Things you could try at home, by yourself or with children (where age-appropriate). (Index of posts)
Why would I include instructions for things you could make yourself?
Because I’m a firm believer that children should be given opportunities to make things themselves. Not just because those children grow up to continue to make things themselves as adults. (Shoutout to all my crafting friends!)
Age-appropriate Crafts, from fingerpainting to cooking, pottery, complicated knitting and sewing…any craft helps develop hand-eye coordination, an eye for colour, an ability to mentally manipulate 3D objects, and many other abilities besides the skills themselves. Some people will show greater artistic talent &/or dexterity, but everyone can succeed, given the right tools and teaching.
Making things is an achievement, a success experience. Every attempt should be celebrated for itself, and also as a step towards greater competency. Succeeding builds confidence in competency but also in general. It enables people to try new things, and to succeed at them.
Some of my strongest and happiest childhood memories are of making things during summer holidays at my Grandparents’ farm. I now realise it was partly that my Grandmother was a Primary (Elementary) Teacher, and largely to keep me busy while the adults did other things. These were skills I learned early and continue to use!
I still remember my first proper sewing project used 1m of pink gingham to sew an apron with a cross-stitched pocket. The pattern was from a womens’ magazine, probably ‘The Australian Womens Weekly’. I needed help with the sewing machine but still counted it as making it myself. My grandmother was astonished that my cross-stitch (first attempt) was so neat! I was so proud! Of course, my Grandmother was quite the actress, too LOL. Sadly, I’ve no idea where the apron ended up, and I don’t have a photo. This gave me the confidence develop more skills and sew many things, from clothes using commercial patterns, to re-creating a favourite worn-out skirt by measuring it and figuring it out. When I quilt, I just make my own patterns from the fabrics I have chosen &/or have on hand.
What I do still have are many of the crafts my children made, either with me or with childcare, school, after-school care and holiday programs. (I was a working mother). I even still have, and use, a pencilcase I made myself from leftover scraps of fabric in about 1987. I also have photos of some of the things I have made as an adult, and can write you instructions to make something similar.
Sometimes I’ll just link someone else’s post, when they’ve already done a great job explaining it. Following those links may lead you to other resources too!
Sometimes I’ll suggest options for you to use your own discretion and creativity for variations. Always: your projects are your own, so: make them how you want them!
I’ll add more posts from time to time. Either subscribe for updates or check back when you feel like it.
Something you’ve been wanting to make but haven’t found instructions?Suggest it in the comments and I’ll let you know if I can help.
If you would like to share your craft ideas with others, post a link in the comments below!