Creating Lasting Memories with Nosh Boxes

The Power of Shared Experiences in Family Life

Families today often juggle busy schedules. It can be challenging to find quality time together. Shared experiences that combine creativity and nourishment can help bridge this gap. When parents and grandparents engage in activities that include art and food, they create opportunities for bonding and learning.

What can be better than an afternoon playing with a child?

Examine the Box

The box is unusual. Look closely at the joints. These are called comb joints. They are precisely cut and meshed together to form exceptionally strong joints. The bottom of the box is slotted into the sides. The box didn’t need screws, or nails. The wood is smooth, clear, and unfinished.

Instructions for Preschoolers

Select a child-friendly area, like a kitchen table on an easily cleaned floor, covered with a plastic tablecloth. Have your child wear an oversized shirt from a loved one for a cute look and great photo opportunities.

Gather and Prepare

• A set of Crayola Washable paint (non-toxic and washable)

• A set of inexpensive hobbyist paint brushes

• A couple of 1” wide black foam brushes

• A dozen small clear disposable plastic cups for mixing and diluting the paint

• A few larger cups half-filled with water for cleaning the brushes

• Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue, and Finish Sparkle (non-toxic clear water-resistant sealant)

• A color printout of a color wheel to help explain color blending

• An old paperback book or similar object to place under the Nosh Box

  
  

The Nosh Box should be positioned above the table top so it is away from dripping paint and sealant.

Invite the Kids

Use the small cups to mix colors and adjust their thickness. Allow the child to experiment with color mixing. It's a good time to have a color chart available for explanation. The paint should be thin enough to let the wood grain show through. Add water gradually to the paint and test it on the box.

Show the child how to paint along the wood grain with the brush for a more natural effect. Once the child is satisfied with the painting, let it dry for half an hour. Enjoy a treat together. Restart when the paint is touch dry.

The Mod Podge acts as a sealant. Pour some into a cup and use the foam brush to apply it over the paint, stroking with the wood grain. Two light coats with about 15 minutes between them will suffice.

Grandparents will undoubtedly treasure this masterpiece!