Etching Activity

Touch and trace the trippy textures in your 'hood!

Submitted by
Doug

Your kid knows all of the people on your block, but how well does he know the block itself? You know: the sidewalk, the signs, the sewers and hydrants? Have him get up close and personal with all of these things as he makes etchings of them with this activity.

Paper: Simple white computer paper is best.
Charcoal stick or pencil: The artsy kind of charcoal, not the stuff you found in your stocking last year. You can get it at most craft or art-supply stores.
Sidewalk, buildings, fire hydrants, street signs: Basically anything textured in your 'hood.
Paintbrush and water: Optional.

Have your child grab his etching supplies—paper and pencil or charcoal—and head outdoors.
Show him how to lay the paper down on a textured surface, such as the sidewalk, and rub the pencil or charcoal to trace the pattern of the concrete. It should make a cool, bumpy image.
He can make etchings of pretty much anything you pass—tree trunks, rocks, brick, pavement (driveways not streets), shingles and concrete buildings are all great choices—just make sure you don't trespass on a nasty neighbor's property.
You can also have him use different colored pencils to create rainbow tracings. Caran D'Ache Swiss colored pencils are fantastic because they double as watercolors. When you get home give your child a wet paintbrush and he can continue to work on his etchings. That buys you another 15 minutes!
Bring home his masterpieces and write down what each one is: a tracing of a rock, a stop sign, etc. Your child will enjoy looking back and remembering how each etching was made.
Hang them up on the fridge. You can never have too many pictures by Junior. (Or can you?)