Summer is about here. If you have young children that might be a mixed blessing. Just because school is out doesn’t mean young minds should turn off. Plan ahead with some ‘boxed projects’ on the shelf for those days when it rains and you can’t send them out to play in the fresh air. At Comfy Cottage Crafts I do have an item to save you lots of planning, it is an Art & Craft Kit. It contains over 15 individual projects, plus a 100 page sketch pad with colored pencils and markers, and creative putty for sculpturing fun.
Opening up the creativity for children after they complete designated projects lets them bloom. There are untold stories of artists who started with doddles on their school papers. My grandchildren (ages 2 & 4) love it when I tape a couple pictures from a coloring book on the front of the fridge and let them each have a box of watercolor paint to work while I’m preparing a meal. Their skill levels are much different but it is fun to see them grow in how they paint. My Grandson, the older, has been begging to finger paint but I have only have table space in the kitchen for one and I don’t allow fingerpaint on the carpet. I started him fingerpainting before his sister was up and about. I have decided fingerpainting will be a great outdoor project for them this summer. Any leftover drips on the deck the rain can help disperse. I know fingerpainting was one of my favorite art activities – there is just something about the paint squishing through your fingers (a bit like mud through your toes). It brings back memories of dandelion necklaces and wildflower bouquets.
Maybe as adults we should treat ourselves to a vacation at home. Take time to relax with a sketch pad and box of drawing medium to indulge our creative side. Each of us needs to release the stress of every day and enjoy what is going on around us. Just try sketches of landscapes or capture the look of a youngster’s face. Let some of that childtime talent come forth.
