Yesterday, to end our 4 day holiday weekend, we had art day. Nothing big, really. Just a deep, relaxing breath on my part, paint smocks, a tablecloth, and watercolors.
My daughter has been asking to paint with her new paintbox from Hearthsong that she received as a Christmas present. In the past, I’ve had her wait until my youngest son goes down for his nap in the afternoon, but as he gets older, this solution no longer works as well. Plus, even though kid’s art can be frustratingly messy at times, I want to encourage my kids to be creative as much and as often as possible.
We started with playdough. My husband and I had found big boxes of playdough for half price at Target before Christmas and picked them up for the youngest 2 kids.
As always, I have the kids put a wipe able tablecloth on the table before doing arts and crafts, even something not too messy like playdough. I keep the playdough molds and machine in a plastic box. This type of fun is good for at least an hour or two with my 4 kids.
After lunch, and after cleaning up all the little bits of playdough on the kitchen floor (note it’s not carpeted), we got out the watercolors. First the kids painted dinosaur models from my 8 year old’s kit from a museum trip. Then, it was on to the watercolors. The youngest 2 lasted the longest.
What types of art projects do your kids like to do? How do you encourage their creativity?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Isn’t art day so much fun! My little girl has been begging me to have an art day, however, the weather in New Orleans has just been so darn fabulous on the weekends I can’t justify staying inside and doing art. Maybe this coming weekend we will take the “art box” outside, if we don’t have a rain day coming soon! Thanks for the simple ideas, great post!
Barb ~ So glad you are back up! The art day looks wonderful! Messy? Yes! Worth it? Double Yes! As always, you exhibit great parenting skills! Have you thought of homemade play doh? It is easy, the kids could make it (with adult super.), and it doesn’t stick to things as much! Besides, it is way cheaper! Let me know if you want the recipe…I’ll go find my old one!
Cheeryshirley
Another great artsy/crafty item is Applesauce Bears! Smells great and fun to make! The kids could do it themselves! Especially good for any of the holidays!
I also liked Spaghetti Art, liquid clay, and fingerpainting! Love, love love Art!
Hope all is going great for your new year? I was so afraid you would not be posting still! Hate the govt involvement in personal, too, but, wonder what ramifications are on both sides of issue? Hmmmm. You ARE keeping your blog, aren’t you? Sure hope so! I look for it every day!