Art.

Sunday

Mar292009

Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 03:20AM

Todays post written by Jill at Home Grown Life

Art. It seems to be all around me these days. From the Feed Your Soul: the free art project that I have found on the web to the YouTube video simply entitled Art to the early-morning pleads for “more art supplies” by my children so that they can start painting immediately after breakfast.

It has become apparent to me that for so many people, the desire to make art is not simply a want, but a need. I believe that as humans we were created with a need for self-expression and a desire to create something out of nothing (or at least a pile of paper, water and paint!)

Even for the littlest child, the need to create and self-express is strong and noticeable. Art can be messy. Art can take time away from other “planned” activities during the day such as appointments, classes, outings, playdates and other (often perceived as more worthwhile) activities. But art is so worth it.

I can’t remember a day going by where my children have not made something. One of the ways we have incorporated daily arts and crafts into our home is to always have a good variety of raw art supplies on hand. By raw I mean items from around the house or that are unprepared, or as the Merriam Webster dictionary defines raw- imperfectly prepared for use. Often times just looking around your house, in your recycling bin and perhaps in an old craft bin can unturn treasures for the little artists in the house to work with.

A few staples that we always have on hand include crayons and paper; watercolor paints, brushes and watercolor paper; glue, tape and scissors; rubber stamps and washable ink pads; cardboard, construction paper and food containers; fabric, buttons, fabric glue and cotton batting; ivory soap and clay carving tools (or simply a small, dull butter knife) for “carving”.

Art can also mean a child’s dance, storytelling, jewelry making, making something from wood or clay, gardening or even (one of the biggies in my home) rearranging furniture. Anytime your child has an opportunity to create something that did not exist previously or to express an idea, thought or feeling, your child is participating in the artistic process!

Even the youngest of children can be provided the opportunity to express themselves creatively. Some ideas include:

· Flower Arranging: take a child outside and allow them to pick or to cut some wildflowers. Bring them inside and help them fill a vase (mason jar, yogurt container, etc…) with water and allow them to arrange the flowers into a beautiful bouquet!

· Finger Painting: this can be done with real finger paints or with alternatives like chocolate pudding or shaving cream!

· Cooking or Baking: involve your child in making pizza dough, baking cookies, chopping vegebles or decorating a cupcake. We all know that are children are ready and waiting to help us in the kitchen and that we need only to say the word!

· Make your own Play Dough: this is the go-to activity in my house and has been since my oldest was a toddler. Allow the children to participate in the mixing, measuring and kneading and then sit back and let them enjoy the final product- fresh, homemade, warm (don’t forget non-toxic) play dough!

Here is our tried and true recipe:

2 cups flour

2 cups water

1 cup salt

4 tsp cream of tartar

4 tbsp vegetable oil

food coloring, if desired

Mix all together and cook over medium heat until thick. Knead while warm.

(If you choose to color your dough, dissolve your food coloring in the water before adding to the mixture!)

And don’t forget about displaying all of this wonderful art after it is made. It used to be that the refrigerator was the place to post drawings, paintings and important papers, but there are so many creative ways to display what your child has made.

String a ribbon across a wall in your home and use clothespins to hang and display your child’s drawings and paintings. Frame your child’s art and use it to decorate a room. Encourage your child to give the items they have made to family as a gift on important holidays and events. Display other forms of art like carvings, sculptures or embroidered pieces on a side table in your home.

Children, like adults, will feel so proud and accomplished after creating something that is both beautiful and useful. So don’t just encourage your child’s creativity, be purposeful about setting time aside in your day for your children to create!

Jill

Find Jill blogging at
Home Grown Life

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