Arts and Crafts

I'm someone very much interested in altered art and collage, but these are not generally projects I undertake with my little ones. Once the holidays are over, I intend to share some of the pieces that I've created over the years, and provide you with a list of incredible books and websites that focus on and teach about this form, but for now, it's back to our lollipops, that is, the children in our lives. So I give you, Arts and Crafts... the fun, the joy of creation, along with its messes!

Image Credit: http://crayola-crayon-maker-sale.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-cites-crayola-study.html

As parents, we all know about the importance of coloring, and exposing our children to art. Don't we all pull out some crayons and a pad of paper at around the time our little ones turn 12-18 months, and encourage them to scribble? Their scribbles are delicious, and it's fascinating to watch our little ones learn how to use something as alien (to them) as a pencil or crayon.

Crayons are definitely an essential for any kid, and there are many varieties out there, from the jumbo size, to the standard slim-sized crayon. For the very young ones, there's also the "Crayola Washable Taboodles Buddies" (contains three). These crayons have gotten some of the worst reviews I have ever seen for any product, and I also have personal experience with them. My assessment: the crayons crack easily (choking hazard alert!), slip out of that jumbo plastic holder as if they have an aversion to it, and the large grip-hold doesn't enhance the experience of coloring at all. Really, they are not worth the money. Give your tiny ones jumbo crayons instead, for the jumbos are not nearly as dainty and are easier to grasp. I also added the beeswax crayons because some people find the quality to be superior.

Naturally, to color, paper is also needed. You might opt for single sheets of paper nabbed out of your printer's tray, or you may decide to buy a paper pad. I've used both, though I do like using Easel paper, since the size is that much larger, making it easier for my little one, with her large, uncontrolled enthusiastic scribbles, to keep her art on the page and off the floor or table!

Once your little ones are a wee bit older, you might choose the slim version of the crayon (image below), which also allows for more creatively colorful combinations. I, for one, am awed by the colors young children combine: they are intrepid about their color choices, and their coloring.
 
I don't know why, but for some reason most young children have a fascination with scissors, and with cutting things--hopefully it's paper, rather than their hair. I've included a few pairs of scissors that have gotten excellent reviews, AND are specifically made for little ones: the blades are not nearly as sharp. Out of the three I mention, the Fiskars brand has gotten the most rave reviews, and are also recommended by teachers.

Image Credit to my daughter
From Fairy Fashion

Image Credit to my daughter from
Fairy Fashion

At about the time that our young ones venture into explosions of color/expression, they are ready for coloring books. Some people prefer not to use them, which I do understand, for then the vision presented is in some way formed by the illustrator who drew the picture, but for those parents who do like using coloring books, there are many out there that also teach your children about other cultures, other eras, imaginary worlds, etc. I've listed a few below:




I have to admit that I bought the Charlie and Lola coloring book for my Isabelle, now seven going on eight, when she was three years old. If you have a little one and don't know about Charlie and Lola (or Lauren Child, their creator), then you should really consider looking over the books, etc. My next post will be devoted to the Charlie and Lola series (which was bought by Disney) and to some of Lauren Child's other books--truly phenomenal on so many levels. I also purchased Fairy Fashion for Isabelle when she was about four or five years old. As for the other coloring books that I've just featured, I can't say much about them other than that Dover makes high-quality coloring books that include relevant information about each of the topics they feature, so while your children color, they have the chance to learn something too (only problem is if your children are using markers--sometimes the colors bleed onto the next page). And the coloring book about The Very Hungry Caterpillar, seems like a diamond mine since so many children are familiar with the story!

For those of you who have older children, ages six and up, there are delightful kits out there. Djeco makes some of the most gorgeous paint/color kits I have ever seen, all of which are designed by artists, and the company also makes kits suitable for younger children. I have to admit that I love the richness of their color palettes, and the presentation of the kits. Faber Castell also has some interesting kits out there. With these kits, you get one piece of canvas on which the image to be painted is lightly illustrated, a sheet of paper that has the image on it along with the numbered color codes, and the necessary tools for painting/coloring the kit.



Kits are not for everyone, though! Sometimes you want to give your children paints, canvas, an easel, and have them express themselves unfettered by the "paint by number" requirements. One of the most popular standing easels out there is made by Melissa and Doug. I received one as a present for my Isabelle when she was three, and she loved it. It's soon going to be traded down to her little sister, so the forecast for me is that I'll be cleaning up a lot of artistic explosions. The positive? I'll get to build a portfolio that showcases my tiny tot's artistic side. If you don't have room for a standing easel, try the desk top version.


Coming up later this week: Charlie and Lola--the books and DVDs, and other works by their creator, Lauren Child!