Kiddie Crafts: Color splash boots

I'm excited about the new season, and all the glorious things that come along with spring. In Vancouver, this means April showers, and lots of them. This is when we pack up our winter boots, and pull out the good old rubber stompers. Both boys wore the same tiny boots, and now my youngest has outgrown them. I wondered how I could re-purpose the boots and preserve the memory.

This week's Kiddie Craft does exactly that. The color splash boots make a fun flower vase. Having them painted by your little ones, and using their old boots, make a great keepsake. Even if you're not looking to hold on to yesterday's tiny feet, these boots make a creative addition to any front door-step.

Materials

• Rubber boots
• Soap and water
• Acrylic paint - waterproof
• Paintbrushes
• 2 jars or cups
• Flowers

Follow me through the break for step by step instructions. As you can tell from the gallery pictures, my boys had fun smearing the paint. If you're working with older kids, ones who actually follow instructions, or working on your own, I'd suggest applying less paint and letting each color dry before working with the next.


Like most of the craft projects, you have loads of flexibility, but these steps can serve as a general guide.

1. Wash the boots
   You won't have to do this with a new pair, or if you are one of those people who cleaned the boots before packing them away last season. If you're like me, and had a muddy pair thrown in the back of your closet, you'll want to give them a good wash and dry before getting started.
   
2. Apply the first coat of paint
   Apply a generous amount of paint to the top rim of the boot. Turn the boot upside down and let the paint drip down, or smear it with a brush. Alternate colors. You can splatter the paint by flicking the brush, or dripping it straight out of the bottle.
   
3. Apply the second coat of paint
   Apply more paint to the rim above the sole of the boot. Turn it upside down again and let the paint run in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you could just use brushes to paint and splatter the color.
   
4. Let the boots dry
   Dry time will depend on the amount of pain you've used. Make sure they are dry completely before working with them.
   
5. Fill the water cups
   Choose two cups or jars that will easily fit inside the boots without being seen. Fill them with water.
   
6. Add the flowers
   
   Choose some fresh cut spring flowers and display them inside the boots. If you're looking to perfect your spring florals, take advice from Diane's Avant Yard series. If you want to set them out and forget about them, consider a silk flower arrangement.

Little yellow gum-boots are a classic spring staple. You can easily drip rainbow paint down an old pair, and use them to display colorful spring flowers.

[via: Better Homes and Gardens. 501 Fun-to-Make Family Crafts, print copy]