Unbeknownst to me, and just in time for Easter, there is an annual “Washington Post Peeps Diorama Contest.” I had to read it twice before I actually believe such a genius, delicious contest could exist.
What happens when you combine a grade school art project + gingerbread house + quintessential Easter treats? You get Easter’s answer to the graham cracker, icing + gumdrop architecture, and some of the cleverest, sweetest three-dimensional renderings I’ve ever seen. This year’s contest marked the fourth year in which competitors out-cuted each other via their mastery of popsicle sticks, felt, miscellaneous other materials and Peeps marshmallow treats, and this year’s winner, pictured above, was just announced.
The winning display depicts a recreated scene from the animated Pixar film, Up, but the entries range from dioramas representing actual events, to miniature models of childhood bedtime stories, as in this scene from Goodnight Moon {yes, those are sleeping Peeps!}:
Many of the projects took their cue from timeless childrens’ literature and film stories, but some creative visionaries depicted activities, ranging from a snowball fight, to a synchronized swimming group, to a grocery store visit, to a Wii tennis match.
Visit the photo gallery here, and scheme up your ideas for next year!: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/03/29/GA2010032903934.html?sid=ST2010032904380
The only challenge left for now is to thoroughly satisfy my suddenly noticeable sweet tooth!
~ lauren
