Its September the school is back in session the seasons are changing and I am thinking about all these beautiful bugs and beetles that we encountered throughout the summer.  On a rainy day I decided to make these fun beetles out of plaster of paris. My kids went buggy over these creations my tween could not wait to decorate one to her liking and my toddlers were fighting over the ladybugs as they call them.

“one for you one for me” I heard them say

“mommy she take 1 2 3 4 5 6″

“what you doing here guys”

To make these all you need is Plaster of Paris and some spoons, perfect for cleaning up your pantry from summer “silverware”, tempera paints for decorations.

Mix about 1 cup of plaster of Paris with water following the directions on the box, this will make about 15 regular spoon beetles

Pour the mix into disposable spoons and dry overnight.  I placed some magnets at the ends of some to use as fridge magnets.  If you do so make sure they are larger magnets since the bugs can be a bit heavy, you can always put in a clothing pin and use them as fashion accessories.

After they dry remove form the spoon.  All you have to do is push on the plaster at the navel (handle part) and it will pop right out, plus the bugs are nice and smooth, perfect.

now all you need is tempera paints and fun is ready.  The best part about the paint is that it dries super fast and you can mix colors easily.

Ta da, now all you need is imagination. They can become fashion accessories, fridge magnets, speeding bugs, you can build cages for them or do whatever your heart desires

The only downfall, is the down fall, since they can break or chip easily. For me that’s a plus or excuse to make more the next time.

For inspirations about bugs and beetles check out these fun books from our favorite authors:

Denise Fleming is an author of a Caldecott Honor book in a Small, Small Pond.  In Beetle Bop she talks about beetles all different shapes and sizes in a rythmic read out loud book.  For inside look click here.

Who else would you turn to when it comes to bugs if not Eric Carle the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other very buggy themed books.  The Very Clumsy Click Beetle has no trouble with clicking and flipping but it does have a problem with landing on his feet.  He tries again and again encouraged by other animals he finally learns how to click and flip, making the message of not giving up click with us.  Click here to look inside.

For inspiration on Beetle design and culture open this A-Z book including fun facts and differences on what makes beetle a beetle.  Look inside here.

Lastly the Welcome Books series introduces young readers to beetles their worlds and habitats.  For inside look into this text click here.

How is that for bugging out?  Now excuse me as I go listen to some Beatles and link up to these amazing parties.
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