Art is something that can be a source of mindfulness, fun, and creativity. Many parents want to teach their children this practice of expressing themselves. There are several activities which kids can do as part of their artistic journey.
In this article, we’ll be exploring different ideas that kids can choose from to create art.
1. Painting on Canvas
This is one of the most popular creative activities for kids and can be done in many ways. Kids can use brushes, their fingers, or even things like objects, feathers, and cotton balls to create a masterpiece on a canvas. By giving provides colors to the canvas, kids can easily express their ideas along with exploring the formal elements of painting such as lines, shapes and colors.
For kids who are just starting out, parents could take pre-made outline and help their kids to fill it in with colors. They could also give them simple drawings to use as inspiration and provide guidance in terms of colors and techniques.
For those who are a bit more experienced, parents can help them learn more by exploring the challenges that layering colors, adding texture, and using colors to the best of your ability while learning the techniques of painting. This way, each time they create something new, they are learning a new skill and gaining a whole new level of appreciation for art.
Painting on canvas can be a fun and exciting activity as well as an opportunity to see a physical expression of one’s own imagination come to life.
2. Making Puppets
Making puppets can be another fantastic way for kids to explore their creative side. Not only does it keep them occupied for hours, but it is also part of a great bonding experience. Puppets can be made from fabrics, paper, wood, clay, and more.
By giving them a basic structure and bits of fabric for clothes, kids can easily learn how to make a puppet that looks just like them or their favorite character! It is also an opportunity to teach them design hacks such as simple to advanced textile work, upcycling, and how to create atmosphere through colors.
They could even make standalone creations that can be used to tell stories or act out activities like playing pretend. Using such skills, they can even make their own custom puppets or decorations.
This can be a great way to bring family or friends together and to introduce a whole new level of art to your children. Stop motion animations are also a great way to bring the puppets or other characters alive.
3. Sculpting
Sculpting can be a great way to encourage creativity. Kids can mould various objects into different shapes and make figurines, animals, and more. All they need is the basic equipment such as different types of clay, custom cutters, painting mitts, and a few more items.
Parents can help their kids with the basics of sculpting by explaining the importance of proportion and form. Kids can then progress towards creating more intricate pieces and learning their own preferred techniques.
This can be a great way to help them develop their skills in terms of handling different tools, learning how to make details on their sculptures, and finally painting them. It’s likely that each time they create something, they will reach a new level of appreciation for art by learning new techniques, seeing the potential of their creations, and how each piece can tell a different story.
4. Making Jewellery
Making jewellery can be a great way for kids to learn about materials, colours, and even engineering. Kids can explore the traditional way of making jewellery by starting with basic beads, threads, and wires and learn the stitching techniques. They can also express their creative side by making necklaces, bracelets, charms, and earrings.
By teaching kids the ropes of how to make jewellery, you can offer them an experience that will be remembered forever. Not only can they learn to make something that they can show off to their family & friends, they can also explore the various materials and applications that go into making jewellery.
For instance, they can learn the application of paint or underglaze to create a unique piece, and then learn where to purchase the right tools to do the job. The options are endless, and your kids are sure to feel very proud of their jewellery that they have created.
5. Drawing and Coloring
Drawing and coloring can be an excellent way for kids to learn how to express themselves creatively. Drawing and coloring can be done with traditional art supplies such as pencils, crayons, and markers. It can also be done with digital tools such as computer software and drawing/painting apps.
Parents can use drawing as an opportunity to teach kids how to think of different objects in different shapes and sizes. Drawing and coloring can further help kids hone in on their creative skills and get their imaginations going by developing characters and stories with their wonderful creations.
For the digital route, there are even tutorials available for kids that teach them the fundamentals of digital art. By honing this skill, kids gain an immense learning experience as they delve into the art of expression and see their imagination come to life in an interactive manner
6. Crafting and Modelling
Crafting and modelling can be a great way to introduce kids to 3D art. As they work with different materials, they can realise their creative potential and put together pieces to make an object or a sculpture. Kids can start with homework projects, such as making paper figurines, model cars, or houses.
This activity can also be taken further as they work with clay and other forms of modelling to create miniature figurines or objects. For instance, they could mould clay into shapes and bring them to life using color and imagination.
One of the best ways to make this activity even more interactive is by having a craft session with family and friends. This way, kids can gain experience of creating things collaboratively, such as a model train set or a boat.
7. Working with Textiles
Working with textiles is a fantastic way to get kids inspired and hyped up. They can make use of fabrics, yarns, ribbons, and many more things as they thread together stories and characters with fabric creations. By giving them the basic structure and presenting material, kids can use their imagination to come up with beautiful creations.
For instance, they can make stuffed friends and pets with the given textiles, or even create table runners out of fabrics. By teaching them about exploring colors, textures and other elements of design, you can help them develop a more advanced approach to art.
Finally, they can use their sewing skills to alter their own clothes or make any object with their desired fabric.
8. Kite Making
Kite making is an ideal activity to engage children in arts-and-crafts. Not only are kids able to express their creativity in terms of colors, shapes, and size, but they can also use an assortment of materials such as paper, string, fabric, or yarn to make a unique item. Parents can give the kids some basic tips on what they need to make a kite, as well as some tips on making them fly.
They’ll learn how to use the right tools such as scissors, glue, and tape, and you can also help them to pick out the right colors, shapes, and string size. This way, kids can gain an understanding of how different shapes and colors affect the performance of a kite and the basics of aerodynamics.
Not only are they able to bring their imagination to life, but they’re also developing a science project as they create their masterpiece.
9. Photography
For kids who have an eye for details and the visual landscape, photography can be a great way to learn different techniques and explore the world of composition and angles. You can find them their own digital cameras or a kid’s camera and give them the basics of photography. By teaching them the basics of digital photography, such as the use of the flash and the rule of thirds, you can help them gain an understanding of how to capture meaningful moments.
This will also help them develop their own personal style and create visually appealing photos that capture the beauty of the moment. They can also learn how to pick out the best-looking angle and control the lighting when practicing macro photography.
This can be a great way to help them discover how to make even the simplest objects look extraordinary!
10. Printing and Card Making
Printing and card making can be a great way for kids to display their creativity and make something to remember. They can start off with printing their own designs on paper, or buy cardmaking items such as paper blendies, stickers, and ribbons. This can be a fun activity to get the kids engaged in making cards for special occasions.
Kids can create cards for their family members or friends, each one with a unique design. Not only can they use the foundation of their drawings or paintings to make a card, but they can also explore new materials such as fabric, beads, and even seashells to decorate the card.
They can also learn the basics of typography and text-based design to create and personalize their work. They could also use their cards to be creative with typography and write a special message inside each one.
11. Making Origami and Paper Creations
This is another great way for kids to express themselves by making paper creations that can come to life in a simple yet creative way. Whether it’s making origami animals and boats, or exploring the intricate art of paper quilling, kids can use their imaginations to create colorful and exciting artwork with paper. It’s likely that they will be able to discover the basics of paper folding and origami as they create paper swans and cranes.
Kids can take it one step further by participating in paper crafting activities, exploring the different techniques, and increasing their skills as they master one paper-based craft after another. This way, they can learn and achieve even more as they take on the challenge of creating something extraordinary out of paper and other supplies.
12. Making Art out of Recycling Materials
It’s an exciting challenge to teach kids how to turn old items into something more valuable. This can involve creating sculptures out of used cans, creating shields out of cardboard boxes, and creating art by upcycling materials like glass bottles and plastic containers.
Upcycling can also involve making items out of scrap fabrics or creating a character out of old toys. Kids can also use items such as bottle caps, paperclips, and buttons to create jewelry and badges. They could even make cool things out of electronics, such as creating a robot out of an old phone, or turning a broken laptop into a light installation.
Not only does upcycling teach kids how to think outside the box, but they will also learn how to be resourceful and sustainable, and this can have an incredibly positive effect.
Conclusion
Creating art is an incredible journey that allows kids to express themselves and explore the world of design. From painting on canvas to making jewelry and even upcycling, there is no limit to what can be achieved when it comes to art.
No matter which activity kids choose, they will gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experiences that will help them in their future experiences. Using these techniques and activities, we can create wonderful memories with our kids that will last a lifetime.