Expert: MaryAnn F. Kohl - 6/15/2010

Question
QUESTION: What are some crafts for an 8 year old?

ANSWER: Hi, Julia.

First, I want to explain something about the difference between ART and CRAFTS (crafties we sometimes call them). My specialty is ART, which means that I enjoy offering kids projects where we don't know the outcome. I provide the materials and some very basic getting started steps, and then stand back and let them decide what and how to create. On the other hand, CRAFTS have specific directions to follow and the child usually makes something the adult has shown the child an example of -- so they know what they are going to make based on what the adult has told them to do. So knowing that, I'll suggest some ideas about art:

If you don't mind, I would like to send you to my website, because I have so many ideas there ready for you.
Go here: http://www.brightring.com/Fun%20Activities.html
I list four projects from each of my books, just about all of them suitable for an 8 year old.

However, if you will tell me what your child likes to do, I can suggest some specific things just for your child. Please let me know.
You can write to me through my website or you can use AllExperts again.


I'm glad you want to bring creativity to your 8 year old. I'd love to help more if you need me.

PS A blog that has tons of great ideas is "Deep Space Sparkle" -- would be good ideas for an 8 year old.

MaryAnn Kohl
author
educator
www.brightring.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh I'm sorry. My 8 year old likes to paint but I think it's too messy. She likes making paper foldables too, but I want to try something different.

Answer
If painting is too messy, here are a few interesting QUICKIE art ideas.

Also, be sure to check those other areas I mentioned...
Deep Space Sparkle http://deepspacesparkle.blogspot.com/
and my website: http://www.brightring.com
and my Blog: http://maryannfkohl.typepad.com/blog/

1.))) Marker Draw and Paint with Water:
Draw with regular markers (not permanent).
As you draw, paint water on the marker lines to make them "bleed".
This is not a messy activity.

2.))) Crayon Resist:
Cover the workspace with newspaper or a vinyl tablecloth.
Draw heavy and bright with crayon (light marks won't work as well) on any drawing paper.
Mix some food coloring like blue with a little water.
Paint over the crayon drawing with the food coloring paint.
    It will "resist" the crayon and look really interesting.
Also you could paint over the crayon with thinned tempera or poster paint, or watercolors.
Works best with darker paint over lighter colors of crayon.

3.))) Scribble Dabble:
masking tape
construction paper (any color, including white)
crayons or colored markers
1. Stick strips of masking tape to a sheet of construction paper in any design.
Stick the tape lightly instead of pressing hard to make it easier to remove the tape in step four.
2. Scribble vigorously over the entire paper and tape, changing colors frequently.
3. When the paper is filled with color, carefully and slowly peel the
masking tape away revealing the remaining design.

I have written 23 books of art ideas, so you can imagine it's almost difficult to choose what to share with you!!
So check out my website and the Deep Space Sparkle and see what you and your child can decide on together.

I hope this helps!

MaryAnn Kohl
art author

My last suggestion, is to go to the library and check out "Scribble Art" which will give you and your child the most basic easy art ideas to do. Author: MaryAnn Kohl  Publisher: Bright Ring Publishing

PS Painting doesn't have to be messy if you cover the work space and provide rinsing cups and sponge or paper towels.