Crafting as a Family
A great way to spend time with your family is to create something together. Crafting as a family not only allows you to spend time with your kids, but you also end up making something together that you can keep as a family keepsake or use to decorate the family home.
One fun and easy craft to do with girls is jewelry making. All you need is a variety of beads, some type of stringing material, and your imagination. Go to a local craft store with the girls and have them help choose the type of beads they like. If you are a beginner, the easiest thing to start off with is a bracelet. Elastic beading thread will allow the bracelet to stretch and fit any wrist size. Just make sure that the thickness of the elastic thread is thin enough to match the bead hole size. Once you have your supplies, you are ready to start making your own custom bracelets. Each girl can design their own pattern of beads and string them by herself. She can make one for herself and one for you. You can make matching bracelets or create a matching necklace.
Another great crafting idea for the whole family is using modeling clay. It is similar to play dough, but it can be baked so that hardens. You can make figures, animals or even a bowl, whatever you think of. Clay colors can be mixed together to create new shades or combined to create a distinct pattern. If desired, the finished product can also be painted. Children of all ages can participate in this activity. Modeling clay can be purchased at any craft store. Also, it can be a great reason to get the kids outside. Crafting outside on the porch, while enjoying the weather is hard to beat.
For those on a budget, consider using household items you already have to create a keepsake box. Empty tissue boxes work well as a bin. Collect items such as stickers, buttons, and magazine pictures to decorate and glue onto the box. Cover the box sides in a collage style to hide any tissue box markings. Once completed, your child will have a new box for their treasured items.
These are just a few simple crafting ideas that are fun and quick. When you work on a craft project together, you end up with an item that can be kept and remembered. Having a tangible item will remind you of the fun and enjoyable time spent with your children making the project. Similar ideas are done with people going through illnesses. Cancer societies suggest doing similar things when going through Pericardial Mesothelioma. Many of my fondest memories with my family were created by doing these very same activities. As with every kid and especially teens, spending time with family is the last thing on the list of things to do. I was glad my parents made me do some of these activities with them because now that I’ve gotten older, I look back fondly on them. I plan to do them with my children some day. Whether I have to drag them to do it or not!
Kristin Wells is a recent college graduate from The University of Georgia and an aspiring writer. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives through her writing. Kristin also likes competitive cycling, running, and traveling as much as possible.
