Emma turned nine years old this weekend, and one of her good friends gave her this Klutz String Art Kit. Emma was able to open the kit, read the instructions, and start making gifts for family members without needing any help from me. My favorite kind of craft kit is one where the kids can figure it out on their own, and this one was a definite hit! She made the whale above for Anna (she hung it in our play kitchen), and the heart below for me.
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I really like that the kit elements are simple – thick cardboard, pins, wrapping paper, and twine – so we can find more supplies for her to continue creating once she uses up the contents of her kit. I know that some people don’t like kits that come with templates like this one does, but I feel that using a template is a great way to learn art skills that can then be transferred to designs you come up with on your own. Most great artists – musicians, composers, painters, designers and actors – learn first by imitation and then add more and more of their own personal style and interpretation as they develop personal experience in their field.
The Educators’ Spin On It, Boy Mama Teacher Mama,
Mama Smiles, The Measured Mom, Planet Smarty Pants,
Relentlessly Fun Deceptively Educational, This Reading Mama
There were a lot of really great ideas shared in last week’s linky! Here are two of my favorites:
- Make a Mandala from Highhill Homeschool – my kids enjoy coloring mandalas after school, and I think they will have fun making them as well!
- Multiplication cards from 3 Dinosaurs. I love how portable these are!
What after school learning and fun is your family enjoying? Share them here and I or one of the other linky hosts may feature your post next week and to pin it to our After School Activities board on Pinterest!
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
These are beautiful. Well done, Emma!
Gorgeous! These need to be hung on your walls!
They make wonderful wall art!
What a wonderful gift. Going to keep that one in mind for future birthdays. I know my kids would love it!
That little whale is so cute! What a neat project. Thank much for sharing your experiences–you do the neatest things :) I really think we would enjoy trying this. sharing
I agree templates can be useful, and as long as that’s not all it is then there’s no problem with it.
Happy Birthday to Emma! Time is erlerntes, Gosh! :) Reallöhne like the idea; will try it Soon! Thanks for your Card – it’ll adorn our Front Doors til the next ohne arrivies!
Sorry trying to figure out the iPad with the German Language .Setting – i meint relentless Before.
Beautiful! Have you read Steal Like an Artist? It talks about how art is a derivative process.
I haven’t, but now I think I need to!
How fun! I do think that templates help. Sometimes you just need to practice first and get a hang of it before trying some on your own.
This is such a cute craft! I think my third grader would enjoy this kit too.
Thanks for featuring my multiplication wall cards!
You’re welcome! They are great!