Design Mom posted some great tips yesterday about crafting with kids. She also leaves a list of links with craft projects she has previously posted on with instructions. Here are a few of my favorite tips she offered:
DM – “You don’t have to keep it forever. Crafts are often 3-D and can quickly accumulate and take up lots of space. Not everything your child makes is a masterpiece. Say goodbye to some old crafts when new crafts come into your life — before you start resenting crafts in general. Much of the value of crafts is in the making.”
My kids like gluing anything and everything to paper. I have a small box we keep the finished art in and I go through it when it starts getting full. I try writing on the back who made it and when. Before throwing it away I take a picture so I can eventually make a book out of their art. One day I’m sure they will look back and laugh at the little masterpieces that once made them so proud.
DM – “Admit to yourself it’s going to be messy. If that stresses you out, cover surfaces with newsprint or butcher paper to catch bits of paper and glitter and drops of glue. Use materials (adhesive, markers, etc.) that are washable. Then relax. If you get paint on your hands, it’s okay. If your child gets marker on her shirt, it will wash. When you’re finished, roll up the newsprint and discard the mess easily.”
Initially the mess did get to me but I got over it real quick when I saw how much fun they had crafting. I made a little art area for the kids in my office. When they are done I wipe down the table with a baby wipe and everything usually comes right off.
Thanks Design Mom for the wonderful tips and craft ideas!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I saw the coolest ideas this week for saving kids art work. After taking all of those digital photos, you can create a slideshow on your desktop, print out smaller versions for grandparents, or (my favorite!) make a big collage out of their mini art prints.
I love the idea of taking pictures of their artwork. Storage is the problem we are running into in my house. I want to keep them, but they take up so much space! Taking pictures of the artwork will help solve that issue.
As far as craft ideas go…I have saved extra birthday invitations or ones that were sent to us for the character pictures on them. The kids like to write on them and “mail” them.
Well, I found you through the blog carnival. No, actually I found you through smellyann’s blog, and I found her through the carnival giveaway. I looked at your giveaway, too, but I got distracted by your posts! LOL. Anyway.
I love the statement you quoted: “Much of the value of crafts are in the making.” So true. When I make something, I totally enjoy the process. But then, I discount that because I turn around and want it to be useful, too, so I can justify keeping it around. Not always necessary!
And that idea is very freeing. In fact, I can think of some things right now that I could discreetly dispose of, and no one would ever come back and ask me, “You know that [thing] I made? Do you still have it?” They probably will not remember because the value and the enjoyment came from the making. What an epiphany for me today. Thank you!!