Crafts – Simple & Feasible

Posted by Ruthanne | 0 comments

Are you intimidated by crafts? Do you struggle for ideas? Hate the mess? Feel like you can’t justify the added expense?

Incorporating craft time into your school day does not have to be frustrating or break the bank. In fact, it can be fun with just a few simple tips!

(1) Google is your friend.

If the curriculum you’re using does not include suggestions for crafts and the thought of coming up with crafts on your own scares the daylight out of you, then use Google for some ideas. I took this route frequently last year because I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of the suggestions in the curriculum we were using. The internet has a treasure trove of ideas just waiting to be found.

(2) Print out instructions.

After you’ve picked the craft you would like to do, print out the list of supplies and instructions. It’s much easier to print it out than to go back and try to find the same site later if you’re unsure of something. Believe me – I’ve learned from experience!

(3) Schedule multiple crafts together

If you’re curriculum suggests several crafts during the week and/or month, then schedule all of them for one day. That way you only have to clean up craft mess once and can devote a greater chunk of time to creating your masterpiece instead of hurrying on to the next thing.

(4) Be Selective

Just because your curriculum gives you a list of ten crafts does not mean you need to make all of them. Choose the ones that will give you the most bang for the buck – those that will reinforce what you’re studying and will be the most fun! Only you know what will excite and interest your children.

(5) Table Cover

You’re going to want a cover on your table. Crafts will be much more fun if you’re not worried about the inevitable paint and hot glue spills (plus the cleanup will be quicker and easier)! Keep a plastic tablecloth stored away with all your craft supplies. That way you know exactly where it is when it’s time for crafts and you don’t have to tear your house up looking for it.

(6) Old T-Shirts

Instead of using dad’s old t-shirts for rags, hold onto them for craft time. They’re perfect for painting and more economical than purchasing a smock! Keep them stored away with your table cover and other craft supplies.

(7) Stock up

Keep an eye on the sales fliers for your local craft stores. Be sure to stock up when key items go on sale, such as paint, sketch paper, foam, ribbon, sponge brushes, jumbo craft sticks, etc.

(8) Reuse/Recycle

Don’t throw away those toilet paper or wrapping paper rolls, coffee cans, or oatmeal boxes. They can be used for all sorts of creations: castles, drums, kaleidoscopes, horns, etc.

(9) Have fun!

Doing crafts with your children is not about perfection, but about giving them an opportunity to express themselves through the hands-on medium of art. So get your paint brushes, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for some creative fun with your children!

Ruthanne has been homeschooling for just over a decade. She’s passionate about many things ~ the Lord, her principal and students (mother to four boys and a girl), photography, baking and really good coffee. You can find her blogging at www.eclecticwhatnot.com where she shares a few random thoughts and loads of pictures.