What is... POP ART?

 Pop Art inspired sensory bag for babies and toddlers


How to explain Pop Art to children!

Pop Art is an art movement which started in the 1950's, that is inspired by simple, POPular items of everyday life, like food and drinks, product packaging, movies, music, comics, advertising and even famous people. Pop Art is known for the use of bright colors and bold images. It's all about popular culture! More information and cool images to view with your child here.



Today we will be making Pop Art inspired sensory bags, full of bold colors and with an extra POP of fun with the addition of some bubble wrap in the mix. These are great for babies and toddlers!
Now, gather your supplies!

YOU WILL NEED: 



- Gallon size freezer bag (thicker plastic is better so that it doesn't easily get damaged)
- White cardstock or any thick paper (you can even use cardboard from a box)
- Bright color paint in contrasting colors (I used washable paint in basic colors but it can be any paint since the child will not touch it, and any color combination)
- Piece of bubble wrap, any bubble size is fine
- Scissors and tape to close the bag

INSTRUCTIONS
1. CUT YOUR MATERIALS 
Start by cutting your paper and bubble wrap so that it fits inside the freezer bag. The cardstock and bubble wrap should be about the same size. 



2. BRING OUT THE PAINT!
Apply some paint on the cardstock/cardboard and smooth it down until you have 4 "squares" of different colors. It doesn't have to be perfect. Then finish up by applying a few drops of a different color on top of your squares. See the example below:



3. BUBBLE WRAP TIME
Apply your layer of bubble wrap on top of the cardstock, bubble side down in contact with the paint. Then carefully insert your whole "sandwich" inside the freezer bag and firmly close it. Tape the top of the bag so that it doesn't open while they explore. You will end up with something like this. 


4. TAPE THE BAG ON THE FLOOR OR ON A TABLE/HIGHCHAIR AND HAVE FUN!
Tape all 4 sides of the bag securely on the floor (easier for smaller babies), highchair tray, or table (your child's small table for a walking toddler) and let them explore with their hands and fingers (or even feet if on the floor, they will love this!). They will  start experimenting with the texture of the bubbles and the paint, and will really enjoy squishing and mixing the paint with their fingers. They will also relish on seeing and feeling the bubbles of the bubble wrap pop! Even very small babies will enjoy this activity (We have done this as early as 3 months!).


5. REMOVE YOUR CHILD'S PIECE OF ART FROM THE BAG AND ENJOY FOREVER
This step is totally optional, but you can remove the contents of the bag (do this step away from your child!!), carefully peel off the bubble wrap and voila! Here's your beautiful art piece from your child, possibly their first! Because we used the bubble wrap, it will have not only the beautiful and bright colors of the paint, but also the cool effect of the bubble wrap. A true Pop Art artwork! 



Sensory play is a great tool for brain development, as it helps build neural connections within the brain, which will in turn allow your child with completing pretty much any tasks in the future (including learning socially and academically). It engages and develops the sense of touch through hands-on tactile experimentation, as they manipulate and handle what's offered to them. Sensory bags are great for tummy time, and to maintain focus and attention! 

I hope you and your children enjoy this Pop Art project! And that this sparkles some more of their (and your own) interest and curiosity about art! 
Stay tuned for more cool artists and fun projects coming soon. 
You can follow Great Tiny Artists on Instagram here.



© greattinyartists 2023



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