Hands On Crafts for Kids

by Joann Pearson
of Michael’s Arts & Crafts Store
Michaels.com

Igloo is the Inuit word for house. The Eskimos traditionally had three types of houses: a summer house, which was basically a tent, a winter house, which was usually partially dug into the ground and covered with earth; and a snow or ice house. The last was a dome-shaped dwelling constructed of blocks of snow with a low tunnel entrance. Although it can provide adequate protection for weeks in severe cold, it was used almost exclusively as a temporary shelter while traveling.

You will need:

Plaster tape roll
12” Balloon
3” Craft foam ball
White glitter
Glue
Plastic knife
Paint brush
Optional: mirror

Instructions:

1. Inflate balloon.
2. Cut a 12” piece of plaster tape roll. Immerse in warm water and remove quickly. Wrap around balloon in center.
3. Continue to completely cover one half of the balloon with pieces of plaster tape roll. Smooth as much as possible. Set aside to dry.
4. Cut craft foam ball in half. When the wrapped balloon is dry, glue half of the craft foam ball along bottom edge of igloo to make a door. Cut small pieces of plaster tape roll. Immerse in water and apply to craft foam door, attaching it to the igloo.
5. With adult supervision, cut a small 2 inch hole in top of igloo for ventilation.
6. Brush a light coat of glue over entire igloo and sprinkle with glitter.
7. Place on mirror to resemble ice.

Activa® Rigid Wrap®; Beacon™ Kids Choice Glue™; Fiskars® Scissors