Related Articles
Shadow Preschoolers
Trace your shadow and see how it changes.
Make Your Own Calendar
Make a calendar with your families special dates.
Simple Card Clips For Preschoolers
Make these simple clothespin card holders with your preschooler.
Make A Leg Lamp- A Christmas Story Project
By Linette GerlachWould you like to make the leg lamp featured in A Christmas Story? You can create a similar lamp, and your preschooler can help. Your preschooler will have a blast helping you mold the clay, and helping you show off the finished product.
What You Will Need
Modeling clay- no bake (skin tone if you can find it)Craft light fixture
Wood base approximately 12" x 12"
Lamp shade
Skin tone paint for clay, if you did not use skin colored modeling clay
How To Do It
Step 1.The first step is making a cast of your leg, or your preschoolers leg (if you can get them to sit still) out of modeling clay. To keep the project simple do not cast the very back of the leg. Leave an opening wide enough in the back to slide the leg out of the cast. You should cast all around the foot, including the bottom. Leave the opening in the back of the leg wide enough to get part of your hand into the foot when you fasten it to the base. When the modeling clay is shaped, carefully remove your leg from the cast.
Step 2.
Mold the base of the light fixture into the top of the leg casting, and run the cord out the back opening in the cast.
Step 3.
Before the cast dries, leave a couple small holes in the bottom of the cast to screw your leg to the wood base. Run the screws through the holes to create the correct size.
Step 4.
Set the leg cast aside to dry for a couple days.
Step 5.
If you created the leg cast out of white or gray clay have your preschooler help you pant it with flesh colored paint.
Step 6.
Purchase a wood base from the craft store, or cut your own. You will want the base to be approximately 12" x 12." Drill two holes in the board to correspond with the holes in the bottom of your leg cast. To reinforce the clay you may also want to drill two holes in a small board, and insert it into the foot. Use flat screws to secure the leg casting to the wood base. You should bore out the bottom of the base where the screws are set, so the heads of the screws are even with the base, or the base will wobble.
Once your leg lamp is finished have your preschooler help you hang the lampshade on top. Plug it in to admire your work, then grab some hot chocolate, and sit down to watch A Christmas Story together.
A Christmas Story Trivia Question
What was the one thing that could tear Ralphie away from the "glow of electric sex" in the window?Submit your answer for a chance to win our A Christmas Story Holiday Giveaway Bonanza.
Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.
