Kid Art ~ Self-Portraits using Loose Parts

Cleaning out my garage, I found jars and jars of random screws, bolts and metal bits. All those bits that are unless you’re a handyman. You know what I’m talking about…mismatched hardware items, metal pieces and leftover screws and nails. All just collecting dust, so we decided to create a little kid art. Read on to find out how to get a little space back in your garage and create some loose part self-portraits with your kids.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

We did a similar project for Halloween last year. Our little junk drawer pumpkins were a huge hit, so we decided to create a wooden version.

This fun art project is where loose parts meets imagination! Love it!

You will need:

A scrap wood for each kid ~ We found that scraps of 2 x 6’s worked the best, but feel free to use what ever you have on hand.
Metal Bits (yep that’s a technical term. Ha!) ~ We used everything from screws, nails and bolts to hinges, clamps, and lots of fun trinkets. Most bits I had no idea what their original purpose was, but I gabbed them anyway. My theory was…if it looked interesting or had texture, then the kids would find an interesting use for it. {disclaimer ~ I take no responsibility for your husbands reaction to you ~~stealing~~ using all the above mentioned items. Who know, he may actually have a use for them}
Low Temperature Glue Gun
Mirror ~ optional, but helps the kids take a closer look at themselves.
Lots of Imagination

Loose Parts Play:

Let the kids explore and play with all the loose-parts before explaining that they will be making self portraits. This allow the kids to look at the bits of hardware and manipulate the materials freely. Kids are natural abstract artists and and have a wonderful ability to create with total freedom.

Talk to the kids about what makes each of us special and unique. Mirrors are a great for helping the kids take a closer look at what makes them them.

The scraps of wood acted as a blank canvas for these adorable self-portraits. With a little imagination and lots of creative loose parts, the kids were able to create self portraits with a ton of emotion and expression.

All I have to say is…AMAZING! I am in love with each one.

Creating Loose Part Self Portraits:

Once the kids are satisfied with their self-portrait, I helped them use the hot glue gun to secure everything. I was surprised with how well hot glue worked to attach all the heavy metal pieces.