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Louisa Penfold

Play Shapes: A Fun, Creative Resource for Families!

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

I’m thrilled to announce my brand new Play Shapes resource, designed especially for families to enjoy together! As a special thank you, everyone who joins the Art Play Children Learning mailing list will receive this resource as a free PDF download.


What is Play Shapes?


Developed in collaboration with Beam Editions, Play Shapes is a 10-page collection of vibrant, playful shapes inspired by celebrated artists like Josef Albers, Bruno Munari, Henri Matisse, and Geta Brătescu. These shapes are perfect for sparking creativity and hands-on exploration at home.


Simply print the shapes onto regular paper or transparency film, cut them out, and start playing. Here are a few ideas to get started:




  1. Light and Shadow Play


Play Shapes can be a wonderful tool for exploring properties like light, shadow, opacity, and translucency.



Getting Started

  • Print the shapes onto transparency film and carefully cut them out.

  • Set up a darkened space. Tie a string between two points and provide clothespins or tape so kids can create colorful light and shadow displays.

  • Offer light sources like flashlights, a window, an overhead projector, or a lightbox.

Play Prompts

  • "Can you make a face, a robot, or a house using the shapes?"

  • "I wonder what new colors you will create by overlapping the shapes.”

  • "Why do you think some colors look brighter than others when the light shines through?"


2. Cutting, Pasting, and Drawing


Children explore shape, pattern, and design by cutting, sticking, and collaging.



Getting Started

  • Print the shapes on regular paper.

  • Gather supplies: scissors, glue sticks, tape, blu-tack, colored markers, and a larger sheet of paper (A4 size works well).

Play Prompts

  • Invite your child to create patterns, pictures, or even collages using only the Play Shapes.

  • Try prompts like:

    • "I wonder what patterns you can make using the play shapes?” 

    • Can you make a design just using warm or cool colors?



3. Colorful Cardboard Sculptures


Take creativity to the next level with 3D sculptures made from Play Shapes!


Getting Started

  • Print the shapes on regular paper and glue them onto lightweight cardboard (like a recycled cereal box).

  • Once the glue is dry, cut out the shapes and make 2cm slits on each one. This will let your child slide the shapes together and start building.

  • Provide extra materials like glue, paint, scissors, toothpicks, string, or larger pieces of cardboard for the sculpture’s base.



Play Prompts

  • “I wonder how you will balance the shapes to make a sculpture.”

  • “Can you make a castle or a house out of the shapes?




I hope you and your family have so much fun exploring and creating with Play Shapes. 


And if you upload any pics to Instagram, please add hashtag #artplaychildrenlearning. 


Happy making,

Louisa



 
 
 

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