Do Art (Not Crafts)

I've always had a "bent" in favor of art & music, though that is not synonymous with "talent". It has never been a secret to me that teaching art and music increases a child's abilities in many areas. Numerous studies have proven it, despite the decline of such subjects in the public schools--or maybe "in spite" of them. Then there is just the beauty aspect, which in itself has value. It is fine, it is fun, it just makes sense when there's time.

Ah! The time crutch. I've fought that battle for years. Now I think I'm finally winning it with our Charlotte Mason style learning. Short lessons have made all the difference, but truly putting a focus on the love of learning and not pushing canned curriculums and workbooks, we've been able to begin truly learning about things we love (along with math! :)).

Here are a few of the fabulous FREE resources that other moms have shared. They are so good, so easy to follow, and so important, that you don't want to miss out on them!

Jenny @ Jenny Wren's Nest just re-posted her great 36 week artist study she's calling "Waiting To Be Discovered".

Then there is Sherri who shares her lesson plans for using Mona Brookes' book, "Drawing With Children".

Barb @ Harmony Art Mom also shares her version of using "Drawing With Children" in more of a nature journal style. She has a ton of great art, music and nature lessons available on her site. Be sure to check it out before you buy anything!

I'm really realizing how important it is to have quality art supplies available all the time. If you are out of watercolor paper, it's kind of hard for the kids to make you a beautiful water color painting of that bird they just saw (or their doll having a tea party!). Though that is truly a whole other subject, I recommend the following always be on hand. This is not in any way a comprehensive list!

Firmly planted in their place:
Scissors
Rulers
Hole punch
Stapler
Plastic lids for mixing paint colors
Place to create!
Art portfolio for each child
Art books for inspiration. (We love our art calendar!)

Things that come & go & require replenishing:
Good quality colored pencils & sharpener (preferably a manual one that won't eat up your investment!)
Water color pencils (these are SO fun!)
Pastels
Quality (& numerous!) paint brushes of varying sizes.
Real drawing pencils & an art eraser Water colors
Primary colors of paint
Quality colored markers in various widths
Quality colored paper/construction paper
Colored chalks
Water color paper (this was hard for me because it's not cheap, but other paper doesn't receive water color paint well. Stock up when it's on sale. )
Other types of art paper/Sketchbooks
glue (don't use glue sticks if you can help it! They are easy, but dry out and paper peel apart!)

Let me just add that when my kids have been left to their own devices totally, with no direction, for long periods of time (months!) they argue, fuss and accomplish very little. There is little peace and joy. All this CM stuff has had a huge impact on that aspect of our lives. Right now my kids, with a friend, are painting beautiful pictures while listening to "Your Story Hour" online! Smiles all around!

I'll also say that I absolutely despise "crafts". I agree with Charlotte Mason that handicrafts need to be beautiful and useful. While I have supplied a certain amount of googly eyes, pipe cleaners, craft foam, etc., I leave their use totally up to the little 'uns and when they're gone, they will probably not return.

Hook In

I just went to my very first Hook In. Since I, myself, just found out what that was, I'll share with you that it is a gathering of folks who enjoy the art of Primitive Hook Rug Making. And it is incredible!

My grandmother, whom I'm told I take after, was an avid rug maker...and dress maker, and quilt maker, and doll maker, etc. Unfortunately, she died before I was old enough to learn from her. However, I WAS old enough to remember and to treasure every piece that my mother, then myself, inherited from her.

There are few hand crafts that rival the beauty and usefulness of rug making. As far as handcrafts go, I believe Charlotte Mason would approve. I admit that I was a bit intimidated at first, but I was so excited to carry on a tradition that my grandmother started, that I quickly relaxed and got my groove on. I'm a bit overwhelmed by learning a new craft from the ground up. (I'm old!) New terminology. New time demands. But I know that it will be so incredibly worth it! I can't wait to finish my first piece, learn from my experience and continue with this art.

I'm so surprised that this craft is not more prominent, but I have an "in" now and I'm excited to meet some other "hook-ers" and create. The biggest issue now is what to make and how fast can I get it done and make the next thing! These rugs are "me". Love 'em! (Can you tell?!)