The Shrinkibits Shapes holiday program workshops are always very full-on, with group after group of 15 to 20 kids busily making their two shapes each. Most of them have never used shrink plastic before and are very excited.
 |
| Tracing and decorating the shapes |
The room quietens as everyone becomes totally absorbed in the activity, but that all changes when I start putting the shapes in the little portable oven for shrinking.
There are shouts of "it's magic!" and "how does it do that?!" In the last workshop, one l little boy stood there calmly with his arms crossed and said "such amazing technology"
The kids are delighted when they see their creations start to crinkle up and shrink, and I find myself reassuring the first-timers that their Shrinki shapes aren't ruined - they will sit flat again in just a moment, when the shrinking is complete.
Although I encourage kids to do their own drawings - and some do - most kids prefer to use the tracings (see below). But I love that no two results from the same tracing will turn out the same.
 |
| This skull tracing is a favourite with boys, but the results are so different every time |
The variations created from one tracing go way beyond anything I could dream up, and the creativity and imagination of the kids always delights me.
I think that is one of the reasons I enjoy these workshops so much.
That and seeing how much the kids love it. :)
