Beaver Leader's Handbook - Scouts Canada

14-2
4 Be familiar with the crafts before you introduce them. Try them to see if they work.
4 Decide whether to do a craft in lodges or tail groupings.
4 Have an activity ready for Beavers who finish the craft ahead of others. Perhaps Keeo can
lead the activity.
4 Make use of resource people.
4 Put protective sheeting on floors or table tops, and have sufficient cleaning supplies available.
4 Use marking pencils to identify art work, and
4 Beaver Boxes or bags for taking it home.
4 Ask Beavers to bring a smock or old shirt to wear while painting or playing with art materials.
4 Exchange your more successful ideas with other leadership teams in your council.
4 Keep the cost per item in mind.
HOMEMADE SUPPLIES
There are a variety of ways to keep costs of craft supplies to a minimum. Here are some ideas
to help you stretch your craft dollars.
Homemade Play Clay
1.4 kg baking soda
0.5 kg cornstarch
1 litre water
Mix ingredients together in a saucepan and heat to the boiling point, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat as soon as the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency. When cool enough
to handle, knead slightly. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container. Clay will remain pliable
for a couple of months. You can colour the entire batch by simply adding food colouring or
tempera paint to the batter before mixing.
Paint Recipe
250 mL liquid starch
1.5 litre water
125 mL soap chips
Dissolve the soap chips in water until smooth. Mix well with starch. Pour into containers, and
add colour.
Play Dough Recipe
125 mL salt
500 mL water
food colouring
30 mL salad oil
500 mL sifted all purpose flour
30 mL cream of tartar
Boil the salt in water until the salt dissolves. Add the food colouring. Stir in the rest of
the ingredients. Knead the dough, or process it in a food processor until it has an even
consistency. Store in an airtight container or plastic bag. The dough will last for two months
or longer if stored in a refrigerator.