Encourage the creativity in your children by providing them with the time, resurces and the space for making art. Try to set aside interruption-free time for drawing, in a mess-proof zone – so that their creativity can run wild. Make sure you cover all surfaces so that any splashes of paint or scribbles of crayon are ‘caught’ – because  nothing squishes creativity more so than a parent saying “Don’t make a mess” every 2 minutes.

Choose the right drawing materials too as this is very  important. Many craft materials can be improvised, but when drawing tools and paper are required, opt for a small selection of good quality age-appropriate products, rather than loads of inferior products. Be sure to check safety information and follow instructions. Young children should always be surpervised during ‘art time’ because many necessary materials – such as crayons – pose a choking hazard.

Surroundings: As with writing or working at a computer, good posture and a comfortable position are important for drawing. A child-size table and chair is actually preferable to an easel. If the chair is a little high, provide a phone book as a footrest. A coffee table and a cheap plastic chair work well. A small kitchen storage trolley is a perfect solution for containing supplies, or if space does not allow, a portable fishing tackle or tool box is a good option too. Messy toddlers may need a drop-cloth and supervision to avoid ink-stained walls, as even ‘washable’ pens often don’t deliver on that promise!

Art Materials: Avoid cheap markers, too-hard pencils and thin paints – these types of materials are discouraging to the child and therefore  a waste of money. Provide many sheets of blank paper to inspire their crativity and occasionally invest in a large canvas so that your child can paint something ‘grand’ and chances are you’ll want to hang it on your wall!  Provide also coloring books or coloring pages which are bountiful online – coloring pages are not so great for creativity, however they do provide children with the  chance to practice their fine motor skills and sometimes it’s very relaxing and just what they need to simply color in without the ‘pressure’ of thinking about WHAT to draw. 

For example little girls may enjoy coloring images of Barbie and at sites like Barbie Coloring Pages you’ll find the best coloring pictures of Barbie

When it comes to drawing and coloring, at each age/stage of your child’s life provide….

Toddlers

• Child-safe markers and wipe-off boards
• Chalk boards and safe chalk
• Plain paper and coloring pages

Juniors

• Sketchbook
• Student colored pencils
• Washable Markers
• Oil pastels
• Plain paper and coloring pages

Middle School

• Sketchbook  or scrapbook
• Graphite Pencils
• Watercolor sketch paper
• Watercolor pencils
• Marker pens, marker paper
• Plain paper and coloring pages

High School

• Sketchbook  or scrapbook
• Quality drawing papers and boards
• Graphite Pencils
• Artists’ quality colored pencils
• Illustration markers, marker paper
• Pastel paper and hard pastels if liked
• Plain paper and canvases to work on

All ages

• Safe sharpeners, erasers, dusters, stencils and rulers
• A  folder for storing large pieces
• Storage boxes for smaller pieces
• Consider photographing or scanning pieces for a permanent record.

Sewing is a great way to let your creativity and talent shine. Thats why we all should use our creativeness when we sew.

One of the greatest things about sewing is the opportunity to express yourself, be creative, and show your unique style.I read a great quote (unfortunately I didn’t write down the author in my journal) part of which stated, "the problem with many human systems and organizations is that they… promote unity to the extent that the individual becomes a member of the herd and loses himself".

 Any of us who have gone to school as a child, can understand this statement. How sad it is that some kids get so heavily influenced by peer pressure that they lose themselves, and their ability to celebrate their own special uniqueness.

Sewing can provide an awesome opportunity for kids/all people to step out of the box and be themselves.  Give them your tips  for sewing for beginners.

Encourage all of your kids to find a way to place their own mark on what they are making. It can be using a different colored thread for a top stitch, adding a piece of fringe or rick rack,  sewing a zigzag stitch  instead of straight ones.

 Sewing Basics: Patterns

If you are following a pattern, find a way to add something to the directions.

By doing this not only are you encouraging them to be themselves, you are also helping them to expand their creativi and to not be afraid to try something new. Some great ways for  beginners  to do something different and special, is by buying a plain colored t shirt, and letting them add some lace on the sleeves or at the bottom of the shirt. Young kids that can’t sew straight, can  sew zigzag stitches  in different colors all over the bottom of a shirt.

We enjoy giving a special touch to some of our clothes we buy. Especially adding things to our jeans and shorts. The main thing you are wanting them to learn, is that there is no right or wrong with  creativity .

For those of you who are interested in the full quote:
"True, we are important as individuals, but the individual is understood primarily in terms of his unity with others. The trouble with many human systems and organizations is that they promote man’s individuality at the expense of his relationship with others, or promote unity to the extent that the individual becomes a member of the herd and loses himself. The key to the balance between individuality and unity is found in sharing ideas with one another in mutual trust and appreciation. Each one finds himself as he experiences this fellowship with others and with God."

Did you get that, "the key to the balance between individuality and unity is found in sharing ideas with one another in mutual trust and appreciation". You can provide this balance when you are sewing with your children. An opportunity for each of you to work together on completing a project , and each of you sharing, presenting, and appreciating each other’s unique addition to the design.

Sometimes, as authority figures, we can get lost in having everyone follow the rules exactly, that we miss opportunities for these little ones to show us new ways to see and do things. My girls have taught me completely new ways of putting something together, through their own  unique sewing style .

 Want To Learn How To Sew Like A Professional? Watch Video And Click Here! 

By Kristi Borchardt Published: 9/8/2007 Return Back To Home

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