gently remove some of the starch by pulling the string through your fingers.
4. Help your child wrap the string around the balloon, making sure to plaster down the ends. Be careful not to put too much string on the balloon; if you do, the string may not adhere well and could slip off the balloon.
5. Let the string dry overnight on the balloon.
6. When the string is thoroughly dry, pop the balloon and remove any balloon bits stuck to the string sculpture.

And you're done! Attach a bit of thread to your String Thing and hang it from the ceiling or on a tree branch outside.