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!

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.

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.

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.

To keep our children occupied,  a few basic materials come to mind:   paper,  crayons,  safe  scissors,  glitter,  and of course, glue.    Paper for kids’ projects may include plain copy paper,  construction paper,  and cardstock in a variety of colors.   Kids also have a knack for making interesting projects from old magazines and junk mail.   (I get some neat stuff in some of my junk mail!)

While crayons are always fun for kids,  there are a number of other options available.   Craft departments of stores are filled with washable markers,  watercolor pencils,  gel pens,  and paints of all kinds.

Although kids’ craft supplies can run into some expense,  with a little planning,  these ideas should keep your children happy with a minimum cost.

*   Let your children choose their crafting project.

*   Make a list of all supplies you will need for this craft if you do not have them on hand.

*   Needless to say,  be sure to take the list with you when you shop.

*   Prepare the area (table top, counter top or floor) where the kids will be crafting by covering with newspapers or plastic.  (A plastic table cloth works fine.)

*   Have all supplies laid out before starting,  along with old rags or paper towels in case of spills.   Wet wipes are handy to have nearby too.

*   Be sure that all paints and other supplies are non-toxic.

*    Old clothes are a must for kids who are crafting.  (adults, too, sometimes!)

*    Show the kids how to do the project.   Then let them do it in their own way.   (You may be surprised with how inventive they can be.)

*   Last but not least -  be sure to take pictures to add to your scrapbook.

My grandkids loved this paint spinner!

Recently while standing in the checkout line of a favorite craft store,  I happened to be behind a rather elderly couple.   Their arms were full of  kids’ crafts,  and  I thought to myself that these folks were more than likely going to be babysitting their grandkids.    And they were going to be prepared!

We all know how rambunctuous kids are.  Weren’t we the same way as kids?    After a short time on one project,  it becomes boring,  so it’s time to move on to a new one.

When I visit my grandkids I always take some craft supplies along.    For awhile at least,  it gets them away from the TV,  computer,  WII, and all the other electronic devices we weren’t privileged to have as kids,  and it presents a new challenge and interest to their life.    The kids always enjoy crafting!

If your child is fascinated with monster trucks,   painting a miniature one just probably would be a  craft that he would enjoy.  Then when they have finished painting,   and the paint is dry,   they have a fun toy to play with.

Little tea sets are so cute and delicate.   I bought one for myself to paint just because I like tiny things and enjoy painting.

Not so long ago I gave similar adorable piggy banks to each of my three grandchildren to paint.   They had so much fun, didn’t make the mess I anticipated,  and were extremely proud of their banks.   Even the youngest one did a great job figuring out a design and applying it to the bank.