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/

Talavera Mexican Art

Talavera: Traditional Mexican Pottery

Talavera is a Majolica tin-enameled earthenware made in Puebla. This world-renowned hand-painted pottery comes in various forms, including both functional and decorative items such as plates, serving dishes, vases and tiles.

The native people of Mexico had a long tradition of making pottery. With the arrival of the Spaniards the contact between these two traditions resulted in exquisite new styles, the Spaniards introducing the wheel and tin-based glaze and the native Mexicans providing skilled labor and ingenuity. It is believed that the particular techniques for making this type of Majolica pottery were introduced in Puebla by immigrants from Talavera de la Reina, Spain.

In 1653 a potter’s guild was formed and ordinances were laid down regulating the production of Talavera. Between 1650 and 1750 the production of Talavera was at its height. Originally, Talavera was white and blue. In the 18th Century new colors were introduced and green, orange and yellow began to be used.


How Talavera Mexican Art is Made:
The basic process for making Talavera has remained the same since the 16th Century, though there have been changes in the shapes of pottery made and the style of decoration. Talavera pottery is made with two kinds of clay, a dark clay and a light, slightly rose-colored clay. Both of these clays come from the state of Puebla.


Talavera Mexican Art Authenticity:
Authentic talavera can be distinguished from imitations by the raised design and high gloss of the surface finish. There are fewer than 20 workshops producing authentic Talavera. In order to be certified these workshops have to pass an inspection and verification process every six months.

This artistic painting from Mexico inspired me to paint the Talavera style on to RiverRock reflecting their vibrant colors and patterns. Please visit my website, RiverRock Critters to see some of the Talavera Rock Art Paintings I created.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2007 CraftyCritters Newsletter