Laughing Books

Laughing Books are a fun way to encourage friends and relatives who are sick or just needed some encouragement. The books are a good example of collage, which was first used in contemporary art by Pablo Picasso.

Supplies:

Magazines, catalogs, snapshots that can be cut up
One or more sheets construction (or other sturdy) paper
Glue stick, glue, or double stick tape
Scissors
Yarn, string or ribbon

Directions:

1. Choose someone to create the laughing book for. Think about someone you love who could use a little encouragement.
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2. Cut out photographs of smiling, laughing, happy, silly faces from catalogues and magazines (Avon catalogues work wonderfully). Try to find photographs of many different types and ages of people and different sizes of faces. The more the better. If possible, include some photographs of your family and yourself (ask mom first). Remember that the goal is to make the recipient laugh...silliness is encouraged!
   
   TIP: You can also cut out photographs of objects that make the intended recipient happy&emdash;ice cream, cats, the beach, etc.
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3. Make the book, choosing construction paper that matches the recipient's favorite color if possible (just make sure it's light enough to write on). Use one to three pieces of paper, depending on the size and quantity of photographs you plan to include. Fold paper in half (like a book). With a hole punch or scissors create two holes, one toward the top and one toward the bottom of the book. Loop a small piece of yarn, string or ribbon through each hole and tie a bow at the spine of the book.
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4. Design a cover. Create a title. Attach a single photograph or a collage of photographs of yourself, or some favorites that you found in the magazines.
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5. Attach photographs to the pages of the book, filling each page with smiling faces. Experiment with adding a smile from one face to the eyes of another, or draw in crazy hair around a cut out face...have fun.
   
   TIP: Leave space weaving in and around the photographs to write quotes or things you like about the recipient. Jokes are always good too.
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6. Send, or deliver, your book and wait for the laughter to roll.