This New Year’s Eve time capsule was the very first post on my blog. I’m keeping all of the horrible formatting and wonkiness of the original post untouched because it is a piece of my history and growth.
Time Capsule
The “time capsule” will be adorned with family pictures from 2011. Collages are so easy and fun for kids.
Materials List:
* Unused Paint Bucket (Lowe’s $3.50)
* Mod Podge (Craft Store)
* Paint Sponge
* Family Photos
* Index Cards
* Pen
I had the kids go to our family online photo gallery and choose their favorite pictures that captured our last year. It was a fun way for them to look at all the memories we had created. I printed out the winning shots and got out the Mod Podge. We then painted the tin with the goo (sections at a time), stuck down the photos and painted the entire collage over with Mod Podge. Then, let it dry and apply another coat.
As it was drying, we talked about what we might want to put in our time capsule. The ideas included a special picture from the year, a piece of their artwork or craft they had done, a toy that means something to them (but nothing they’ll freak out over when it’s sealed up), a special note or letter they had received, etc. (On a side note, Abby chose not to put any of her crafts in the tin because “I made the crafts for aliens that don’t have any toys.”) You can then put an “inventory” list of who contributed what to the tin. Another contribution to the time capsule was our resolutions. I hesitate to call them New Year’s resolutions because I like the thought of making them life resolutions. Mine is to make the journey of motherhood meaningful…thus the blog.
To teach the kids about the concept, I looked into the book, “Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution,” by Pat Miller. The book not only clearly and simply describes a resolution, but it emphasizes the importance of making resolutions that help yourself to be better or to help others. The kids were able to come up with their own resolutions, which were written out for the tin and also hung on their wall.
The time capsule tradition can continue every year and then can be opened when your kids become adults.
Wonderful! Love the ideas. Where will you store it?
Kathy, My husband asked the same thing…he he he. We have a small house, but lots of storage. I think stacking them in the garage would be fun. I also thought that you could really utilize space well by hanging hooks in the garage and dangling them from there. Would look pretty cool really.
If storage is a problem, paint cans come in different sizes. I just happened to choose a big one.
What a great idea for kids!
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