Expert: MaryAnn F. Kohl - 3/25/2004

Question
my 7 yr old daughter loves drawing but gets frustrated because she can not find things that "she is good at" I have bought her many different projects for her to do she'll start one gets upset because to her it doesn't look right and leaves it alone. Any ideas of how or what types of crafts or art she can do? She loves drawing and painting. thanks in advance

Answer
I think your daughter would benefit from doing "art", not "crafts". Art is different from craft because the outcome is not as important as the process of exploring and experimenting and trying out the art materials however she wishes. I have a book that would be perfect for her: Scribble Art.  I don't usually "sell" through this allexperts.com site, and certainly you do not need to buy this book, but it has the most open-ended projects and art experiences...and is perfect for 7 year olds. The projects never turn out the same no matter how many times you do them, so they are always amazing yet unique. You can also get free sample "ART" projects from my website at: www.brightring.com

I think she needs to do art that does not have specified outcomes, but rather, is open-ended and accepts all outcomes.

Best wishes,
and please feel free to contact me personally at any time.
MaryAnn Kohl
art author and educator
maryann@brightring.com