Art Activities for "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

The theme of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" makes it an appropriate subject for Christmas art activities. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a children's story by Dr. Seuss that features the Grinch, who hates Christmas, and the Whos, who love it. Because of his hatred of Christmas, the Grinch decides to steal Christmas from the Whos, but learns to love both Christmas and the Whos by the end of the story.

Tissue Paper Collages

Make tissue paper collages of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" themed pictures on construction paper or cardboard. Trace the pictures onto the paper or cardboard with pencil. The only other tools necessary are tissue paper in a variety of colors and white non-toxic glue. Rip small pieces off the tissue paper and work them into balls or just use strips. Apply them to the paper or cardboard using drops of glue. Cover the drawing with balls or strips of tissue paper, using a single color for each area. For example, the Grinch's hat should be all red.

Present Ornaments

The presents in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" are solid-colored boxes with bows, making them simple to recreate. Use markers or paint to color a piece of cardboard at least 6 inches across and 4 inches high. Cut the cardboard into six equal pieces. Lay four of the pieces side by side with one piece above and one piece below the second to last piece. It will look like a cross. Be sure the colored sides of the cardboard are facing down. Tape the pieces together in the cross shape and then fold them into a box. Tie a piece of ribbon around the box, making a bow at the top of the box where you can hang the ornament on a Christmas tree.

Paper Mache Mount Crumpit

Make Mount Crumpit -- the home of the Grinch -- using cardboard, newspaper, flour, white paint and silver glitter. Mount Crumpit has a shape similar to that of a witch's hat. Cut and form the cardboard into a conical shape with the tip of the cone drooping down. Mix one part flour to one part water. Dip strips of newspaper in the water mixture and place it over the cardboard mold. Apply two to four layers of paper mache at a time, allowing the project to dry between layers. Once the paper mache is hard, remove it from the mold and paint it white. Sprinkle the project with glitter while the paint is still wet.

Whoville Gingerbread Houses

The houses in Whoville have round edges and curves along the walls and roofs. Make gingerbread houses with these features by rounding the edges of the graham crackers that show and using frosting to round out the walls and roofs. To add to the surreal effect, make windows, doors and chimneys crooked. Use frosting and candy in pastel colors to decorate the houses.

References

• Enchanted Learning: Make a Paper Mache Dinosaur Hat
• "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"; Dr. Seuss; 1957