Focus(hawk)

Hawks are predatory birds with remarkably sharp claws (talons) and whose size greatly varies within the 250 species. Female hawks are usually larger than the males. These raptors hunt during the day employing the use of their fierce talons to tear apart their prey.

Most hawks live in prairies, marshlands, forests, or open savannas. In these habitats they use their acute vision to hunt their food and raise their offspring. Hawks are fearless birds who will even face off with poisonous snakes if necessary.

Hawks piercing shriek tears through the air. In its shrill cry lies an important message which represents illumination. Hawk teaches us to scope out the situation and focus on our talents, trying to draw them out. Hawk learns to see the big picture in order to understand the past, present, and future. Hawk asks us to be observant of surroundings so we won't get distracted from our path by others. It also reminds us not to get caught up in minor annoyances so we can maintain our inner balance.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Goddess of Wisdom

Drink a Cup from Cerridwins Caldron
The Holy Grail of Immortality

A Cup to the Wise, the Poet, the Bard
So the words be not Forgotten

Hail to thee Great One
Who stirs the Caldron of Death and Rebirth

Brother Wolf trots at thy Heel
To sing thee his Mournful Song

The Seasons Change with thy Hand
The Corn ripens with thy Smile

Both Ends of Fate are thy Domain
Both Life and Death feel thy Hand

The Garden Path knows thy Tread
Mother , in Natures Green Dress

The Alchemist Deep in his Lair
Knows too your Loving Kiss

Great Mistress of the Hearth of Life
We Hail to Thee this Night

May We Drink ever Deep
Of Thy bounty of Wondrous Light

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $200.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Water Bird

In the wetlands of East Africa, lives the crane, which is often called crested crane. Several species exist, but the crested crane -sometimes referred to as the Uganda crane- is the most common. It is mostly found in tall grasses and cultivated areas, but breeds mainly in wet areas such as marshes. The crane is widespread in Uganda's numerous swamps and estuaries and is indeed the national symbol.

Despite sitting on Uganda's court of arms, the elegant crested crane is considered endangered. In most parts of East Africa, suitable breeding habitats are increasingly being converted to agricultural use and the crane is now confined to very few areas. In addition, the crane has a most peculiar social behavior, which in some way further jeopardizes its long-term survival. Cranes practice true and perhaps absolute monogamy. Often, they are found in pairs and share strong bonds that are never broken, even unto death. When one of a pair dies, the other never pairs up again for the rest of its life.

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise is closely related to the bowerbird and crow and belongs to the family Paradisaeidae. There are 43 species, 35 of which are confined to New Guinea. There are 3 species in the Moluccas and several species of the less spectacular riflebirds in eastern Australia. Spaniards in the 16th century coined the name bird of paradise when magnificent bird skins were brought to Europe aboard Magellan's ship, Victoria.

These are medium-sized birds, perhaps crow-sized, and are remarkably beautiful. They have strong feet adapted for perching, and bills of various shapes. The trailing plumes, short velvet-like feathers and beautiful collars are used by the male in their courtship dance. The females, in comparison, are very plain. The males have established territories where they dance for the females. The dances are as remarkable as the birds. Perched on a branch, the birds sway and crouch or stand erect, tilt forward and backward, some even hang upside down. Every species has its own type of dance.

Birds of paradise live in forests and frequent the high treetops or lower scrub. The open nest is built in tree branches and sometimes in holes. The female handles nest-building, incubation of the one or two eggs that are orange streaked with brown, and raising the young. The males are polygamous. Their diet consists of insects, worms, small vertebrates and also fruits and seeds. The voice is quite plain. The best known and most beautiful are the members of the genus Paradisea. The Great Bird-of-Paradise, Paradisea apoda, of Aru is a rust reddish brown on the back, the head is yellow, the throat is emerald-green. It has long tufts of golden-orange feathers on the sides. The two elongated central tail feathers are very thin. When courting it spreads its wings and hangs upside down.

Iridescent breast shield, golden whiskers, and six wire like crown plumes mark a Carola's parotia, a rarely seen bird of paradise.

Count Raggi's bird of paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is found in the rain forests of Papua New Guinea, is known for its wild and frenzied dances done to court the drab females. Its coloration is fiery red, yellow head and green around the bill and a dark throat.

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $200.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Wise

Newly crowned national bird, the Hoopoe, may not be kosher or particularly hygienic, but it is fit for a king. The Hoopoe is Israel's national bird.

Due to its association with King Solomon, the bird is traditionally viewed in a positive light. According to Jewish folklore (as well as the Koran), the hoopoe helped lead King Solomon to the Queen of Sheba. Unsure about the queen's purity and motives, Solomon confided in the bird and trusted its advice. The king also praised the hoopoe's observation techniques and called it "wise."

If you noticed an orange/pink, unusual looking bird with a striking crest on its head you had probably been lucky to have seen the Hoopoe, a stunning migratory visitor. The Hoopoe is quite an unmistakable bird, it has bright orange plumage, and it flies rather like a woodpecker and has a striking orange crest, black and white markings along with a long, slender and pointed beak.

The Hoopoe can generally be seen on garden lawns strutting comically, searching for worms and other small insects which are its favorite food. The Hoopoe is a relative of the kingfisher family and is a frequent summer visitor to the Mediterranean, migrating to the tropics in winter.
The Hoopoe's bright colors, sweeping flight pattern and orange crest makes it a striking feature.

The Hoopoe's crest can be raised when the bird is alerted and makes for an unusual spectacle during the spring and summer months when they are more visible.

The Hoopoe's call is what has given the bird its name, as it makes a "Hoo - poo" sound and the Hoopoe's call symbolizes the arrival of spring. Curiously, even the Chinese regard the bird as being a messenger of springtime. In Islam the Hoopoe has close links with King Solomon, who reputedly spoke with animals and the French call ignorant, unintelligent people "Hoopoes" as they consider the bird to be slightly stupid.

Size: 5 x 7 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Freedom Flight

Throughout history and across many cultures, Eagle has been seen as a symbol of strength, ferocity, vision and endurance. Mythology abounds with tales of Eagle, from the Native American's Thunderbird to Eagle which tore at the liver of Greek Prometheus. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), our national bird, is the only eagle unique to North America. The bald eagle's scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white," not hairless. This great bird has also come to be the symbol of several nations, such as the Double-Headed Eagle of Poland and the American eagle. (Over the objections of Ben Franklin, who supported the Turkey as the national bird.)

Eagles are renowned for their superior vision. The wedge tailed eagle can see twice as well as a human. The rods and cones of their eyes are concentrated in the top portion of their eyes, so that their best vision is from above, looking down. They must actually turn their heads upside down to view the sky above. As with other raptors, a protective shelf above their eyes helps to shadow their vision from the sun.

Attacking in a swift dive, which can reach speeds of up to 100 M.P.H., eagles grasp their prey in long talons. Bald eagles subsist mainly on fish and waterfowl, while the golden eagle's diet tends toward rabbits and other rodents. Generally their prey is smaller than they, however a South American harpy eagle was seen carrying a 13 lb sloth, and a bald eagle was once recorded as carrying a mule 15 lb mule deer fawn. Bald eagles will also steal food from ospreys and other birds.

Eagles are not social animals, and the main family group is generally the breeding pair. They build nests high in trees or on the edges of cliffs. Bald eagles return to the same nest every year, adding sticks each time. The largest recorded nest was 9.5 ft wide, 20 ft deep and weighed over 2.9 tons. Although eagles usually lay a clutch of 2 or 3 eggs, often only one is raised. Hatching over a couple days time, the smaller, younger chicks often starve, or are killed by their larger nest mates. Because of this, eagle populations are slow to grow, and slow to bounce back from ecological threats.

Many species of eagles are presently considered threatened or endangered. The bald eagle population was nearly wiped out (down to 700 known breeding pairs in 1974 in the contiguous 48 states). Since the ban of various pesticides including DDT, and severe laws concerning poaching and nest disturbance, they have climbed to a present number of 4,500 breeding pairs. Presently the Harpy Eagle of South America and the Philippines eagle are considered extremely endangered as well.

Size: 5 x 7 wooden plaque

The item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Look Out

The Toco toucan is at home in South America's tropical forests but recognized everywhere. The toucan's oversized, colorful bill has made it one of the worlds most popular birds.

The 7.5-inch-long (19-centimeter-long) bill may be seen as a desirable mating trait, but if so, it is one that both male and female toucans possess. In fact, both sexes use their bills to catch tasty morsels and pitch them to one another during a mating ritual fruit toss.

As a weapon, the bill is a bit more show than substance. It is a honeycomb of bone that actually contains a lot of air. While its size may deter predators, it is of little use in combating them.

But the toucan's bill is useful as a feeding tool. The birds use them to reach fruit on branches that are too small to support their weight, and also to skin their pickings. In addition to fruit, Toco toucans eat insects and, sometimes, young birds, eggs, or lizards.

Toco toucans live in small flocks of about six birds. Their bright colors actually provide good camouflage in the dappled light of the rain forest canopy. However, the birds commonly keep up a racket of vocalization, which suggests that they are not trying to remain hidden.

Toucans nest in tree holes. They usually have two to four eggs each year, which both parents care for. Young toucans do not have a large bill at birth”it grows as they develop and does not become full size for several months.

These iconic birds are very popular pets, and many are captured to supply demand for this trade. They are also familiar commercial mascots known for hawking stout, cereal, and other products. Indigenous peoples regard the bird with a more sacred eye; they are traditionally seen as conduits between the worlds of the living and the spirit.

Size: 5 x 7 wooden plaque

The item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

The Silent Hunter

The Owl is the symbol of the feminine, the moon and the night.

Magic, Omens, Wisdom

The owl is the bird of magic and darkness, of prophecy and wisdom.

An owl totem gives you the power to extract secrets. Meditate on the owl and things will be revealed. Listen to its voice inside of you.

You will hear not what is being said by others, but what is hidden. You can detect subtleties of voice that others cannot. People cannot deceive a person who has an owl totem.

Owl people can see into the darkness of others souls. Most owl people are clairvoyant because of this ability. It can be very scary at times. Learn to trust your instincts about people. Let your owl totem guide you.

Owls, which have been called cats with wings, are the silent hunters of the night. Their downy feathers and the front edge of their wings have a fringe which silences their flight. The wings are substantially bigger than their actual body making their slow smooth flight all the easier.

These birds also have a third eyelid which moves from side to side to clean their vision. An owl's eyes are fixed in the socket, however to be able to see all around, their incredibly flexible necks can rotate 270 degrees in any direction. An owl's vision and hearing work harmoniously enabling them to eat their body weight on a daily basis.

Owls know when to move silently and when to be still, which makes them the keepers of secrets. These solitary birds don't feel the need to proclaim their presence to anyone until the timing is right. Owl comes to us when we need to open our eyes, and study the situation at hand.

If we watch and listen with our inner selves we can figure out what is happening behind the scenes, and confront those who are trying to deceive us at the appropriate time.

This Owl has been hand painted on wood and is a miniature 5 x 7 wall art. This would make a lovely gift for someone who loves animals of all species. The price of this art piece is $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

The Scavenger

This was a fun project to paint. A friend of mind who takes beautiful photographs of various animals took a photograph of a vulture in Canada. Not a real popular critter but I decided to paint him since I thought he had alot of character and beautiful hues of color.

This has been hand painted on 5 x 7 wood wall plaque. This is truly a nice art piece for someone who loves birds of all species. This art piece is $100.00.

The vulture is a very powerful totem. Its cycle of power is year-round. If you have a Vulture as a spirit guide or totem, it can show you how to use energy powerfully and efficiently. It glides effortlessly on the winds, soaring to extraordinary heights while using little or no energy. The Vulture skillfully employs already existing air currents against the pull of gravity, symbolizing the distribution of energy so that gravity (or cares) does not weigh it down. In the process the vulture does not use its own energy, but the energies of the Earth instead--- or the Natural Order of Things --- being ONE of the mainstay sources in The Power of the Shaman. A very valuable lesson.

The Vulture is the symbol of death and rebirth, the mother symbol, and represents purification. For those with this totem, you will be noticed more for what you do than how you appear.

Vulture or Condor teaches us how to soar above our limitations.

This Totem is a permanent totem; once it enters your life it will be with you always, through your numerous lifetimes.

You may start to see auras and colors around people;
Vulture can help teach you how to accomplish this through patience and vision.
Vultures teach you how to soar without using much energy,
How to ride the thermal winds instead of flapping.
Go with the flow. Use your own energy powerfully and efficiently.

Vulture is associated with the sense of smell and aromatherapy is a good tool to use to connect with this Totem.

The Vulture promises us that no matter how difficult things are at the moment, rescue and change are imminent.

Soar above the drudgeries of every day life through spirit.
And Vulture/Condor is there to protect you in this journey.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Hunter - The Bird Dog

The Labrador retriever is a beautiful, strongly built dog breed with a sound, athletic, well-balance conformation. Bred to a working gun dog, the Lab is designed to function for long hours and distances in varying terrains with the purpose of retrieving water fowl and upland game. Designed to be adept in the water, the Labrador includes a short, dense water resistant coat, webbed toes and an otter style tail for advaned swimming abilities.

The labs loving, gentle, intelligent nature makes them a great family dog at home. Their friendly nature, adaptablity and stable temperament also makes them a frequent choice as companions and/or service dogs for children, the handicapped and the elderly. They are also used often as rescue dogs, drug detection canines and guide dogs for the blind. They often excel in both the show ring and obedience competitions.

Labrador retrievers come in three colors, yellow, black and chocolate. Some yellow labs are much lighter than others with an almost white or cream appearance. Each specific dog breed has it's own special physical and behavioral characteristics that were developed for its specific purpose in line.

Even hunting dogs have their own very specific distictions. However, the lab was designed to gently retrieve the object and to so quietly. Two very different functions, two very different confirmations and behavioral characteristics.

The lab originated in Newfoundland, Canada rather than Labrador, England. They were originally "created"by canadian fishermen to jump into the ocean's icy waters to help haul the fisherman's nets to shore. It was the ships from Labrador that took the dog back to England in the 1800's where it was further refined into the breed as we know it today.

The Totem for Dogs:

Faithfulness and Protection

The Dog is a symbol of the small becoming the great. People with this totem have great spirit and a great ability to love. It takes a lot to break a dogs spirit.

Since I love dogs I decided to paint this piece for all you dog lovers, especially for the avid hunter and game family. Hope you enjoy this RiverRock Wall Art as much as I enjoyed bringing him to life. This miniature art piece measures 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 and is $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Dove & Rose Basket Tile

The Dove is the embodiment of maternal instinct. She is connected to Mother Earth and her creative energies.

Her mournful call speaks to our deepest self and stirs our emotions.

The voice of the dove is a rain song and brings us hope of a new beginning.

The Dove is the totem of "Between Times" and shows us the time of the thinning of the veils between the physical and the spiritual world.

Listen for her call with your soul.


Graceful Creature

The skies will never see a more peaceful and graceful creature than the Dove. This animal has been respected and revered throughout the ages by ancient and modern Indian tribes and their Shaman. These tribes who are so connected to the elements and the Earth understand the true influence these creatures’ posses. They are diplomatic, legendary animals that own many admirable virtues.

The Dove represents the feminine power of giving, prophecy, and the hope a new beginning. The Dove reveals the veils between the spiritual and physical worlds. They were the totem of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love, and they bore the ambrosia from the Goddesses which kept Zeus immortal, they are the symbol of sexual passion in India

It was the Dove which returned to Noah’s Ark to tell all aboard that land was found, in the Dove’s beak was an olive branch, which was the symbol of peace.

Doves, like many species of birds, breed and nest in pairs, they mate for life and build their nests, protect their territory and raise their young with their partners. The males as well as the females produce a milk like substance, called “crop milk” to feed their newborns. Both parents take responsibility for the hatching and care of their offspring. The males will sit on the eggs during the day while the females take over the task at night. Both take responsibility for the guarding of their nest

The Magnificent Dove Totem possesses the following virtues:

Love, gentleness, new ideas, purity, sexual energy, intimate relationships, creativity, peace, family values, centered calmness, tranquility, support, assistance, new relationships, peaceful transition from difficulty, powers of the feminine, friendship, .

The Dove animal totem is a strong spirit indeed and its magical properties are one of the most influential of all animal totems.

The above art piece has been painted on tile and measures 11 ½ x 11 ½. It weighs 5 ¼ lbs. This would be stunning in your garden to accent roses, flowers, or an area that needs a bright cheerful color. If you enjoy this piece please email me your request.

Pauline Libutti

Artist & Writer

http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/

Birdhouse-3D River Rock Wall Art Collection

Hello Everyone!

Here are more of my creations from the River Rock Wall Art Collection.

The first item are two sweet love birds on their perch in front of their house. I have incorporated real wood and wood branches around the birds. The birds are painted on river rock and anchored to the wood for a 3 dimensional effect. I have also scattered some planters grass at bottom of the birdhouse for a more realistic look. This item has been totally handmade and painted to enhance the rock art and create a realistic visual effect.

3D Bird House Wall Art
Size: 6 x 10 1/2
The item sells for $30.00

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The 3D Humming Bird & Lady Bug Wall Art:
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 x 1/2
Weight: 16.8 ounces.
The item sells for $30.00

This lovely picture is painted on a oval wood plaque with soft colors of lavender and pink. The hummingbird has been painted on river rock and in the upper right hand corner you can see a ladybug climbing the flower stem. The ladybug is also a river rock and the two make a delightful contrast against the painted flowers. Please enjoy this beauty of nature, wood, and art. Give it as a gift or to someone special in your life.

The 3D Humming Bird & Lady Bug Wall Art:
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 x 1/2
Weight: 16.8 ounces.
The item sells for $30.00 each

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Indian Maiden Wall Art

Hi Everyone,

I’ve decided to expand my art work incorporating wood and rock. This particular piece of art of the Indian Maiden was painted on wood, measuring 10 ½ x 8 ½ and weighs approximately 13.2 ounces. This will be the newest of my wall hangings that will beautify any area of your home. I am also working on wall hangings that will be painted on wood incorporating a rock painting which will give the art form a 3 D effect. I love choices when shopping and I thought this would give you a variation when decorating your surroundings.

I found this poem that captivatingly fit the above picture I just painted. It reflects the beauty and innocence of a beautiful Indian maiden and embraces her nature and spirit. I hope you feel as I do that I have captured her true beauty and innocence and that you enjoy a wonderful piece of art that reflects the Native American Heritage.

Peaceful is the valley
where the Indian maiden walks.
In morning skies above her
a Raven soars and squawks.

The village of her people
lies quiet and serene
as her moccasins trudge narrow paths
through meadows lush and green.

She knows ancestral spirits
will protect her and will guide
as the trail leads her much higher
along the mountainside.

Gathering roots and berries
to preserve through winter’s cold,
the maiden sings of ancient wars,
of young men brave and bold.

She rests by flowing waters
as sunlight streaks her hair,
with fingers dipping in the brook,
wild creatures gather there.

The fox, the deer, the Antelope
join her without sound,
fearing not the Indian girl
sitting soft upon the ground.

The mighty oak she leans against
is losing leaves but strong,
and she feels at one with nature
while summer is now gone.

Fall colors fast surround her,
and she marvels at their hue,
as Mother Earth makes changes
for wintertime now due.

A butterfly lights gently
on her shoulder, quiet there,
and she wonders at it’s glory,
breathing softly, not to scare.

The geese on high are honking
as they pass in perfect Vs,
and she hears on withering flowers
the last hum of bumble-bees.

Soon the sweet young maiden
slumbers by the stream,
and rides her painted pony
in a soft and pleasant dream.

She crosses open prairie,
bareback upon her steed,
with a Brave she soon will marry
to keep the tribal creed.

A Blue Jay lands on oaken branch
and screeches overhead,
awakening the maiden
with visions in her head.

With heavy heart she rises,
returning to the band,
baskets of fresh berries
held tightly in her hand.

Plans for her tomorrows,
on other autumn days,
will be dreamed of in the future
as she sits on banks of clay.

Later ‘neath the quiet moon,
the family gathers ‘round
preparing beds on pine bows
strewn upon the ground.

Nestled in warm buffalo robes
beneath the starry skies,
with teepee for a shelter,
she again will close her eyes.

Poetry by Tamara Hillman Copyright 2003

Indian Maiden Wall Art
Size: 10 1/2 x 8 1/2
The item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

God's Eye

Are you familiar with the expression of a "bird's eye view". It's when you view things from a bird's perspective; far different than that which you see standing on earth. A bird's eye view allows you to grasp the entire landscape and see the interconnectedness of things that appear separate when you view them from land.

The reason I talk about a "bird's eye view" is because this concept lead me to facilitate a process at my retreat, in which the participants were invited to write about their life from God's perspective. This exercise proved to be one of the most powerful retreat experiences, which is why I'm sharing it with you. Grasping a sense of your life from God's perspective is an invaluable tool for every conscious business owner to consider.

What do you think God would say about your life right now, and where you've been and where you're going? Stop for a moment and reread that sentence again. What do you think God would say about your life right now, and where you've been and where you're going? Interesting perspective to think about, isn't it?

I doubt the thoughts of lack, limitation and doubt wouldn't even enter his mind. Because the one Source (God) is the ultimate unlimited source of all abundance in the world, and that is exactly the perspective he would have on your life; that all things are conspiring for your highest and most divine self-expression in the world.

So, now I invite you into the 4-step process of taking a look at your life from a God's Eye View. Let's get started.

Step 1: Reflect on Your PastTake a moment to reflect on your past. Identify some of the peaks and valleys of your prior experience. Connect with who you've become as a result of all these experiences... the good and the not so good. Look to see how your past experiences have brought you wisdom, strength, love, insight, commitment, passion, conviction, friendship, resourcefulness, resolve, etc. Allow yourself to see the Divine Order of each and every experience.

Step 2: Connect with This MomentNext, allow yourself to connect deeply with this moment, and the life that you are currently living. Embrace all of your current success and dreams along with any challenges that may be showing up in your life right now. Allow yourself to fully appreciate the place that you're at today. And, again, allow yourself to see the Divine Order of each and every experience.

Step 3: Look to Your FutureLook forward on the path that lies ahead of you. Let your imagination flourish as you envision everything your heart desires becoming real for you. Envision your life as it unfolds perfectly, even exceeding your greatest dreams. As you envision your future, leave room for things you can't imagine right now... knowing that God's plan for your life is so much bigger than that which you can see from your human perspective. And again, allow yourself to see the Divine Order of each and every future experience.

Step 4: Write your God's Eye ViewNow, in a space of quietude, perhaps outside in nature, or in front of a glowing candle, review the above three steps. And, begin to write freely about your past, present and future experiences... as if you were God writing about what he sees in (and for) your life. Let your imagination and creativity soar as you envision God's Eye View. In case you are stuck getting started, here's a line you can use to begin the process: "As God, in this elevated perspective, I can see every step of your journey as divinely guided by me. I see..."

Now that you've written the God's Eye View of your life, you can reread it over and over again. Every time you feel stopped, or filled with fear, lack or doubt, you can take out this piece of paper and remind yourself of the perfection of the divine unfolding of your life.

copyright 2007 Christine Kloser
Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary "Conscious Business Connection" ezine.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2008 CraftyCritters Newsletter

How To Make Amazing Crafts With Kids

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 rock painting, where kids can create arts and crafts by designing something unique. A ladybug, bird, lizard, butterfly, the possibilities are endless. They can start out by painting on poster board or construction paper to perfect their design. Or jump right in and beautify their hand picked rock with their own unique design and color scheme. Its fun, its challenging, and I must say quite rewarding when the project is finished. Dad would love the paperweight and Mom would love the decorative keepsake.

This is a great craft because kids of all ages can join in. Young children can use their imaginations to create simple objects on a rock formation. Older kids may enjoy incorporating other supplies such as beads, or gemstones, onto their art.

Arts and crafts allows kids to openly express themselves, even at very young ages. Despite all these positives, the best reason for getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is that it is fun!

Pauline Libutti

Artist & Writer

http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/