Passing on a Passion for Crafting to Kids

Last Updated on Thursday, 7 April 2011 06:33 Written by Victoria Thursday, 7 April 2011 06:33

Today, I’ve been thinking about the next generation of handmade artists and how we can promote creativity in our own home without the confines of structured educational exercises. Here are some of my thoughts on crafting with kids.

Finding the ideal kind of project that can be done with children sometimes manages to stump even the most creative of parents. After all, sometimes the typical craft ideas that people are used to seeing detailed in magazines and portrayed in classrooms just aren’t the most compelling picks. And while it might be fun to make something out of paper mache or to get involved in the exciting world of active volcano models, most of the time, people are more interested in whether or not they can find something that will delight youngsters while also not being that difficult to set up. Fortunately, figuring out how to craft these kinds of projects is not as difficult as one might think, and getting things set up for the whole family is definitely a lot less stressful than one might think.

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

The first step in successfully crafting a project for the whole family to enjoy together is identifying just how difficult one wants things to be, from amount of time things will require to the amount of supplies that need to be invested in. Fortunately, it’s a whole lot easier than people might realize to be able to figure out something that is slightly no mess and no fuss. For younger children who tend to require more supervision, going for something that is less messy is a far better idea, as it will mean that those in charge will not be cleaning things up indefinitely. And remember, just because you love fiddly projects that take hours to complete, it doesn’t mean youngsters will – think instant gratification and not too much precision.

Take Into Account Their Interests

When it comes to actually selecting the kind of projects that will keep children entertained, it also makes sense to be considering one’s own child and his or her particular interests. After all, if a child is more bookish, going for a project that is going to be more oriented towards sports is not going to fly quite as well as finding something that clicks more with one’s interests. So be keeping that in mind when making those kind of decisions, as it’s definitely a better way to handle making the best choice. Your child will be far more enthusiastic about making a train/ballerina/dinosaur themed project, even if it isn’t your cup of tea.

Don’t Be Too Rigid

No matter the age of the children with whom crafting is happening, it’s always good for parents to take a step back and allow the children to shine. Make it clear that there are a set of different rules that are worth following, but that being creative is definitely encouraged, and that following directions and finding a way to put one’s own spin on the process is a great idea. This might mean being very specific about putting a piece together but then decorating whatever is being built in a more freewheeling way. This is also a great way for parents to teach their children about the balance between being creative and following the steps at hand to get a great end result.

So when making plans to entertain the children with a craft project, it makes sense to go ahead and realize that focusing on interests and abilities are the two secret weapons to ensuring that all goes smoothly and that children are happy.

About the Author: Victoria Crowdell writes articles on family, home & garden and crafting – her passion is scented candles.

So I Say to Myself, “Self?”

Last Updated on Monday, 7 June 2010 02:16 Written by Jenny Knuth Monday, 7 June 2010 06:00

TrueJune, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jenny Knuth and I live in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, with my husband, two “tween” sons, and two cats. After remodeling our house five years ago, I was lucky enough to have a room all to myself for my projects. I painted it red because life is about creativity: making things, solving problems, seeking a better way!

What first inspired you to become an artist?
I’ve always loved to create. When I was growing up, we didn’t have a living room, instead, we had a work room. The work room had a sewing machine, an ironing board, and a huge (handmade) table that was a magnet for projects in progress. Sharp scissors and tape were always on hand!

Even though the house was a very organized, minimalist sort of place, tucked in cupboards all around were baskets of fabric scraps and drawers of paper and other raw materials. The stuff in the garbage cans was very interesting! One thing I remember is my parents’ passion for design and efficiency. They were very good at mass producing things like the annual elaborate Christmas cards. They did things in batches using creativity mixed with functionality.

What do you do when you are not creating things?
Mostly I am a full-time mother, but I also work as a writer and editor. Sometimes I write for popular publications like Mothering magazine (a lead feature I authored can be found here ), and I also proofread and edit various publications from books to blurbs. On occasion, I consult for an environmental firm. I round out my “spare” time working in the garden, visiting with friends via hiking, volleyball, and biking, and going on road trips. Though I love it all, I feel most at home in my studio, expressing myself through objects, colors, textiles, and pictures.

Infinity necklace by TrueJune

Where do your ideas come from?
I like parameters: I often come up with new ideas when I see a practical problem that needs to be solved.

For example, the crocheted jewelry I create should not only be beautiful and express something about you, your moods, and your desires, but it also needs to fit seamlessly into your active, busy lifestyle.

To meet this challenge, my first creations focused on jewelry that was light and effortless and never needed to be taken off. I created simple, durable designs that could go from work to the pool to the garden. I change my clothes more than I change my jewelry. I even test my jewelry by running it through the dishwasher and wearing it in the hot tub (ahhhh!). I wear it everywhere, even when camping. The simple designs include a lot of thought and testing and are meant to work in a variety of situations!

Camping in NM with my son and my Bronze Flower necklace

I have since developed a variety of styles that I see as solving other “problems” including:

• finding the right look in the right length with designs that are short, long, and in between
• creating hypoallergenic jewelry that has no metal parts
• designing jewelry that moves and changes and is not static
• inventing clasp-less jewelry that has nothing to hide

If you have a “problem” that keeps you from wearing jewelry, let me know, I’d love to help you solve it!

What is your most inspired time of day?
I find that I can be productive at almost any time of the day—especially if I know I have a chunk time—but at night, in bed, when I am just falling asleep, that is when I can really put the pieces together for a design. While I am just drifting off, I invent new techniques, envision shapes and connections, and solve a lot of problems! Sleep is a fundamental part of my creativity!

Blue Moon necklace

What do you consider a successful piece?
My biggest reward is seeing people actually wear my creations. If I can make something that looks and feels natural, like it belongs—as if it has always been there—then I know it will be worn again and again. I strive to create “everyday jewelry” that helps make life both simple and beautiful.

What is so special about handmade?
For me, handmade captures natural energy. I love the idea that the “life force” in the materials and the maker are transferred into the product. Handmade items have stories behind them that are filled with creativity and love. Not that all mass produced items are dead, but they just don’t carry as much beautiful energy to me as handmade.

Handmade can also be easily personalized and one of a kind. I love making custom orders because they always push me in new directions. It’s a fruitful kind of collaboration that just can’t be bought.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to create more?
Give yourself the space and time. Make it a priority. Then let yourself go and experiment. Don’t worry if you feel like you’ve failed. There will be times when you feel like nothing is working out, but that is a part of the natural process. Try to be true to yourself and keep going. Remember the joy in creating, the nourishment you receive from it. Then put your work out there and don’t apologize!

Where can we learn more about TrueJune?
I sell my creations online in my Etsy shop at truejune.etsy.com and I have a public Facebook page that explains more about my process and has chronological photo albums of my designs. Become a fan to learn more and participate in discussions, or just browse around to get some ideas of your own.

Thanks to the wonderful people at the Handmade Artists Forum for all their help and support in promoting handmade! I learn so much from you and I’m proud to be part of such a talented team!

Featured Artist – Wildwoman Creations Art & Craft Gallery

Last Updated on Saturday, 25 July 2009 05:36 Written by Manic Butterfly Tuesday, 28 July 2009 12:00

Welcome to Wildwoman Creations Art and Craft Gallery and the home of “My Art Locker” a center for teaching and learning.   Stephanie “Rosie” Fischer Wildwoman One, Linda Danna, Wildwoman Two, Tom Milne, Mr. Rosie and Virginia Voehringer, Senior Wildwoman.
 
We have had our creativity unleashed.  We create therefore we are.  We play therefore we are happy.  We delight in the creative process therefore we are willing to share the gift of creativity. 

We began our journey in 2004 with a working studio and gallery of our work.  We began melting glass and silver and creating jewelry. 5 years later in 2009 we just finished building our new studio and we are introducing our new project “My Art Locker” creative space rental for creative people. 

We have come a long way but the vision has always been clear and is in the definition of the word “PLAY” engaging in activities for enjoyment and recreation….

This we have done and this we now want to share with you. Several mottos come to mind…”Our Creations Give People an Excuse to Look at Your Chest” and “Normal Is Not An Option”  My passion is mixing mediums, repurposing, recycling and recreating wild art jewelry for the wildwoman.

Join us online:
Art & Craft Gallery
Wildwoman Creations on Etsy
Oregon Coast Artists
Wildwoman Creations Blog