How to Make Amazing Crafts with Kids By Mary Amos Platinum Quality Author

Arts & crafts with kids!

There are countless reasons why it is a great idea to do arts and crafts with your kids. For one, working on arts & crafts helps to hone children's creativity. Arts and crafts can also help promote teamwork and sharing, as well as offering the perfect opportunity to bond and find new common interests. Arts and crafts also allow kids to openly express themselves, even at very young ages. Nonetheless, despite all these positives, the best reason for getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is that it is fun! If you are panicking that you will not know how to guide your child through their first craft, there is no need to worry; there are plenty of arts and crafts ideas for all ages from pre-schoolers up through teenage artists.

Best practices for doing arts & crafts with kids

1. Don't ask "What is it?" when you are befuddled as to the identity of your kid's final creation. Just ask your kid to tell you more about their art or craft, and let them explain how they see their creation.

2. There will be a mess. There is nothing you can do about it. As soon as you make that realization, the whole experience will be far more enjoyable. Indeed, sometimes it is even important to make a mess. Take that knowledge to plan ahead. Get a large clear workspace for your kids, and give them the opportunity to be creative without having to worry about getting paint on your new Persian rug

2. Making arts and crafts is supposed to be about using your imagination. For this reason, try not to show your kids a completed craft as an example. Instead, let your kids learn to interpret the instructions as they wish in order to truly be creative. This will also give your kids a good lesson on the best ways to follow and adapt instructions.

4. Making arts and crafts requires a lot of focus. For this reason, it is best to get your kids to calm down a bit before placing them in front of glue and scissors.

Basic supplies for making arts & crafts with kids

Just like your kitchen pantry, a kid's craft drawer should have a few staples. While you may need something more specific for special crafts, for the most part you will be able to get by with the following list: kid-friendly paint, scissors, crayons, etc. It's also a good idea to keep a drawer stocked with construction paper, beads, glitter, paint brushes, glue sticks, and the ever popular "wiggly eyes."

The education benefit of arts & crafts

Arts and crafts can be used to apply hands-on learning to any subject. Using crafts this way helps kids think more in-depth about the subject of their artwork or craft projects. Virtually any subject matter can be taught using arts & crafts with a little creativity. For instance, if you are learning about world geography, you could have the kids make a tissue paper globe.

Learn about holidays, history, and any other topic your kids should study. Even math can be enriched through arts and crafts. Remember that school isn't the only place kids should be learning; your kids will be much more willing and excited to learn if you make learning fun with interactive arts and crafts projects.

Some ideas for kids' arts & crafts

Kids' arts and crafts can be quick and simple to keep the attention of on-the-go toddlers. They can also be sophisticated and complex for older kids who are up to a challenge. To get an idea of the scope of arts and crafts projects out there, take a trip to your local arts and crafts store or teacher's supply shop. These stores will have pre-designed craft kits, including jewelry art, painting kits, and other craft ideas. Each kit will come with instructions and all of the materials you require.

Another good idea, once you have gained some experience, is to walk arts and craft stores to shop for kids' art ideas. Here are some ideas: try straw painting, where kids can create arts and crafts by blowing paint through a straw onto a poster board or construction paper; or let your kids dip marbles in paint and roll them across the painting surface for a messy (but fun!) painting project. If you are looking for something a bit less messy then try pipe cleaner art. This is a great craft because kids of all ages can join in. Young children can use their imaginations to create simple objects out of pipe cleaners. Older kids may enjoy incorporating other supplies such as beads into pipe cleaner art.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been creating amazing projects for kids and families for years. See her exciting new ideas at Arts and Crafts with Kids, and be sure to visit Arts and Crafts for more fun projects!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos

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Tips For Encouraging Kids With Crafts By Lily Morgan Platinum Quality Author

When it comes to kids and crafts, often the first thing that comes to mind is the mess that often results. Allowing kids to get creative doesn't have to be messy and can in fact be quite the opposite. A little extra planning makes creative play fun while keeping it convenient and clean. Children should always be encouraged to use their imagination while furthering their artistic abilities. Parents need to remember that most of the learning kids do takes place while they are at play.

One of the greatest inventions to come along is chalk. It sounds so simple but it's true. Buy a container of outdoor sidewalk chalk and watch your child go wild. It's perfect for sharing so have them work as a group to draw and colour on the sidewalk or driveway. It gives them a great canvas to work with and is easy to clean up. Rinse it away with the garden hose later or allow the next rain to take care of it. There is a novelty that comes with drawing with bold colours outside for the entire world to see. Enjoy your child's artistic expressions.

Perhaps the best place to get messy with creative crafts is in the bathtub. It only makes sense to get clean at the same time. Most department stores carry paint that is made for use in the bath. It's specially formulated so that kids can paint on the shower doors or the bathtub wall tile with their fingers. After they finish, simply rinse it away. This is nice for the busy family that benefits from combining activities.

It's understandable that many mothers that work or stay home with the kids get extremely busy. However, it's important to take some time out to devote to participating with your kids while they do crafts. Not only does it make them feel that you're involved in their creative projects, it also gives you a much needed time out to simply laugh with the kids.

Kids really enjoy creating things that can later be used. Things like candy bowls are easy to make and fun for children to decorate. A jewellery box that has been hand decorated makes a great gift for grandparents or teachers. Picture frames work just as well. Use everything from glitter to fake fur to put an original touch on something that can be reused repeatedly. Receiving these types of gifts is just as special as giving it.

There is one key point that will encourage kids to continue exercising their imagination through arts and crafts. Praise is known for being a powerful mode of encouragement. It tells kids that you truly enjoy what they are doing and that can be all it takes for them to continue their love of art. Showing appreciation for a child's creation is positive reinforcement which will fuel them through life. The little things you do now to encourage them will follow them into later years, causing them to excel when they need it the most. Encouraging kids with crafts produces skill and exercises their ability to create.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lily_Morgan

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Wiggles Crafts That Kids Can Make And Have Lots Of Fun With By Gail Leino Platinum Quality Author

Kids everywhere love the wiggles. They will have a lot of fun making crafts for the different characters. The characters that they can do a craft for are, Dorothy, Henry and Wags the dog. The character that they do is up to you unless you want to give the children the chance to choose themselves.
Here are the materials you will need for this Wiggles craft of Wags the dog.

Template (You can find this online or draw your own)

Toilet paper tube

Crayons

Glue or tape

Scissors

Construction paper

The first thing you want to do is to print out the template(s) that you want to use. You can either print this on regular paper or on construction paper, the thicker the paper the better. Then you or the kids can cut out the template of the Wiggles character. The kids can color where needed.

Then they want to glue the large rectangular piece around the toilet paper tube so that the whole thing is covered. Glue the tummy (oval piece) to the center front of the tube. Glue the head and arms. The tummy can overlap the tummy a little bit. Now glue the legs onto the bottom of the toilet paper tube. You can do this so that it looks like Wags is sitting down with the feet out in front. Fold the tail in half so it is colored on both sides. Bend the tab of the tail and glue it on the back. This will give the Wiggles dog a 3D look.

Now they have their own Wiggles dog that they can have fun with. They will be able to play with this craft for hours of fun. They can also be proud of the craft that they made themselves.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for Wiggles party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Wiggles Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

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Craft Making For Kids By David Urmann Platinum Quality Author

Crafts are any project that involves a step by step procedure to achieve an end result. There are many kinds of crafts one can do, like beading, paper folding, sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting or card making. The list is endless. And craft activities can be done with kids. It enhances their creativity and it is a good opportunity also to bond with them.

Craft making is one personal way of showing the creativity of a person. This shows the love and affection of the creator. The gifts that are made from craft making are usually designed specially for the receiver. Even though crafts are homemade, it does not need to be simple or out from the scratch. You can actually make crafts that are specially designed.

You can ask any assistance from persons who have knowledge of craft to help you make one craft that is beautiful and creative. If you are going to do crafts, you would certainly need to buy a few supplies to be able to make your craft possible. The crafts that you will do will have to depend to the age of your craft receiver. Craft activities are time consuming but the time usually pass by quickly when you are well into what you are doing.

The bonding moment easily ensues as the parents and kids help each other out towards perfecting a certain project. All of the group members partake in giving suggestions to make the craft project turn out beautiful. And while doing their own assignments in the project, it is a great opportunity also to talk or bring up some concerns.

Indulging in crafts with your kids is a good way to imbibe social interaction in them at an early age. This is better compared to immersing your kids to playing computer games all day long alone in their rooms.

Making crafts enhances mental thinking. Children become quick-witted as they think of ideas always for new craft projects. Besides this, they also slowly learn how to decide for themselves, even if it is just making small decisions at first, like what color or materials to use.

Crafts also are an avenue for children to express their individualities. And the sense of self-satisfaction at the end of the project is priceless. It promotes self-confidence and self-esteem.

There are many craft stores in the malls. Buying the basics is not difficult or expensive. For starters, you can get glue sticks, stickers, paints, papers, foams, beads, glitters, markers, crayons and scissors.

As a child is well under way any kind of craft, he will get ideas on how to make it more beautiful, and you can help him procure the extra materials during the process. The ideas will just pour in as he becomes more familiarized with what he is doing. The ideas will also come to him as he tries to break the monotony of the project. His mind will be forced to think of new ways to liven up the project.

There are many simple craft ideas you can do with your kids for starters. Examples are straw painting, aluminum foil sculptures, squeeze balls, toothpick sculpture, piper cleaner art, fingertip pictures, envelope art, clay molding and windsock. There are many reference materials you will find in libraries, bookstores or craft stores for easy step by step procedures.

As the children develop their interest in crafts, you can move on to more complex projects. It will not be long before you find your children inventing their own designs already.

For more information on Craft Ideas and Country Craft Ideas please visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann

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Why Kids Crafts Are Important By Katelyn Grace Willett

Crafting is one of the most interesting hobbies one can enjoy. Many adults enjoy different types of crafts, such as sewing, knitting, and scrapbooking. However, crafts should not only be enjoyed by adults, but children should also be encouraged from a young age to be involved in craft making.

Children can reap many benefits from making crafts. By making crafts, children can build their imagination. This is very important for the children's development. Apart from having endless fun, they can express themselves creatively and achieve the sense of accomplishment. There are many types of easy kids crafts that children can enjoy. Crafts that involve drawing, coloring, painting, cutting, gluing, and even stamping can excite children. Parents should not be afraid of their children making mess. Simple precautions like lining the floor with old newspaper or old cloth, or even having their children wear old clothes should do the trick. Buy paints that are lead-free, do not stain and safe for children. Older children can handle more complicated crafts, such as sewing, knitting or carpentry. Most of the children who enjoyed making crafts as a child will usually enjoy them as they grow up and become adults.

Making crafts can help children learn educational values, such as learning more on mathematics by identifying shapes and sizes. They will be able to learn more about colors and shapes, learn how to measure using a ruler, and practice drawing and coloring. These activities allow them to express themselves better, thus helping them deal with the problem they might have in school. Many professional psychologists analyze children's drawings to understand them better. Children who enjoy making crafts also have great hand-eye coordination and motor control. They will be able to do things like drawing an animal by copying from a book or even imitating what their teachers are demonstrating in art classes. Apart from that, they are also able to think faster and make decisions quicker, hence making them smarter.

Parents can organize birthday parties and have their children invite their friends and have craft-making activities. Easy kids craft such as making party hats, friendship bracelets or simple origami like paper planes should be a hit with the children. Let the children make crafts together and encourage them to exchange them. Crafts like friendship bracelets should be perfect for this. The children can learn the value of friendship and this will help them communicate better. Parents can also join their children and make crafts together, like making a huge collage of the family photos. Frame it and hang it where everyone can see it. Each time anyone asks about it, be proud and tell him or her how a lot of the works were done by the children. Any child will feel happy, knowing that their parents are very proud of them.

Making crafts together is a great opportunity for parents to spend more time with their children. Parents and children will definitely interact more, and they will get to know each other better. Parents should not feel that they are not creative enough to make crafts. There are many types of craft to make and there is bound to be something for everyone. Craft making should be a joyful activity for the whole family.

Katelyn Grace Willett is the busy mother of two boys. She gets free kid crafts ideas from KidCraftClub.net. She, also, suggests having your kids join a free kids forum to exchange ideas with other kids! Her favorite kids forum is BeTweenTalk.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katelyn_Grace_Willett

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Make Learning Shapes Fun With Kids Crafts

Learning shapes is a fundamental skill toddlers and preschool children learn early in life. Shapes are all around us in everyday items like the television, drinking glasses and even windows in our houses. But learning to recognize the many different shapes is not always easy for toddlers.

As parents, grandparents and daycare providers, we can help kids learn shapes while having lots of fun. Kids of all ages love to create and make things with their own hands and these kids craft ideas are a perfect way to incorporate some fun and lots of learning.

Shapes Crafts for Kids

When learning shapes, kids generally start with the basic shapes like circles, squares, triangles, etc. So think of anything that has these basic shapes and then turn it into a kids craft idea. For instance, using simple craft supplies like construction paper, scissors and glue you can make many different shapes crafts.

Here are some quick ideas for shapes crafts that you can do with your kids.

A House of Shapes

Cut out basic house shapes with different colored construction paper. Use a square or rectangle for the house, a triangle for the roof and several circles, ovals, smaller squares and rectangles for the parts of the house.

Then have the kids glue the house together on a piece of paper. They can use ovals, circles or whatever shape for the windows. Have them name the shapes as they glue their house together.

Animal Shapes Crafts

Kids can create many animals, insects and fish using some of the basic shapes. For instance, create a cute angel fish using triangle shapes to form the body, tail and fins. Penguins are all the rage right now and your kids can put one together with a few oval shapes and a circle for the head. Use black and white construction paper or craft foam and you can have a cute penguin in no time. Glue them to a popsicle stick and you have an instant puppet.

Inexpensive Crafts to Learn Shapes

Kids craft ideas do not have to be expensive or even use your typical craft supplies. Instead recycle some of your household items to make many different shaped crafts. Reuse an empty coffee can to make a simple drum. The circle shape of the can is perfect for creating a drum set. Just cover the can with construction paper, decorate and put the lid back on. Then use some wooden dowels or BBQ skewers and some wooden beads to create your drum sticks. If you don't have wooden beads you can even use marshmallows. Just stick the marshmallow on the end of the stick. You can even paint them which will help seal the gooey treat. Keep in mind, these drumsticks are not for eating.

Use paper plates to create a king or queen's crown. Cut out several triangles from the middle of the plate and then decorate with glitter glue, beads and ribbon and they have a king or queen's crown they can wear.

Get out the old newspapers and create a Paper Mache craft. Paper Mache is a great way to create many different shaped crafts. You can create an oval shaped Easter egg by blowing up a balloon (into an oval shape) and then just start laying your Paper Mache together. Once everything is dried, just decorate and you have a finished craft.

Shapes Activities

Learning shapes with kids crafts are a great way to get the children involved and having fun while they learn. You can also add many shapes activities for kids to help reinforce their learning. Create several flash cards with different shapes and have them play "concentration" or matching the shapes with the cards.

You can even reinvent those old favorite childhood games like "red light, green light". Instead of the child calling out red light, green light, give them two shapes to call out and one shape would mean go and the other would mean stop. Another kid's activity idea for learning shapes is to place different objects around the house. Then ask your child to find all square shaped objects, and then circle shapes, etc.

Another great way to help with their learning is with fun songs or lyrics. Studies show that by adding a catchy tune or lyrics children are able to retain the information better. Rather you use kids craft ideas, activities, a catchy song or a combination of all of these, you and your kids will have fun while they learn their shapes.

Julie Barros is the author and creator of Cool Kids Craft Ideas. This is a fun site with lots of crafts including these shapes crafts for kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Barros

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