Getting techno kids into craft

A lot of young boys don’t need a lot of convincing to make a mess with some paints but there are some that are just not that interested. They would rather play with transformers or I guess the biggest thing holding kids back from getting creative these days is technology.

Here are a few tips on how you can get your kids away from the tv screen and wanting to make stuff.

So back to what I was saying before, boys like to get messy! Find them a craft that is very hands on. (There is an underwater artwork in the first issue of Crafted Magazine that is a great example of a “getting messy” painting. Check out the link on the side of the page to download your copy if you haven’t gotten one yet…) This will give them a chance to get covered in paint. This will lead the way to more structured painting later on. For now it’s just introducing them to the medium.

Who are their favorite characters on their tv shows or their video games?

You could print out a picture of one of their favorite characters and transfer it onto a canvas for them to paint. YES YOU CAN! I hear “oh thats a great idea but i can’t do that…” waaaay to often. You don’t know you can’t do something unless you try!
You can do this using carbon paper. If you haven’t used carbon paper before don’t be scared! It’s a great way to get a drawing you want to paint onto a canvas.
Here’s how you do it.

Character onto canvas:
1. Place your carbon paper onto the canvas. Make sure the side with the carbon is facing the canvas.
2. Put your drawing on top of the carbon paper.
4. Trace over your drawing. When you trace the picture the carbon will transfer onto the canvas.
5. Take a peek at the canvas and check that the carbon has transferred so you can see the outline.
Now you have a picture the kids (or you) can paint! Hurrah!

If it’s a car racing game they like get them to make little cars out of boxes. You could even make a track for them to race on.

If you have not herd of mister maker before he is a HUGE hit with the little guys and I think he would be able to pull some kids away from their usual techno ways and want to get crafty! I highly recommend getting his DVDs if you haven’t seen it before! It’s these little things that are going to get them interested in getting creative.

Hope a few of these tips help you get your kids making! 🙂