Flip books are an artistic masterpiece and the kids’ version are even more so. On today’s episode of kids’ DIY, we are featuring this brilliant craft that is just as fun as it is smart. And worry not, you don’t need a bunch of supplies to make a flip book — all you need is a pack of post-it notes, some dot stickers and a good pen. Easy right? We thought so too. But don’t get carried away because you also need a binder clip, which though optional, is essential for keeping the post-it pack together after it’s been thumbed through a few times. You can easily find these supplies at any office supply store. Now, shall we?
Supplies:
Pack of post-it notes (bright colors are fun!)
Dot stickers (like the kind you use for stoop sales)
Sharpie pen or markers
Medium binder clip
Scissors (to cut the dots)
Ages:
Any kid who can hold a pen can make these with a little help. Children 6 and older can make them on their own.
Time:
20-30 minutes
Project Steps:
A little warning before we dive in; flip-books take time to make!
Using a sticker or stamp as the starting point for a character’s head allows the kids to create more pages quickly, so they can get the flip-book effect. So, starting at the back or front of the book, have them stick a dot on each pace. Next, ask them to change the position of the dot slightly from page to page so the dot (or head) will appear to move when the book is flipped. Small changes look like slow movements and large changes translate to startling jumps! To give the illusion of a dot moving in or out of a frame, cut a sticker in half or in quarters and have your child line it up with the edge of the post-it note.
Once your child has a dot on each page, he can start riffing. Adding legs that wiggle, wings that wave, or hair that curls just enhances the animation. Talking bubbles are always fun. You can make suggestions like — having characters jump rope or bounce a ball. You can even suggest that they add a friend by introducing a new dot onto the scene!
For a basic flip book, you only need stickers. For a longer project, kids can add detail with Sharpie pens or markers. And you will agree that these supplies are so minimal you could even carry them in your bag.
Learn more kids’ DIY projects on our blog!
Have on hand for next Friday’s project:
Colored tissue paper
Mod Podge (or white glue)
Foam brush
Plain paper lanterns (6” diam. or larger) from party supply stores or online at sites like asianimporstore.com
Curious Jane, founded by contributor Samantha Razook Murphy, offers project-based after-school programs and summer camps, revolving around creativity in the arts and sciences.
POSTED IN: KID DIY · TAGGED: EASY KID CRAFTS, IDEAS FOR PLAY, INDOOR ACTIVITIES