Introduction to Crafting With Kids

It's typical to limit our thinking when it comes to crafting for kids. Glitter, glue and paper mache may not be the stuff that a masterpiece is made from... or is it?

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!

You are your child's best defense when it comes to protecting the delicate self-esteem that is being created during these all important hours of self-expression. Your child is creating so much more than a card, a picture frame or a hat for Grandma.

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!

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.

Developing a child's passion for learning can be as easy as pointing them in the right direction!

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!

The hardest part of crafting with kids is governing your level of your participation in their creative process.

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.

Time will pass all too quickly, and your children will be thrust headlong into the world of grown-up thinking.

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 human spirit is strong, resilient, and cries out for creative expression. Paper, paint, fabric and precious stones can be powerful voices when they are skillfully molded in the hands of a master artisan.

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!

LOL... can you hear the "mom" voice coming out in me?

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!

Just remember, even though the kids are off for some well-deserved play time... you will be heading back to take care of the more mundane tasks that are part of your parenting duties.

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!