I’ve always been drawn to hands-on learning, and my love for art began at a young age. It’s not just about crafting for myself; I want my kids to get messy and embrace the joy of creativity.
As I scroll through social media, I see all of these awesome crafts to do with my kids – I’ve saved many, and haven’t done one. I did buy silicone molds to melt broken crayons, as “5” is not a happy camper when “3” breaks the crayons. Having a solid unbroken crayon around here is rare.
Extra time is hard to find, but I’m slowly finding it. When “5” and “3” were younger, I felt any crafty activity was a rush. Getting them to sit at a canvas I set-up with tempura paint dotted on it, and a piece of saran wrap, was a struggle. It was finger painting, but with me trying to up the sensory exploration while cutting down on the mess. By the time it was set up, it was time to clean up, “3” would be eating the paint, “5” would be finished and off in another room.
It’s bittersweet, I don’t want them to grow up, but “3” is now doing a lot of independent play, and “5” can focus on an activity for longer than opening the box. We’re finally settling in to more crafty things. “5” is really into drawing, coloring, and stringing beads – an awesome activity for fine motor skills. I found this bead kit that has a variety of beads for both boys and girls in one purchase! Again, the attention span isn’t there for long, but long enough for spurts to find all the beads, put it away, and then create a bracelet at a later time. The bead kit is suitable for “5”, but with “3” who still puts everything in their mouth, it’s not a great idea.
While “3” won’t sit for an activity for long unless it’s their idea, when the dot paint, paint markers or regular markers are out, rest assured we’ll be taking a bath that evening. “3” loves play doh and Kinetic sand and I’ve finally come to terms with finding it everywhere, and the idea that the bright pink will be puke green by clean-up time. “3” still has to be watched with both, especially the play doh, as they carry the it around under their chin – I refer to it as their emotional support dough. But a lot of times they’ll put it around their mouth, and I’m always on guard. Both are sensory seekers, with “3” having more oral sensory needs, and both needing a lot of input.
I’m working on me time for crafting, as I tried my hand at polymer clay, purchased a laser cutter, and would really love to get into silver clay. I’m trying to find something that not only I’ll enjoy but, that the kids can be around while I craft. More on that later. My focus has been creating craft opportunities for the dynamic duo that up the sensory play, and curiosity.
Musings & Avocado Toast 