How To Make Amazing Crafts With Kids

The education benefit of arts & crafts

Arts and crafts can be used to apply hands-on learning to any subject. Using crafts this way helps kids think more in-depth about the subject of their artwork or craft projects. Virtually any subject matter can be taught using arts & crafts with a little creativity. For instance, if you are learning about world geography, you could have the kids make a tissue paper globe.
Learn about holidays, history, and any other topic your kids should study. Even math can be enriched through arts and crafts. Remember that school isn’t the only place kids should be learning; your kids will be much more willing and excited to learn if you make learning fun with interactive arts and crafts projects.

Some ideas for kids’ arts & crafts

Kids’ arts and crafts can be quick and simple to keep the attention of on-the-go toddlers. They can also be sophisticated and complex for older kids who are up to a challenge. To get an idea of the scope of arts and crafts projects out there, take a trip to your local arts and crafts store or teacher’s supply shop. These stores will have pre-designed craft kits, including jewelry art, painting kits, and other craft ideas. Each kit will come with instructions and all of the materials you require.

Another good idea, once you have gained some experience, is to walk arts and craft stores to shop for kids’ art ideas. Here are some ideas: try rock painting, where kids can create arts and crafts by designing something unique. A ladybug, bird, lizard, butterfly, the possibilities are endless. They can start out by painting on poster board or construction paper to perfect their design. Or jump right in and beautify their hand picked rock with their own unique design and color scheme. Its fun, its challenging, and I must say quite rewarding when the project is finished. Dad would love the paperweight and Mom would love the decorative keepsake.

This is a great craft because kids of all ages can join in. Young children can use their imaginations to create simple objects on a rock formation. Older kids may enjoy incorporating other supplies such as beads, or gemstones, onto their art.

Arts and crafts allows kids to openly express themselves, even at very young ages. Despite all these positives, the best reason for getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is that it is fun!

Pauline Libutti

Artist & Writer

http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/

Why Do We Craft?

You Are Talented, Creative and Expressive
There are many people who just love to dabble in crafts. But why? Is is for fame? Money? Endorsements? No, we feel it's for the sheer enjoyment of being challenged, to feel relaxed and for a small moment in time you feel you are talented, creative and expressive. We like the process of thinking of an idea, designing it, making it, and seeing if maybe someone else likes it as much as we do.


Connected To The Source
Through this process we feel we are connected to the infinite source of creative energy. But unlike the rest of creation, we work awfully hard to suppress it. Birds sing, wolves howl, crickets chirp. Why? They do it because they are alive. They do it because life is about making things...Turn away from judment and negative theories about your worth, and seize each day with enthusiasm. Enjoy your craft and what you are able to acomplish which in the end really makes you feel good about yourself.


Take Baby Steps
Remember, life is not a dress rehersal. There is only one go around here so if you don't pursue your passion, then when? Give yourself time, take baby steps exploring what happens and acquiring knowledge. You didn't learn to use words in a week, it took years to aquire perfection in lanquage and speech. The same is due for your creativity side, but pursue it with the same persistence, determination, and fascination.


Something To Think About
Here is something to think about. A truth that challenges a common assumption: that the most important thing about creating art is the painting. The painting is not the most important thing. Yes, it may win us a prize or even make us a living. It might even make us famous. But even more important than the painting we create is what happens to us when we complete it.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRockCritters.com
Copyright 2007 CraftyCritters Newsletter