Craft some back-to-school excitement

For some kids, the idea of returning to school in less than two weeks is very exciting. For other kids ... not so much. Whether you've got children who can't wait to slip on their backpack and hop on the school bus, or ones who've gotten rather used to sleeping in and enjoying the lazy days of summer, here's an idea that should help generate some back-to-school excitement.

Host a simple back-to-school party. With the busy lives we all seem to lead, there's a good chance your children haven't seen many of their school friends over the holiday. Invite a few of their best pals over for an afternoon get together. You can do a simple barbecue, have a few fruit and veggie trays or some hors d'oeuvres. Keep it simple. The most important thing is that they see their friends and get excited about a new school year.

During your party, here's an easy, no-mess craft to incorporate the school theme.

What you need:
- Crayola Model Magic modelling material (colours of your choice)
- Pencils
- Pens
- Plastic table cloth or place mats
- Rolling pin
- Scissors
- Knife
- Optional decorations ? rhinestones, gems, foam shapes, coated paper clips, feathers,
   etc.

Funky back-to-school pens and pencils

Collecting your materials: Pick up pens and pencils in bulk packages at office supply stores. Find Crayola Model Magic modelling material at most stores that sell arts and crafts supplies. This spongy material is easy to work with, air dries, and comes in bright, fun colours. Buy enough for the number of children you'll be hosting. This material does not store well and should be used in one sitting. You might want to have a few decorations on hand too. Things like rhinestones, gems, foam shapes and feathers can add some fun to the children's creations. Coated wire paper clips can be wound into springy stems for flowers. Other things to have on hand include a rolling pin, scissors, a bread knife (not sharp), and some cookie cutters.

Step One: Spread a plastic table cloth over the work surface or give each child a place mat. Do not use newspaper as the ink will transfer onto the modelling material. Set the Model Magic on the table (do not open until ready to use) for everyone to share or give each child a piece of each colour. Give the children a few pencils, pens or both (depending on age) to decorate.

Step Two: Pencils need to be sharpened, so you don't want to cover them with modeling material. Instead, make toppers or add a critter near the top so the eraser can be used. A few ideas include butterflies, ladybugs, flowers, sports balls, or even a snake that winds its way up the pencil. Keep in mind that the modeling material doesn't stick well to the pencil. It does, however, stick to itself. To add a flower etc. to the pencil, just wrap a band of modeling material around the pencil and attach the flower to that.

Step Three: To decorate a pen, cut a long section from the modeling material (for a marbleized look, twist and mix a few colours together). Use a rolling pin to make a thin, flat rectangle that is slightly longer than the pen. Place the pen on the material. Trim one edge with a knife, and roll the material around the pen until the edge you just trimmed meets the modeling material. Trim away excess. Use your fingers to smooth out the seam. Cut away any excess at the pen tip and end. Again, the modeling material must stick to itself so be sure to wrap the pen completely.

Step Four: Get creative. Make a sports ball, flower or bug out of Model Magic and stick it to the pen. Use miniature cookie cutters to cut out stars, hearts, moons, etc. to attach all over the pen. You can even glue on beads or gems once the material is dry. Roll Model Magic between your palms to make a spaghetti-like strand. Wrap this around the pen. Add feathers to the top to make a feather pen ...

Step Five: The pens and pencils can be taken home after the party. They'll be fully dry (depending on thickness) in about 24 hours. Even when dry, the material will feel soft and spongy.

Another idea: Recycle glass jars to make pencil pots. Cover clean jars with Model Magic, keeping in mind that the material will not stick to glass, but will stick to itself. Or, make shapes, creatures, etc., using the material to glue to the jar once they've dried.