The Santa Ana Winds in Southern California can wreak havoc with anything that isn’t properly secured. I use cables, ropes, hooks, bungee cords and sand bags to keep my Prehistoric Pals from harm.
But first you need to decide where Your Prehistoric Pal will be perched. Prepare the Area – clear weeds, rake, level, etc. You have lots of choices for the base of Your Dinosaur’s Perch. Be creative! I have used various sizes and shapes of Concrete Stepping Stones.
You can paint the stones to blend in with the surrounds or standout. I made a dinosaur footprint template to give the appearance that little dinosaurs already scurried this way. Some of the footprints I painted blue for the illusion they are filled with water. Painting Flowers, Moss and lichen can further enhance Your Dinosaurs Perch. Using a Fence Post Digger, 12 inch Screw Eyes and Quikrete (concrete mix), I’ve created anchors that I can secure cables, ropes or bungee cords to make safety belts for my Prehistoric Pals.
Sand Bags covered in Concrete can be shaped to make and interesting Rock Mound for Your Dinosaur. For some of the taller Dinosaurs, I have added Sand Bags on top of the cables for more stability. I recently started dying the Burlap Bags Green to blend in more with the landscaping. With practice I hope to master how long to soak the bags to get the shade of green I need for a particular project. I will be experimenting with fabric paints to paint flowers, grass and maybe even small shrubs on the bags after they are in place.
Tree Stumps can provide different heights and work great with the natural surroundings. A Drill makes starter holes in the tree stumps, the socket wrench tightens the bolts and bungee cords secure the dinosaurs in place until the ropes & hooks are measured and secured. The Imagination doesn’t stop here! Inspiration is Everywhere! How would You Secure Your Prehistoric Pals?
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Fun Facts, Fiction & Crafts!
Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. Below are 3 of my favorites Museums. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site. Look for Gnatalie the Green Dinosaur! Plus T-Rex in 3D a Prehistoric Movie!
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.
1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)
Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)
I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)
Stay Safe & Well
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, comment below or email:
Thank you!