Tuesday, June 13, 2006

How to Collect and Save Spider Webs

Stumbled on this today at Chirotoons. I definitely plan to do this during the summer with the kiddos as part of our nature study. We did this a zillion years ago and then I lost the instructions and forgot about it. So glad to be reminded of it, again. By the way, visit their site if you haven't yet. They offer free downloadable stories for the whole family to enjoy.
A few years ago at a homeschool show we attended, a lady shared a neat nature project with us: Collecting Spider Web Art. It was so neat (and we've had requests to repeat it), that we'll share it here with you.

Here's how you do it:

1) Locate a spider's web, hopefully somewhere outside. Have the kids gently shoo away the spider ("Go on! Git!").

2) Tape a white piece of paper on some cardboard to make it stiff.

3) Take a can of spray paint and spray through the spider web. Don't spray so hard it tears up the web. You want to coat the web but leave it pretty much intact.

4) While the web is still wet with the paint, hold the cardboard/paper BEHIND the spider web and pull it TOWARD you slowly, so it comes right flat through the web. Set aside to dry thoroughly. The painted spider's web will stick to the paper, and when it dries, you'll have a painted "print" of the web itself.

This lady said her kids (and grandkids) had quite a collection of these mounted in a notebook, and the variety of webs you can find is truly amazing. Every web is different, a true work of art, and a testimony once again that there is a Master Designer and Creator of all things...

1 comment:

  1. previous commentors3.1.07

    June 14, 2006 - What a neat idea

    Posted by trustingdaily

    I've never heard of that before! Thank you so much for the instructions. We're going to try it.

    Angela

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    June 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment

    Posted by Titus2woman

    What a COOL idea! (((((HUGS))))) sandi

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    June 14, 2006 - Wow!

    Posted by joedeb

    After receiving your warm welcome, I went over to check out your blog. What a wonderful treasure trove of information! Thanks so much for sharing so much in such a wide range of topics! I'm hooked! I think I'm going to be working my way through your previous posts for a while and piggy-backing on some of your ideas and activities with my own dear children. Thanks, and blessings!

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    June 14, 2006 - Preserving Spider Webs

    Posted by Canadagirl

    I think that part about the lady and her grandkids keeping a book of different webs make me take notice. I love comparring , contrasting , and recording. This is a great idea to put in our Nature Notebooks. Thanks for you suggestions of web sites to change my blog. I have to admit my oldest had to pretty much do the changes for me. Thats okay for now. He will have to show me how he did it . I learn so much better from watching someone do something and then doing it . I hope you come and see what he has done so far and we will be customising more over time. This was a fun post, thanks.
    In Him,
    -Canadagirl

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    June 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment

    Posted by lindafay

    Hi Sandi and Angela, Thanks for stopping by today.

    Joedeb, I am so glad you are finding some useful information. When I saw that you lived in Singapore, I just had to visit your blog; I'm kindof partial to internationals!

    Canadagirl, I answered your other question about Turkey in the previous entry.

    warmly,
    lindafay

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    June 14, 2006 - Charlotte Mason method

    Posted by AussieinAmerica

    Just stopping by to tell you that I have officially decided to homeschool using the Charlotte Mason method. This is very exciting for me and is with much thanks to you. Your blog has been a great encouragement to me and makes it all seem possible! I had to mention you in my blog today - hope that is ok.
    Have a great day,
    Stacy


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    June 15, 2006 - Untitled Comment

    Posted by anewcreation

    just came across your blog! it is really beautiful! on your blog I found lots of great ideas! thank you very much and, if you don't mind, I'd like to add you to my friends list so that I can revisit you soon!

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    June 15, 2006 - What a great idea!

    Posted by sprittibee

    My kids and I love bugs... especially spiders. My favorite is the Lynx Spider.

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    June 15, 2006 - Hi Gals,

    Posted by lindafay

    Stacy, I'm really, REALLY glad for you. I know you will enjoy the journey. Of course, I am honored that you have mentioned my name.

    Anewcreation, do come back and visit again. Thanks for taking the time to show your appreciation.

    Sprittibee, I think sweet little honey bees are much more endearing, but to each his own... thanks for stoppin by.



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    July 4, 2006 - Spider web art

    Posted by HipHSMama

    Hi,
    Thanks so much for this!!! We have been watching a spider build her web on our front porch. We are so fasinated to see how they spin those circles!!! We will definately do this...probably tomarrow :)

    Thanks for sharing
    :)Leslie

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