Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Texture Boards

I made a few texture cards for O about a year ago using old cereal boxes, fleece, bubble wrap, and aluminum foil. She wasn't very interested in them, and they fell apart quickly. I was disappointed, but didn't think too much of it. When I saw these texture boards, I decided it was time to try again! I bought 2 pieces of balsa wood from Hobby Lobby and cut each piece into 9 rectangles using a hand miter saw. I sanded the edges, and then got to work :) I made 2 of each board so that we can do a matching game using touch only (O will wear a blindfold). The boards in the picture are covered with hot glue gun swirls, craft foam squares, lentils, velcro, fleece, paper clips, bubble wrap, and toothpicks. I ran out of wood, but I plan to make many more of these boards. So far I'm thinking of using popcorn kernels, beads, pipe cleaners, pea gravel, mesh, aluminum foil, velvet, flannel, lace, noodles, pennies, etc. I'd love more ideas, so let me know what you come up with!

13 comments:

  1. These look like fun! I have been reading your blog for about a month and have been enjoying it. My daughter is 16 months, so she is too young for many of O's activities, but I think she would love these. Were the sheets of balsa wood near the other wood projects (unfinished stuff, etc)?

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  2. Me again. My daughter is almost 22 months and just quite isn't into projects yet.
    I've been checking out your blog and saving some of the projects that look interesting for us to try later.
    Just wanted to let you know I just posted a blog about you on my blog.
    =)
    Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas.

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  3. What a great idea! My daughter will love this!

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  4. Those look great! She'll have so much fun.

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  5. How about cotton balls, glitter, leather, silk, and that rubbery stuff you put in the bottom of cupboards so your glasses don't slide...

    Brianna

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  6. First I'd like to say that I really love your blog, it inspires me to be a better mom. I was thinking that sandpaper, feathers, or something squishy might be neat. Not sure how you would do the squishy tho, I'll have to think on that one. :)

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  7. Thanks for all of the comments! I can't wait to make more texture boards. Hopefully, we'll get to a Hobby Lobby or Michael's this weekend to get more boards :)
    Amy- The balsa wood is on the very back wall of the store (if I'm remembering correctly). I started this blog when O was about 15 to 16 months old, so if you go back to the begining you might find some activities for your little one :)

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  8. Freeze the food stuffs first so you don't end up with 'things'. I did a rice box with stuff hidden for the kids to find and I found surprises instead...

    Cindy

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  9. This looks great - love what you've already done and your ideas for more. What about pasta (elbow mac, rotini, spaghetti) - that would be some easy choices and you could even color so that they would be fun to look at with eyes open.

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  10. This seems so fun! I just found your blog and am enjoying it!

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  11. I absolutely love this and would love to "borrow" the idea. I run a home daycare and this would be a great sensory project!

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  12. I love this! Your blog always is so full of good ideas. Keep up the great work!

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  13. Hey Just wanted to let you know I did a post about your boards! On my craft inspiration post!
    Happy Monday!

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