Outside the Box

Crafting is not my strong suite. I mentioned My Alphabet Book last summer. Included on that post are some of the craft sources I use. Plus, I am really excited about all of Sandra's Kid Crafts being in one location. It will make it easier to pick and choose what LilE and I want to do.

Crafting is hard for me because I am such a perfectionist. I have learned over the last year that no craft is perfect with a child. But that is what makes it so personal and special for my sweet girl.

I have also learned how to think outside of the box when it comes to crafts. Many times I have gone to gather supplies and I have been short an item or two. Therefore, I have had to turn the brain on and come up with either a different craft altogether or tweak the one I have already planned (well, planned in my head-otherwise I would have had all the supplies).

We recently pulled out supplies for this rabbit. I did not have any pink construction paper. I know how much my girl LOVES to paint. We decided to make a pink rabbit instead using the paints. Even though it took a little bit longer, she absolutely loved it and was more than excited to display it on the fridge and tell her Daddy when he got home.

Another thing I like to do is make ordinary crafts a bit personal. We planned to go on a nature walk and of course needed binoculars. We "princessed" them up with lots of pink, fancy ribbon, and even some beaded bling. She loves them! While we were coloring and gluing, we talked about everything we could see using the binoculars...all the things God made. Then later we took them out and actually used them-another opportunity to talk about God in conversation.

I found that while she is sitting and coloring, gluing, painting, etc. it is a great time to sit down and read out of our God and Me devotional book. She listened and answered my questions. I even read a story out of the non-toddler Bible and then we talked about it. I was very impressed by what she can comprehend while so "busy."

Crafting is a great time to spend one on one with your child. It also allows for multiple opportunities to talk about God and all that he has done for us.

What other ways have you thought outside the box when it comes to crafting with your children?

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