Crafty Self-Expression Is Good For The Soul
Crafting is a tremendous teaching tool for the resourceful parent. Let's discuss some of the ways you can provide your child with some artsy guidance and crafty inspiration for those days when they're bored to tears, and start singing the "there's nothing to do blues!"
With just a little forethought and planning, we can help your child turn that unhappy little tune into a fully fledged symphony of artistic masterpieces.
You've just tuned in to Connie's Crafts 4 Kids, and I'm here to help you find your way through the maze of creativity that can be found in the heart of your child when they are looking for something to do!
Ballerina Coasters (c) Connie Walcott All Rights Reserved
Tools Of The Trade
What Comes To Mind When You Think of "Crafting" For Kids?
You need to look deep into your child's heart to capture a vision of the real beauty that is being created during your child's art and craft activities.
If all you see is the glittery mess on the table, I challenge you to tip your head up; there, that's it, a little more... now, just pause for a minute and let your eyes adjust to the dazzling light that is radiating from within the heart of the little "ar-teest" who is sitting in front of you!
THAT is the real masterpiece that is being created...
The joy of the creative process is inequivocally the most stunning display of beauty that can be imagined. In the case of a child's creative process, that dazzle is amplified one-hundred fold!
Beauty Is In The Eye of The Beholder...
So, Be a Great Beholder!
You are developing strong family ties that will be your child's first line of defense when it comes to living in the adult world. Maturity and the demands of life are quickly encroaching on their time of childhood innocence and wonder.
So, make sure they learn how to play while they are young enough to learn how to play!
Traditional Crafty Ideas
As you can see, writing about crafting is one of my favorite crafting activities
Summer is often a frantic time for the mom whose house is filled to overflowing with kids who need an outlet for their boundless energy.My house has been that house, so I understand how long and tiring your summer days can sometimes be...
That's why I'm busily building lenses and websites that will provide you with the tips and tools to help you keep your little brood busy with crafty, clever and creative projects. The other side of that coin is to take good care of yourself at the same time... you need rest, recreation and the time to express YOUR creative self as much as your kids do!
It takes some time to get my ideas into a virtual format; but I'm really enjoying the process! I look forward to sharing more of my ideas with you, and hope that you and your kids enjoy my crafty projects as much as I enjoy writing them for you!
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Crafter's Guide: Scrapbooking Tools
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The world of crafting is filled to overflowing with tools for every kind of hobby imaginable! This guide is intended for new crafters who are looking for some help with selecting basic tools for the craft that you have decided to pursue. I've been...
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Crafter's Guide: How-To Glue It!
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For a successful craft project, it's essential to be familiar with your equipment, and how to use it. The same is true when it comes to gluing your projects together. I use several different types of glue on a regular basis...as you can see by my pho...
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Happy Birthday, Le Petite Artist... It's Time to Draw Up Your Party Plans!
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If they can dream it, they can think it...if they can think it, they can color it. If they can color it, they can create it! So, what is it that fuels the fire of creativity for your young artist? Watercolor, drawing, acrylics, oil or sculpting? Whate...
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Crafter's Guide: Artist's Paint Brushes
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Painting is one of the most rewarding activities you can indulge in! An afternoon spent mixing, blending, and painting is time well spent... When it comes to decorative painting, you can achieve many different affects by using just a few basic b...
Think Outside The Box, Please
Craft Projects Can Be Invaluable In Your Child's Education
Just think, you may be raising the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 2050!Engaging your child in the learning process does not have to be dull and boring. Science experiments can be an adventure in thinking, as well as an adventure in mud, muck, and slimy sensations that sharpen your child's developing thought processes.
Did you ever think that teaching your kids to craft could also empower you to become the parent of a child who is equipped to change the world?
The ability to master critical thinking is one of the best gifts you could ever provide for your child... who would have ever thought you could find that gift in the muck and the mire of making mud pies!
Clara (c) All Rights Reserved
I created Clara from an old pair of sweat pants, some felt and yellow ribbons. She has been very popular with friends and family, and has taken on a life of her own! She's become the vehicle I needed for teaching my crafty ideas for kids.
Visit Clara's Coop
Science Experiments Offer Endless Creative Activities That Also Engage The Mind
The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! (Everything Kids Series)
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
Science Experiments
Summer Vacation Can Be a Time of Field Trips & Adventures in Learning
The library abounds with ideas that will teach your child about music, science, or any other topic that captures their attention. Let your child's interests be the governing factor when you are gathering your ideas for their crafting time.
For instance, a child who has an interest in plants will need a field pack so they can gather "specimens" for their experiments.
Leaves and stones may be a part of the great outdoors, but in the hands of the inquisitive child; they become tremendous learning tools, as well as inexpensive components for an intellectually stimulating crafty project!
Dora The Explorer
Let's Go On An Outdoor Adventure Together!
Dora the Explorer Mr. Face Backpack Plush Purple
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/27/2009)
ScienceWiz Chemistry Experiments Kit and Book 35 Experiments, Chemistry
Amazon Price: $19.07 (as of 12/27/2009)
A Study Of Photosynthesis Is The Perfect Opportunity For a Field Trip
Supplies For Your Experiment
Beaker - 250ml Glass
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
BUNN BCF250 Commercial Coffee Filters
Amazon Price: $5.23 (as of 12/27/2009)
Sally Hansen Polish Remover 8 oz. Strengthening
Amazon Price: $2.29 (as of 12/27/2009)
Pre-Sharpened American #2 Pencils, Yellow SAN12235
Amazon Price: $1.82 (as of 12/27/2009)
Scotch Gift Wrap Tape, 3/4 inch, 3 rolls
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
Document Your Studies In Clara's Photosynthesis Journal
Journal
Price: 10.49
Art Offers The Opportunity To Develop Self-Awareness AND Self-Discipline
...For You AND For Your Kids!
It's important for you to maintain the self discipline that's necessary to allow your child to experience the full spectrum of artistic expression.
Toddlers and pre-schoolers just want to experience the taste, touch and feel of their supplies.
But, as children begin to mature and their personality begins to develop, they need you to take the time to be intentional in the preparation of their artistic endeavors.
While it's easier to just offer your child a table full of random art supplies, it's wiser to understand that you are placing invaluable tools into the hands of your potential winner of the Nobel Peace Prize!
When you introduce your kids to glitter, glue and paper mache; you are crafting more than just a picture, an ashtray or a finely written poem. You are crafting a legacy of love that has the potential to change the world... and that is by far the far greater treasure.
Thinking Is For Grown-Ups...
Your Kids Just Want To Have Fun!
Right now, when they are young and full of energy... your overall goal is to keep them supplied with "stuff" and just let them have fun!
The thinking will come soon enough... and because you have provided them ample opportunities to fully engage in self-expression... they will be ready!
The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of
There is a hunger within the human heart that can only be filled with the beauties that are expressed through the arts. The proof is in the purchases!
Just think about how many times you have purchased a CD, theater tickets, a fine art print, an exquisitely fashioned piece of jewelry or a beautifully embellished garment. Do you remember the sense of excitement you felt as you made your purchase?
Imagine, if you can... the heart of the artist who created the masterpiece that captured your heart, AND gained access to your wallet!
Perhaps, one day... if you keep offering them the opportunity to engage in their passion for the arts, your child will be the one whose artistic expressions are the purchases that everyone will be talking about!
With All Of That Being Said, The Most Important Factor Is To...
Happy Painter (c) From the Microsoft Clipart Gallery All Rights Reserved
So, Let The Fun Begin!
An Afternoon of Crafting Begins With All Of The Essential Supplies...
Create Your Project
Then Watch The Kids Scatter When It's Time To Clean Up!
Oh, No You Don't... Don't You Dare Let Them Get Away With That!
You have to remember that my house has been that house where all the kids come to play. It's all well and good for the kids to have fun, but they also need to be engaged in the responsibilities of family living!
The task of cleaning up should be shared by everyone who has participated. The measure of their responsibility is based on several factors.
Everyone is going to "clean" from a different perspective. My clean up time includes sifting, sorting and returning my tools to their proper place in my studio, but for kids; the clean up process is as simple as dumping their water bowls and throwing everything else into a great big box!
A Parents Work Goes On Long After The Crafting Is Done
There's always laundry waiting to be folded, the dishwasher needs emptied and it will soon be time to cook yet another meal for the family.
So, you tell me... do you want to do the cleaning up all by yourself?
No way, Jose! They may fuss a bit, and be really, really feeble in their attempts to help you clean; but it's important that you insist on their help.
Yes, they may fuss a bit... but that's okay. They'll get over it!
Good Parenting Can Be Tough, But One Day... They Will Thank You For It
Image From Microsoft Clipart Gallery (c) All Rights Reserved
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Connie's Crafts 4 Kids
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When your kids are bored and you need some help in a hurry, drop by my new website for some very crafty rescue measures! You will find ideas for projects, patterns and instructions, as well as some very crafty gear! My sites are always kid friendly,...
Follow Me at Squidoo
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Giant Squid Connie
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God's Grace Notes is the handle that I've adopted, because the Bible is the place that I found just that... God's Grace, written in many notes; in a book created just for me! Well; I know that the Bible was written for all of us, but it's had such a...
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God's Grace Notes Lensography
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Greetings, Friends! As I am learning my way around the web, and becoming more involved in the world of social networking, I have discovered it takes at LEAST 8 arms to keep up with the demands of passwords, logins, registrations, lens updates.... You...
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Welcome To Squidoo
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Squidoo has grown to Giant proportions, so it may seem a bit overwhelming if you are new to the community. Not to worry! The kingdom of Squid is filled with Squid Angels, Gentle Giants, Organizers, Mentors, and lots of great lensmasters who love to h...
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Squidoo Tips From a Veteran Squid Angel
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It's time to fly! Yes, it's true....the founding class of Squid Angel's has flown away home to hang up our Squid Angel wings. The baton has been passed to the next class of Angels who will be seeking to discover the best lenses in every category at S...
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Connie's Craft-a-Holics Club Headquarters
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I confess, I admit it... I'm addicted to crafting! I don't want my "stuff" to look like everyone else's so I make my own. Join the club, and see how easy it is to learn how to make your own crafts and kids projects. You will soon discover just how ea...
by gods_grace_notes
Hello World!
Have you ever endured a season in your life when you just couldn't seem to find yourself? I certainly have!
I found the answ...
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