Articles on arts, creative play, education, and families
Daily routines often keep families too busy to make time for creative pursuits, but one easy way to spark creativity is simply to look at ordinary things in a different way. The following activities are great for awakening the senses and inspiring opportunities for sharing creative activities as a family.
It’s tempting to think that running an art studio means spending all your time making things. But much of my time is spent planning, buying, organizing, and marketing art activities for others. Still, I do get to try everything!
Myth #1: I’m not creative. If you’re human, you’re creative. You’ve been growing and learning since the day you were born. You know how to entertain new ideas, travel to places you’ve never visited before, solve problems, and say what you think. Those are basic...
When four-and-a half year old Chloe gets cranky, her mother knows exactly what to do – bring out the sand art. “It’s like magic if she’s in a bad mood,” says mom Michelle of Bedford, MA. “It makes her feel better instantly.”
Approaching art as a story helps kids open up. Thinking about the animal or main character awakens children’s curiosity, helping them engage with the art on a more personal level. Making up a story enables children to relax and bring their daily experiences, along with their imaginations, into their art.
After 24 years of running a hands-on arts & crafts studio, I’ve been involved in thousands of art experiences with children and families. My brain’s creative thinking side sometimes provides me with some inspirational thoughts which I share here with you.