Step2

There is no better way to bring in the holidays than getting the kids excited by creating arts and crafts themed around the 4th of July. Better yet, it is even more fun to include them in baking some yummy treats in order to make them feel they helped plan the celebration.

July 4^th Arts & Crafts

Arts and crafts projects can be messy. So when deciding a project, make sure you focus on a project that does not require a lot of materials and is not tedious. Either take the project outside or designate an area inside, such as an art desk, to complete the project. The faster it is to create the craft, the better because the children will not become bored. The same goes for making delicious food.

Here at Step2, we discovered an arts and crafts project from FamilyFun Magazine, which will be a ton of fun for the kids. The Patri-botic Centerpiece will be the perfect centerpiece at your July 4^th party. You could even place it at the kids’ table. It is a cute idea because the kids can create the face they want on their robot and take pride in making a helpful centerpiece for their party guests.

Additional holiday arts & crafts:

Patriotic Pinwheel  (Kaboose.com)
Firework Favors (Spoonful.com)
Fourth of July Windsock (Bhg.com)

Holiday Recipes

Baking with the kids is always a fun activity (but keep kitchen safety in mind when including the little ones), especially when it is a sweet treat they can enjoy. Everyone loves ice cream during the hot summer days. We found a fun recipe for Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes on Grandparents.com. These cupcakes are served in an ice cream cone, but it is actually a cupcake!

Have your little one assist in stirring the batter or adding the sprinkles. If your little one is too young to assist you in the kitchen, bring their play kitchen into your kitchen so they can “pretend” bake alongside you.

Additional holiday treats:

Berry Bliss Rocket Pops (Familyfreshcooking.com)
Flag Cake (Recipe.com)
Crispy Cheese Stars (Familyfun.go.com)

Have a great 4^th of July! If you decide to do a project or baking activity with your children or grandchildren, send some pictures to thestep2team@gmail.com and we will share them on Facebook!

Check out more craft ideas and recipes on the Step2 “Creative Crafts” Pinterest board.

Keeping kids physically active is important. Instead of sitting around watching television or playing video games, encourage your children to use their imagination to create beautiful works of art using different types of materials. Once you have a designated space for your child’s art desk, tell them to go outside (or sift through the basement or old bins if it’s chilly outside) and gather up materials to begin an art project.

Art does not have to be a sedentary activity. Kids need to be inspired to create art and this can come from all different sources. If you have a large yard with lots of plant and animal life, these can be great materials for art projects. Your children or grandchildren can find leaves, sticks, or even bugs to make unique pictures or sculpture. Depending on the age of the children, you can allow them to paint, cut and glue all of these materials to make all kinds of creative projects.

Another way to encourage children to use their creativity is to provide art easels for kids. If you are planning a birthday party for boys or girls, consider setting up several easels and provide paint, chalk and other art supplies. You could ask the children to create portraits of themselves or each other to give to the birthday girl. Kids love to create and the more encouragement you give them, the more likely they are to seek out creative art projects on their own.

As a grandparent, you may not have a lot of space in your home to keep toys when the grand-kids come for a visit. You do not need a lot of room for art supplies and these activities will keep the kids entertained for hours. You can store a folding art easel in the closet and all of the art supplies in a plastic container. When the grandchildren show up and start complaining they are bored, instead of sending them into the den to watch television, watch their eyes light up when you bring out art easels for kids and all of the supplies they need. Not only will they have a great time creating beautiful pictures, you will have something to put up on the fridge or wall to remind you of the grand-kids once they return home.

If left to their own devices, children are more likely to sit in front of the t.v. or spend much of their time playing video games. It is important to encourage kids to stay physically active and explore the world around them. Not only will the children sleep better if they are able to use up their energy and breathe in the fresh air outside, art projects can be inspired from almost anything. Take a field trip and let your child’s imagination do the rest.

Many parents want to give their children the opportunity to explore their creative and artistic side, but are not sure how to get their kids interested in art. Remember that what works for one child may not work for another, so if one of the following tips does not work, try another.

Devote a section of your home to art. This doesn’t need to be an entire room; even just a small ‘art corner’ devoted to creativity will work. Keep art supplies, such as kids art desks, an activity table, easel, paints, paintbrushes, crayons, colored pencils and coloring books in this area. (If you are concerned about clutter, then purchase a storage unit with shelves – such as hutch or desk with drawers — to hold various supplies).

Also, devote an area of your home to displaying your kids’ artwork. The prouder you (and they) are of their work, the more freedom they will have to take risks and experiment.

Whenever you take a family outing, whether it is an annual vacation or a day trip, bring along sketchpads. Have your children sketch things that they like, such as scenery they find beautiful, an animal they find intriguing, or interesting people they meet.

Take your kids to art museums, smaller art galleries, or even artists’ open studios. The more art forms and styles kids are introduced to at a young age, the better. Your child may not be attracted to Impressionist paintings, but he or she may love sculpture parks. You never know until you expose your child to a variety of mediums.

[Note: Regarding art galleries or open artist studios, it may be a good idea to check ahead to make sure the content is suitable for your children.]

Draw or paint with your kids. Have designated art tables where both of you can work. For example, you could outline a drawing and have your child color it in. Or you could purchase ceramics – such as a bowl — that need to be painted, and decorate it together. If your child is simply not interested in drawing, don’t force it. Provide other materials or avenues for creativity – such as a sewing kit – that he or she might want to try.

Support all forms of creativity by giving it your full attention. Whether it is playing the guitar, dancing, performing or drawing, make sure to give your child an audience.

To prepare for preschool (can you believe it’s already that time!?), take an additional 15% off all art desks and easels now though Sunday, August 21 when you enter S2CP11 at checkout. No art desk or easel is excluded! That means you can take 15% off our two new art desks for fall – the Build & Store Block & Activity Table and the Art Desk Easel.