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domchurch3
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| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:49pm | IP Logged
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I have a 5 year old who loves crafts and loves watching me crochet, embroider, and make sock dolls. (I am new to all of these arts, so she enjoys watching me learn). Besides making potholders, is there any other kind of craft that my daughter can do until she's old enough to learn how to crochet, embroider and sew? Are there any crafts that can lead into these other arts? I'm thinking about Christmas ideas.
Many Blessings,
Elizabeth
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MaryatHome
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| Posted: Nov 22 2007 at 10:53am | IP Logged
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There is no reason she can't learn to sew now....my dd was learning at that age.
She can start by making felt puppets with yarn. Cut out a simple hand puppet shape (better yet, draw it out on the felt and let HER cut on the lines), and show her how to sew them together using a large-eye needle and yarn. She can sew or draw a face, and as she gains confidence, she can sew on some yarn hair.
I also bought some of those plastic canvas circles and squares used to make coasters for my kids to sew on. They learn the "in and out" of sewing by filling those up with yarn. They can learn pattern and design if you give them different colors to work with.
Spool knitting is another craft which younger children can master. I recommend finding a fairly large one for children that age, and using really thick yarn, or even fabric strips. She (or you) can sew the tube in a spiral for a nice coaster. The larger knitting jennies, seen in stores as the Knifty Knitter, are based on the same principle, and the small ones make nice hats for children.
Straw knitting is another good craft for kids. Here's a link
http://www.gateofheaven.net/belt%20weaving%20page.htm
Cardboard looms can be fun, too, and can be made in small sizes so that your daughter feels a sense of accomplishment.
http://www.art-rageous.net/Weaving.html
You may need to string the looms the first time, but after that, she should be able to manage the skills needed to make small projects.
These are just ideas we used at our house. I hope you find something your daughter can enjoy.
Mary
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Mary G
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| Posted: Nov 22 2007 at 1:28pm | IP Logged
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Your 5yod, particularly since she's interested, can do just about ANY craft ... crocheting and knitting are both teachable at that age (search the archives for "kids knitting" or other similar posts). There are lots of easy needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery kits out there that she can probably do.
Just being supportive and helpful will be a big step in her learning any of the crafts .... if she makes a mistake or has to put it aside, that's not a bad thing. If she doesn't follow the directions exactly, that certainly isn't a bad thing (that's how I became a hand-knits designer at 12!  ).
Encourage her and continue to keep learning yourself .... and honestly, almost anything she wants to try you can start her on.
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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Mary K
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| Posted: Nov 22 2007 at 9:20pm | IP Logged
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would any of these be doable for a 4.5 yo? my dd wants to do crafts.
mary-ny
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Mary G
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| Posted: Nov 23 2007 at 7:22am | IP Logged
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Mary K -- it sort of depends on what crafts she wants to do, if you do crafts, and how much time you want to devote to helping her....Talk to her and see what she'd like to try then plan a mom-daughter outing to the craft shop (always a very exciting event around here! ) and look for an easy kit ... the benefit to many of the kits is that it contains everything you need to TRY a craft, but if you want to go further with it, you can then get better quality supplies.
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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domchurch3
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| Posted: Nov 23 2007 at 8:23am | IP Logged
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Thank You for the ideas. I was following the age guidelines on the back of books and catalog reviews. All of them recommend starting things like crochet and embroidery at 8. Plus, I also figured since she has problem holding her pencil, I figured she would have issues with holding a hook and needle, but maybe that would actually help her.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
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Mary G
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| Posted: Nov 23 2007 at 4:08pm | IP Logged
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Elizabeth -- pencil grip/penmanship is one of the reasons Waldorf schools start knitting in K. Also, you have to remember the age guidelines are for "the real world" where moms might not have the time or inclination to help their little ones (also, in our pc world, age guidelines are usually higher than they should be for "safety" sake).
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MaryG
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Crafts for a 5year old craft lover?
