Crayon Techniques

(This got moved from an earlier post- What to Do in Art Class" because it was getting too long as i kept adding examples or photos. This section will be devoted to Crayon Techniques only. More photos are planned.)

Crayons are a lot of fun, because so many things can be done with them. Here's a few ideas:

SHADING
At first, a single color may be used to practice making different shades from

Peacock Keepsake

Inspiration for this craft came from this link.

Using a child's hand for the feather as a template makes the "feathers". Cut two. The "sequins were made with a hole punch and silver foil and olive green paper. In this case, we recycled from a bag that spices were sold in, for the silver; the green paper came from a soap wrapper. Kids can color the peacock and glue on the decor. Framed, this can

Got Junk Mail?

Believe or not, junk mail can be a fun, educational tool. I collect it until the grandkids come over. Besides playing "post office", here's a few more ideas what to do with it:

Practice writing their name, address and phone number in any blanks and forms given.
Practice cutting with scissors on any dotted lines.
Cut out and use coupons while doing pretend shopping.
Follow any written directions 

Maybe Yes; Maybe No

(adapted)                              
Once there was a farmer whose only horse ran away. That evening the neighbors gathered to commiserate with him since this was such bad luck. "Your farm will suffer. Now you cannot plow," they said. "Surely this is a terrible thing to have happened to you."
The farmer replied, "Maybe yes, maybe no."

The next day the horse returned and brought with it six

leaf art

I meant to post this earlier- a project done with the grandchildren. For a complete tutorial click here. These look nice hanging outside the house, too, or around a door, a picture frame, a wreathe, hanging from a light... And remember- as the leaves may fall from the tree, fallen souls may forget God, but Krishna never leaves us. He is ever present as the Supersoul dwelling within every heart.

Kartik Crafts

With the closing of Kartik, here's a pic of the homemade lanterns we made this year. Good for outdoor decoration, especially during Diwali, or as additonal lighting on the altar.




A tutorial for making tin can lanterns may be found by clicking this link.

UPDATE: More kartik crafts:

PAPIER MACHE BUTTER POT
Good for dress up as gopas or gopis or even monkeys in plays or when

snow flake art

This is a good seasonal craft for ages 7 and up. For an extra shiny surface, these were made from the seals inside a large tub of (Daisy brand) sour cream. Fold each round in half thrice.  Pattern ideas are available by doing a Google image search. Appreciation for Krishna's snowflake artistry can also be found online.