Tips n Tidbits

Painting Sundays IV

Matt and the kids have been cranking out paintings faster than I can keep up with them. To see step-by-step views of Matt’s recent watercolors in progress, check out the Bohan Art blog he started recently. To see our children’s paintings, just keep coming back here, and I’ll get them all up eventually. (Ah, summer! The bliss of blue skies, songbirds and gardens in bloom… wonderful things that make it difficult to get any real work done.)

Kelly’s P-51 Mustang (3/28/10)

Timmy’s Maui Amakihi Pair (4/11/10)

Kelly’s Corsair (4/11/10)

Timmy’s Maui Amakihi Male (4/11/10)

Timmy’s Maui Amakihi Female (4/11/10)

Card Idea for Father's Day

Similar to the Mother’s Day Craft posted last month, this requires paper, glue, scissors and some adult assistance.

Using paper of different colors, have children draw and then cut out shapes representing objects that remind them of their father. The objects can represent any of Dad’s favorites, including hobbies, sports, clothes, music or weekend activities.

Children can then glue the shapes onto a larger piece of paper in any arrangement they like. Have them add any age-appropriate decorative touches they want with crayons, markers, sequins, glitter or stickers. To finish the card, write or assist them in writing a note to Dad and signing it.

Happy Father’s Day to all dads and grandfathers (especially Matt, Dad/Papa, Grandpa Frank and Uncle Erik)!

Painting Sundays III

This installment is long overdue, coming two months after the post for Part 2.

As mentioned before, our children do the preliminary sketches themselves. Matt then coaches them through their paintings, providing advice on friskets, brush techniques, washes and other paint applications.

“Painting Sundays” is a commitment that not only requires Matt to give up time that might otherwise go to his own hobbies, but it often challenges his patience. In return, however, he has been richly rewarded by seeing an increase in our children’s interest and abilities in drawing and watercolor. They love this weekly time with their dad, and it shows.

Sharing these images allows us to keep an online portfolio of their work. We hope it also inspires others to invest in and assist with their children’s creative hobbies and interests, away from TVs, computers, videos and gaming devices.*

As you can tell, we’ve had a bit of an ocean theme going for the last few months.

Hermit Crab by Kelly (8 years) 3/7/10

Goldfish (and Scorpion) with Inchworms by Timmy (5 years) 4/27/10

Nautilus by Timmy (5 years) 3/7/10

Salamander and Octopus by Kelly (8 years) 4/27/10

* The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit children’s total entertainment media time to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality programming per day. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Overweight and Obesity)

Mother's Day Card Craft

Don’t panic; there’s still time! If your children are looking for a great card to make for Mom, here’s one that just requires paper, scissors, glue and their imagination. The extent of your involvement depends upon their ability to use scissors safely.

Have children draw large, simple shapes on colored paper—ideally archival—and cut them out. Then have them paste the pieces onto the front of a piece of cardstock paper that has been folded in half like a traditional card. Once glued, they can add decorative touches to the front and personalize the inside of the card.

The finished card is a wonderful sample of their creativity (and your caring assistance) that Mom will cherish.

Happy Mother’s Day!

From Kelly in 2009 (age 7)

By Kelly in 2008 (age 6)

Earth Day Crafts (Part 4): Homemade Binoculars

Happy Earth Day!

This is the final installment of 2010 Earth Day craft ideas. Reduce, reuse and enjoy!

These handmade “binoculars” constructed from toilet paper tubes and paper are fun for children to make and “use.” Not only did our kids enjoy assembling and decorating them, but they also got a kick out of trying to see birds with them.

To make your own binoculars, tape or glue two toilet paper tubes together side by side. Cover with construction paper or leftover wrapping paper and tape or glue into place. If they want to, have children decorate the binoculars using crayons, color pencils, markers, stickers, etc. Alternatively, have them create a collage on the binoculars using bird pictures cut out of old magazines or calendars. (See collage directions after “OR” in my Media Holder post.)

Once decorations are complete, punch holes on the outer edges of either side of the top to secure a neck strap of yarn or ribbon. (Please use caution and common sense when allowing young children to wear things around their necks.)

To encourage bird watching or nature study, point out critters at close range for children to observe with our without their new specs.

If your youngster seems truly interested in birding, perhaps you can invest in the real things and support the beginnings of a lifelong hobby. According to a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 50 million Americans report that they are bird watchers. All of that time spent looking for and reading about birds leaves less time for “mindless” television programs or video games, getting your potential couch potato up and moving.

If you think your elementary-age child displays enough interest to justify purchasing functional binoculars, check the following links for more information.

A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Binoculars for Children (article plus products)

American Birding Association (nonprofit website)

Binoculars for Children (article)

Child-Size Compact Binoculars (product)

Our favorite source for binoculars and camera equipment is B&H, where you can typically find quality products at excellent prices.

Note: TipsnTidbits.com is not currently sponsored by any of the companies mentioned here.