Rainbow Creations - Art and Craft for Children - Blog

The very first step in leaning how to crochet is to make a chain of stitches. Although crochet seems easy once learnt, it is surprising how difficult the physical action of making the very first stitches can be having never done it before. So, to practice chain stitch and do more and more chain stitch until it comes naturally, is a good thing that children can do to help themselves to progress further. Children and beginners will find it difficult to follow a pattern or even do a row of single crochet without the ability to hold the yarn at the right tension for it to slide easily through the stitches. The action of the wrist of the hand that holds the hook when making stitches is also something to be acquired. Chain and more chain is the way to go! Here is how to do a slip knot and chain stitch But what can you do with all the lengths of chain once they have been made? Well, simply making them might be enough to satisfy some children. Others might want to see a purpose, not just...

For children to be given the chance to be creative they need space, opportunity, encouragement and assistance. Some adults might shy away from offering this to the children in their care as they feel that they are not creative themselves.  As Henri Matisse said Creativity Takes Courage Rather than fear creativity, see it as a challenge -  a challenge which will benefit both adult and child. If you are feeling I've never been good at making things I wouldn't know where to start I have no imagination I am useless with my hands.......  Some points to think about You can learn together - good for emotional bonding It doesn't have to 'look 'right - there is no right and wrong Experiment - different materials, different approaches, even different moods It is just for fun - no pressure Things you could do to inspire and build your confidence in your own creativity Examine art and design in the small world that you live - look in your home, in catalo...

Rainbow Creations Paint Sets   for young children are now available. These are intended for beginners; suitable for children age 3-4 years old. For children who have not painted before, these first painting sets would make a lovely gift. The brushes are specially designed for little children to hold in their palm as this is how young children naturally hold a brush at that age. They are short brushes which will not roll off the table when put down as they have a little ridge all the way down to stop them. If they are held upright with paint on, paint will not run down the handle. The bowls enable children to see the paint and the brush will fit into the bowl. The brightly coloured painting bowls are made from strong plastic  - one of each colour, red, yellow, blue and green. Four bottles of children's poster paint are supplied to complete the kit. If your child enjoys painting, further colours of paint are also available. Protective clothing shoul...

Children develop so quickly, progress being seen month to month. All children are different and develop at different rates but each child follows the same path. At the age of 3 years children's fine motor skills, concentration, patience and hand and eye coordination are all beginning to increase rapidly and by the time they have reached 7 years old their skills will have very much matured. Art and craft activities with children at this age need to be simple and fun. But, firstly what might you expect from a child of this age? As a guide only : Children aged 3 years can -Begin to cut paper with scissors -Draw a person with a head face and limbs (no body) -Control a pencil with a tripod grasp -Can thread large beads on a lace Children of 4 years old can -Thread smaller beads with large holes -Draw people with a head, body, arms, legs and fingers. -Can recognise and name a range of colours -Can write own name What  you can provide- age 3-4 years :  chubby crayons,...

Once children are old enough, knitting is a great pastime for them to learn. By teaching your child to knit you are giving them the choice, throughout their life, of a hobby which can be picked up again at any time to give pleasure, achievement and creativity. Many children learn, but don't knit again for several years. However, when the time is right, or there is space in their life they may be thankful for having acquired the skill when younger. Children might wonder what knitting is. Knitting is simply using yarn and two needles to create a piece of fabric. The fabric is created by working along the stitches on the row, then the needles are turned and the stitches on the row are each knitted again. As the procedure is repeated, the knitting hanging from the needles grows in length. These days, knitting is a hobby. Children might be interested to know that knitting was originally used to create clothing and that today most of their own clothes are produced by machines. By k...