Wizard of Oz Crafts
“We are off to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of Oz…” In celebration of Frank L. Balm’s birthday on May 15th, we are making ‘Wizard of Oz themed crafts.
Frank L Balm was a well know children’s author from upstate New York most known for the ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ series. That’s correct a series of fourteen novels that went on to inspire a couple of movies and Broadway shows.
Later in life, Mr. Balm aspired to run a production studio to make films and shows for children. It is because of his passion to influence the imagination of Children we decided to dedicate this newsletter to Oz inspired crafts.
We begin with the tornado that swept Dorothy off to the land of Oz. Children will have fun adding items to his or her own tornado.
Tornado Craft Project
Next, we are making the famous wicked witch’s shoes. In the book, they were originally silver but Hollywood wanted to show off their new Technicolor technology. The director and producers thought the red would show up better on screen and changed the color. Feel free to make the shoes whatever color your little artist would prefer.
Dorothy’s Shoe Craft Project
We are making lots of Oz themed crafts today, and ‘her little dog too!’ Let’s make our own version of Toto.
Dog Craft Project
Dorothy makes some new friends along her journey to meet the wizard. First a scarecrow, then a tin man, and finally a lion. Here are some crafts to make Dorothy’s friends.
Scarecrow Craft Project
Tin Man Craft Project
Lion Craft Project
Dorothy’s trip through the Land of Oz is not without some enemies. Next, we are giving the wicked witch a new hairstyle and then making some of her flying monkeys.
Witch Craft Project
Flying Monkey Craft Project
Spoiler alert… at the end of the story Dorothy meets the wizard and is supposed to take a hot air balloon ride home. But the balloon flies off without her. She finds out she has the power to wish herself home all along. In our last two projects, we are making a wizards hat and a hot air balloon.
Wizard’s Hat Craft Project
Hot Air Balloon Craft Project
We hope you had fun visiting the Land of Oz with arts and craft time. I know you will be telling your little wizard, ‘You’re so creative!’