Now that summer has arrived, we look forward to all sorts of favorite activities - festivals, carnivals, fairs, parades, and many more festive events. More and more of these occasions are beginning to feature kids face painting as a popular activity. Kids love to have their faces painted, and it is fun for adults to see all the various designs.
A face can be transformed entirely into an animal or character, or even a monster. Or a portion of a child’s face can be painted – often with a simple design, such as a butterfly, a star, or whatever suits ones fancy. Facepainting just adds more fun to a great day!
Quilting is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and can be enjoyed regardless of age, disability, or sewing aptitude. Quilting is simple to learn, and with a little imagination, it’s possible to create some fantastic quilts with just a little knowledge. The best way to learn quilting is from a relative familiar with it, but if this isn’t possible, there are numerous books available that can teach how to quilt. For beginners, it’s best to start with beginner quilt designs and patterns, which often come with simple instructions on how to design and sew a quilt. You might also consider a beginner quilting workshop, which are common in most locations throughout the United States and can help you with making quilt blocks and other basics.
Quilting is a great after school activity for kids, as it is both educational and fun. Parents will find that having their children interested in quilting is a worthwhile endeavor as quilting teaches a host of other sewing skills and fosters creativity. Quilts can be art, in addition to providing warmth. Designer quilts are quite expensive, and as quilting skill advances beginners will be able to create more unique and specialized pieces without much more effort.
As an avid stamp collector, I take offense to the notion that stamp collecting will soon be an outdated hobby and distant memory of American culture. I realize that e-mail has long surpassed “snail mail” in terms of volume, but there will always be the need to send hard copies to people, which means that there will always be a need for stamps. One of the enjoyments of being a collector is the fact that you get to see how stamps have evolved over time, from the price to the design, and how this reflects on society as a whole.
The latest innovation to revolutionize the stamp world has been introduction of sticker-style stamps. Personally, I loved the distinct flavor of the lick-and-stick style stamps, but all of the new stamps are, essentially, just expensive stickers. Call me old-fashioned, but I miss the days when you never knew what stamps you would get at the post office, unlike the mass-produced bell design that is ubiquitous now.
Coin collecting, like stamp collecting, is a great kid’s craft (as well as a great adult hobby.) This is a popular pastime to introduce to our children 
and is one that parents can participate in. One huge benefit from this hobby is the opportunity to teach our kids valuable information and facts while enjoying the time spent together.
Like stamps, coins have historical value. Foreign coins, along with the many new United States coins being introduced, add interest and variety to all collections. Many coins are available at reasonable prices and appreciate in value over time.
A coin collection can become quite valuable and is something to be treasured.
Keeping our kids happy and involved is our main goal in life. One way to do that is to get them interested in collecting. Collecting is a great kids craft. There are all sorts of items that kids like to collect. Some of the more common things that kids like to collect are stamps.
Stamps are interesting because they can be from different countries, thus becoming a geography lesson. They may be very old, or they may be new. Stamps are available in all colors and numerous styles. The variety of stamps to look at and collect seems to be unlimited.
Stamps are readily available and have great historical significance. Stamp collecting can be very exciting, and the fact that many may be acquired free or at minimum expense makes it great for kids and adults alike.
Often a pe
rson’s career choice as an adult had roots in a kid’s craft that he or she enjoyed while growing up. With that in mind, we want to offer our children as much of a variety of projects to work on and become familiar with as we possibly can. This will give them a chance to try different things and develop their own likes and dislikes.
We may find that our children enjoy the same exact interests that we find pleasure in. On the other hand, we may find a child who is completely into something new and different from our taste. It is important, therefore, to present a variety of choices for our kids to explore.
It is my opinion that every kid needs a hobby or craft to absorb himself in. An interesting kid’s craft can teach children many valuable lessons while keeping them entertained for hours. A favorite hobby or craft could even help to keep your child off the streets and away from undesirable playmates and out of trouble.
Most children enjoy sports, so any athletic activity is a great hobby for kids. Football, soccer, basketball and little league baseball are all popular sports, along with track and field events. My granddaughter also takes lessons in dancing, cheerleading, and baton twirling.
Opportunities to get your kids involved are everywhere. Any hobby that kids actively participate in, whether it is a sport or a handicraft, will help your children to stay in shape and learn new talents in the process.
Mother’s Day is just a few days away, so if you are making your mother a special card, now is the time to get it done. Origami projects are really beautiful, and just imagine how pleased your mother will be if given an origami card on her special day.
Anyone can go to the store to find a card, and I’ll admit you can find some really nice ones. ( Sometimes you have to pay a ‘really nice’ price, too.)
The card pictured here is very simple, yet beautiful and different. You’ll never find one like it in any store. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg to make it, and you can have it finished in no time.
(Click the underlined link above for more origami ideas.)
This coming Sunday we will celebrate Mother’s Day. To me that means a dinner out and a gift. Wouldn’t a candy bouquet make a nice gift for your mother? Who doesn’t love candy? And what better way is there to give it than in a bouquet?
Consider yourself fortunate if you still have your mother. I lost my mother to heart disease nearly 16 years ago. My husband’s mother passed away just this week, just a few days before Mother’s Day, and her funeral will be held this Saturday. We can’t complain, though, as she was around for a long time. She would have been 99 years old on her birthday next month.
Enjoy your mother while you can and always be sure to show her your appreciation.