Crafts Kids

"Schools may not offer your child an art program, but there are many ways you can build art interest and appreciation at home:

Talk about art. Your enthusiasm will be contagious, whether you're discussing a painting at a local museum or a family quilt you are making. Tour your town's architecture, too, comparing structures and decorations.

Make art supplies available. Offering your child an array of materials - including paints, scraps of fabric, clay, and natural materials - and a comfortable space to work in will stimulate his interest and teach him that art is important.

Encourage creativity. Prompt your child to color "outside the lines." Be accepting and enthusiastic about her work, asking her questions and pointing out unique details.

Stimulate interest. Visit local museums and cultural centers. Enroll your child in a youth art program and attend art fairs together. Before your visit, discuss what you're about to see. Find things that relate to something he already likes, such as paintings or sculptures of favorite animals, foods, or hobbies.

Support art education in your community. If art is not a part of the school curriculum, discuss implementing a program, perhaps even after-school, or suggest field-trips, participation in national art programs, or opportunities to display children's art throughout the community".

(Source: Parent & Child Magazine)

Art Place Portfolio is divided into eight colorful sections for organizing art projects by year, subject, teacher, medium or any way you wish. There's ample room to hold paper sized up to 12" x 18" in the folder. All are decorated with the art of our favorite friends, children, and artists.

Top quality - and big enough for two artists at once! This outstanding hardwood easel offers fine craftsmanship and excellent value. Very stable, with central storage trays that lock the easel open, pinch-proof hinges that fold flat for easy storage, a green chalkboard on one side, and white wipe-off marker surface on the other. The Easel has two paint trays and a sturdy rod at the top to hold the 200-foot Easel Paper Roll. Easel requires minor assembly; tools and instructions included. For ages 6 to 9.

Young artists can get started painting right away with our spill-resistant Paint Pots and Brushes (6 of each) and bright Tempera Paints in 6 colors (8 ounces each).

Protect your floors with a rugged vintage-print splash mat - spills wipe easily off the oil cloth surface and you can also drape it over a table.

The ultimate in creative storytelling. Spiderman, the Hulk, Wolverine, and many more ~ these favorite comic-book characters are yours to control as you write, direct, and edit your own mini-masterpieces. Uses key concepts of stop-motion film: pose, capture, and animation. Includes video cable to preview and present masterpiece on TV. Also includes 4 different 2-dimensional characters and one poseable figure.

Children can sew like the pros with adjustable stitch lengths, 2 speeds, easy drop-in bobbin, foot pedal, and dual power options ~ includes AC adapter or runs on 4 "AA" batteries (not included). Includes case with everything from fabric and ribbon trim to sewing accessories and project ideas.

This award-winning Fashion Studio set comes with everything needed ~ including step-by-step instructions and master tips to help junior designers develop style, skills, and make real clothes. More than 30 pieces including fabric, trims, sewing essentials, and one 12" dress mannequin.

Children create fantastic outfits without being proficient at drawing. Simply choose from 12 dress, body, head, and texture templates to create unique combinations. Place the templates in the holder, and with included paper, 4 crayons, and crayon holder, rub the plates to create the silhouette of the model. Also comes with 10 colored pencils. Colors may vary. Size 13"l, Weight 2 lbs. (Age 3+)

Two struggling art students experimented with vinyl shapes to inexpensively decorate their walls, and Colorforms was born. Since 1951, this award-winner has been all about open-ended creativity. Includes more than 350 vinyl shapes in a spiral-bound book with art boards. Children love to decorate the car windows on family outings, and parents enjoy the easy clean-up! Colorforms provides open-ended play that teaches basic shapes, colors, and creativity. Made in the U.S.A. Board size 16"l x 12"w. (Age 3+)

Convenient carrying case includes the right non-toxic art supply for every creative moment. Includes more than 80 pieces: 6 assorted colors of modeling dough, 4 animal-shaped dough molds, 4 dough cutters, 6 foam print stamps, 6 stencils, 24 colored chalk, 24 crayons, 6 poster paints, 2 paint mixing trays, 1 paint brush, 4 sheets of paper, and sponges for paint. Size 121/2"w, Weight 3 lbs. (Age 4+)

This award-winning kit includes everything needed for budding authors to write, illustrate, and design their own book for hardback publication. Step-by-step guide and supplies help authors complete manuscript, dedication, and biography pages. Choose one of six book cover color options and mail your 12 pages of creative work in included postage-paid envelope ~ or send electronically on-line. In a few weeks receive a bound book. Creative fun never goes out of style! Made in the U.S.A. Book size 9"l x 7"w. (Age 5+)