Sometimes the simplest idea can spark an exciting journey of the imagination in your kids.  My second grader is really great at reading now and seems to enjoy discovering stories by herself. My kindergartner has always had a great flair for creating stories in her head. All of these new adventures going on in our house inspired a creative idea in me.

I’ve done body outlines of my girls many, many times before and had them decorate “themselves”. What if I took it a step further, changed the idea a bit, and encouraged the girls to  put themselves inside a picture and story?

First, I found a photo (just the face)  on my computer of each girl and printed it out on regular printer paper at roughly 8×10. The girls cut out just the faces and hair.

I had some large paper lying around, but you can buy big rolls of white craft paper at any craft store, or even Walmart. In a pinch, tape a small stack of printer paper together to make one big piece. I placed each girls’ face on a sheet and told them I wanted to draw an outline of them, but needed a story first. What did they want to do in their picture? Were they outside or inside? Don’t feel nervous about drawing. You can even draw a stick figure. The idea is to give kids a jumping-off point for their own creative adventures. It really was a whole new ballgame to have their own faces on the artwork! So much excitement!

Delia decided she wanted to spread her wings. Zoe wanted to hold a cake. As you can see, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time on drawing the outlines.

I then brought out some art supplies and let the girls go wild. I told them that I would love to see them tell a story with their art, and their image. It was fun for them to have a direction, but they had full creative license. This idea doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use whatever art supplies you have, or even tin foil, rice, food coloring, etc…. Kids can use anything as an art supply!

It was rewarding for me, as a mom, to see what imagination the kids have and it was a great afternoon for my girls. Keep the life-size artwork and let kids add to the story later on. Maybe a rainy day, perhaps?

 Have you created kids photo projects that have been a success?  Share your ideas in the comments below!