www.artsteach.org http://www.artsteach.org Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:04:50 +0000 en hourly 1 Turn a Nature Walk into a Timeless Treasure http://www.artsteach.org/2011/10/02/turn-a-nature-walk-into-a-timeless-treasure/ http://www.artsteach.org/2011/10/02/turn-a-nature-walk-into-a-timeless-treasure/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.artsteach.org/&p=9 When we experience nature, we experience creation and beauty in motion. The poet Mathew Arnold wrote, “In the dark fermentation of earth, in the never idle workshop of nature, in the eternal movement, yea shall find yourselves again.” Even in the most desolate looking environments, nature is never idle.

There is always something enchanting to be found in nature. Sometimes it takes more than a second glance for a grown-up to believe this, but a child knows it immediately and instinctively. A child will recognize nature in the smallest of spaces. One need not hike through large swaths of land to call it a nature walk. With a child, a nature walk can be realized in your own back yard or in the green spaces between sidewalks. Whether a large park teeming with an abundance of flora and fauna, or a small, empty lot that may require a magnifying glass to find ant hills, there are timeless treasures to be found all around us. Give a child a paper bag, a plastic cup, a butterfly net, and a few unrestrained minutes, and they will find treasures. Perhaps the biggest treasure of all they will find is themselves again and again.

]]> http://www.artsteach.org/2011/10/02/turn-a-nature-walk-into-a-timeless-treasure/feed/ 0 Get Back to Nature with these Easy Crafts http://www.artsteach.org/2011/10/01/get-back-to-nature-with-these-easy-crafts/ http://www.artsteach.org/2011/10/01/get-back-to-nature-with-these-easy-crafts/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 www.artsteach.org http://www.artsteach.org/&p=8 Looking for a family outing that can lead to family craft time? A fall day of gathering pinecones, acorns and apples will prove to be entertaining for children of all ages as well refreshing when spending time in the fresh autumn air. Many state or municipal parks have tree clusters where pine cones and acorns can be easily found. Be familiar with your area and ask permission to visit private property. Many landowners appreciate being rid of some of the vast amounts of acorns and pinecones that can make land maintenance challenging.Confused? Here’s a little help . Fall also brings apple picking time, and many orchards open to the public for a “pick-your-own” day or weekend. Pinecones, apples and acorns make versatile craft items for fall decor and Christmas decorations. After slicing apples, let children help string them to dry and use in wreaths, centerpieces, or to spruce up the Christmas tree. Pinecones can be spray painted and a piece of twine added for a fun and primitive ornament. Purchase a thrift store saucer and using a glue gun, add acorns around the perimeter to make a great little centerpiece for a pillar candle. With your imagination and nature’s bounty, the sky is the limit.

]]> http://www.artsteach.org/2011/10/01/get-back-to-nature-with-these-easy-crafts/feed/ 0 Make Christmas Magic with these Easy Crafts http://www.artsteach.org/2011/09/30/make-christmas-magic-with-these-easy-crafts/ http://www.artsteach.org/2011/09/30/make-christmas-magic-with-these-easy-crafts/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.artsteach.org/&p=7 Christmas truly is for children, and allowing them to create holiday crafts will create memories that will last a lifetime. There are many different Christmas craft ideas for children. Simply choose a craft that is age appropriate, and it is sure to be a success.

Paper ornaments are a favorite choice. These are also an inexpensive craft. They can be as elaborate or plain as the child wishes. Glitter, glue, markers, construction paper, and ribbon can be used to create all types of ornaments. These are great for use on your own tree, or given as a special gift to relatives and friends.

Making a keepsake box for Christmas photographs is a great idea. Any old shoe box will do. Help your child cover the box with wrapping paper, and allow the child to place whatever embellishments he or she chooses. This keepsake box will be something that you child can hold onto for life.

Armed with just some inexpensive craft supplies, your child can create a number of different Christmas crafts. No matter what age, there will be several easy projects that will hold their attention, and make them feel proud. Gifts are great, but Christmas is truly about special moments. Create special memories with your child this holiday season.

]]> http://www.artsteach.org/2011/09/30/make-christmas-magic-with-these-easy-crafts/feed/ 0 Quick and Easy Keepsake Crafts for the Holidays http://www.artsteach.org/2011/09/29/quick-and-easy-keepsake-crafts-for-the-holidays/ http://www.artsteach.org/2011/09/29/quick-and-easy-keepsake-crafts-for-the-holidays/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.artsteach.org/&p=6 Quick and easy holiday crafts can quickly become cherished keepsakes that you will enjoy year after year.

Candy cane ornaments are really easy to assemble and make fantastic gifts, adult supervision is recommended. Items needed are:
-12 red pipe cleaners
-12 white pipe cleaners
-Ribbon in assorted colors
-Scissors

To make candy canes:

1.Take a red and a white pipe cleaner and put them together side by side and gently twist until they are joined, going from the top to the bottom.
2.Bend the top down to form a U and cut some ribbon and make a bow in the middle of the candy cane.

You can hang them on the tree like that or tie fishing line in a loop around the top and hang it that way.

Puzzle Piece Wreaths:

Items needed:
-Puzzle pieces in different colors
-Hot glue gun, adult supervision recommended
-Ribbon
-Scissors
-Buttons

To make the wreaths:
1.Place the puzzle pieces in a circle, stacking them on top of one another.
2.Decorate with buttons.
3.Have an adult glue the pieces together for you.
4.Tie ribbon around the top and hang.

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