Masks!

Creating a mask isn't just about the art, it's about creating a new character and bringing that character to life.

The children were asked to design a character that they would like to create - an animal, insect, creature, alien or what ever they could come up with! So out came their portfolio books and the designing began.

Next step was to give each child a blank template half-face mask - prepared beforehand by me from white card - as we only have an hour class and decorating is more important than cutting!

As I unveiled the table with all of the materials on it - much to my delight - the little ones exclaimed with various "awwww"s, "ooooh"s as they discovered:

Glitter glue, PVC glue, Glue-sticks, felt, foam, feathers, wiggly eyes, wool, paper and card in many colours, sparkly straw, faux fur...have I missed anything? Yes, I may have....but you get the idea!

Let the mask making commence!

I couldn't believe some of the ideas they came up with! It's brilliant to see their little imaginations going into overdrive. Most gathered what they wanted and sat on the floor to create, going back and forth to choose their materials.

There were many changes of mind, so things were added, then removed until they were happy with the result.

One girl decided to empty the entire bag of wool and blue sparkly straw onto the floor and sort through to find how many pink strands she could find! Now that's organisation for you!

Our little 3 year old was determined to glue as many items as possible to her mask front and back. I'm pleased to tell you that she succeeded, although I did have to explain that a full ball of wool would not remain glued and she would have to cut strands off!

Here's the front of her beautiful creation:

There are spaces for your eyes to look through in there somewhere....!

Here's a Bunny Rabbit complete with faux fur and whiskers:

An Alien with many eyes and sparkly orange cheeks:

Another multi-eyed Alien with feather & wool for brains - yes, they're his brains, that's what I was told!

And a bear with white fur, glitter & pointy ears:

Ooooh the colours! I wish we could have a parade!

We knotted elastic through the holes at the sides so that they could wear the masks on their faces.

Next week we will make Salt Dough decorations. We are all so excited about that!

Our first Crafting Class of 2011!

Kids love to make things that are unique, something all their own. Parents love to have things they can keep to remind them of their children being...well...little children!

In my art and craft class this term, I have been blessed with a wonderful class of six children, aged from (teeny tiny!) 3 to 7.

In our first class, we made a "Me Book" or Portfolio of their art work.

Because these were special books, only made by them, it was important that I provided the materials:

A book (with lots of blank pages to fill with pictures over the coming weeks) each, colouring pencils & pens, lots of shiny paper & pictures, glue

.

I was there for guidance and to help with suggestion of materials and techniques, but other than that, it was important that I stood back and let them create.

Some of the finished "Me books" for the little ones to be proud of!

All decorated and ready to be filled with lots of lovely pictures over the next 6 weeks....

Next week, we will make Half-face Masks.

Week 3 & 4 - Salt Dough. Week 5 & 6 - Papier Mache.

Call back again soon to find out all about how we get on and how we did things!

Creating Creative Kids!

“Every Child is an artist. The Problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

Pablo Picasso

While creating my paintings for children, I always make sure to keep a very important thing in mind…..MAGIC!

The magic of childhood.

How colours seem much brighter, sparkles are fairy-dust and imagination makes the things we see really come to life!

Childhood is one great adventure, with each day more exciting than the next, every moment of a child’s life is a new chance to explore – no wonder some of them never want to go to bed!

So where does that little kid go? All of a sudden we are all grown up, responsible and, in many ways, especially when it comes to creativity, afraid. Afraid of judgement, afraid of criticism, afraid of getting in touch with the little artist within the adult.

When and how does this happen?

Well, life just happens.

Various events occur, making us retreat within, placing shields around ourselves (but that’s a whole other blog so watch this space!).

Unfortunately, our lives and education system are designed to make art and creativity a subject of lesser importance. Often, Art-time is limited to only one hour during a school week and, if a more logical subject gets in the way, sometimes Art-time is removed altogether from the children.

Children need to be continuously encouraged to be creative and artistic. To nurture individuality and know that not everyone will like our crafts or art, but that’s okay – that’s what makes us all different and life so exciting!

I teach relaxation classes to children and have Arts & Crafts time at the end. The children are so excited to find out what stickers, colours, sticky shapes & surprises I take out of my bag! This is a wonderful time for imaginative conversation, allowing them spend time with their own thoughts. It is as if they breathe a sigh of relief when the logical sides of their brain rest, their creative brain takes over, something that is so desperately needed in their little lives these days.

So how do we keep our kids creative? How do we keep ourselves creative?

Easy!

Make creating the most important part of your day. Make it the time you look forward to spending with yourself and your children. If you don’t have any children – why not borrow someone else’s for a while?

Art & creativity does not have to be costly, time-consuming or messy. Simple materials can be used such as Crayons, coloured pencils, markers, stickers and play-dough (I can provide a recipe for this to anyone if they would like it - please convo me). Your child might enjoy knitting or needlework (with a blunt needle of course!). Picking flowers from the garden to decorate the table. Making cards for people they love. Even cooking and baking with your child is a creative activity.

Create an “Art Gallery” for your little artist! Children are so proud when their parents hang their artwork for all to see.

This in turn improves their confidence & self-esteem. Hang paintings on the fridge or tie a piece of string from one wall to another and hang their art on it with pegs. Creativity is always evolving as your child grows, so keep the art display ever-changing too.

When I display my children’s paintings at Craft Fairs, I love to ask the children which of the paintings they like the best and why. One day, I asked a little girl that question. She stood back, a pensive look on her face as she took in the various paintings, then said,

“Well, I like them all. But I think I like the Butterfly best ‘coz I know if I had her on my bedroom wall, I’d chat with her every day. She looks like she’d be really nice to talk to.”

It’s all about the Magic, people.

Never forget the Magic………

To meet the talking Butterfly & some of her other magical friends, visit my shop:

goldenangelcrafts.etsy.com