When eldest was a toddler, I had a conversation about painting with one of the other mothers which made me think. We shared the same child minder. A wonderful lady who did amazing crafts and activities with the children in her care. Eldest used to come home clutching beautiful pieces of art. Each one seemed to push the boat out. I was impressed and eldest was pleased.
So was my friend, it seems. She was elated that she no longer had to do painting activities with her child. In fact, she could rid her house of all paint. I remember thinking that this seemed so extreme. I loved, and still do, being part of my children’s art experiences. I love seeing their ideas and the direction they take each project.
After this conversation, I was curious. I subtly investigated whether the attitude to painting was the same with my other friends. Turns out, I was in the minority. Making a mess was the main deterrent. Each to their own, but I’ll take the risk of a few misplaced painted hands on the wall. (I promise not to judge you, if you’ll ignore the aforementioned handprints!)
OK, I’m not house proud, but neither do I want visitors to be greeted by crafting chaos. On the other hand, I do not want to stop my children’s creativity. So long as the children stick to certain rules, then I never say no when they ask to paint.
Some art activities are undeniably high up on the potential mess scale. These activities are not for the faint hearted and best saved for days that we can do them outside. Tie dying is definitely one of these projects. No doubt! It’s the sort of mess that easily transfers and spreads like nothing else. Doing it outside makes the cleaning up stage much more straight forward.
Today, we went outside and tie dyed. The children were able to create without me disturbing their concentrations with reminders to be careful. Not that they need reminding. They’ve worked with fabric dyes before.
They embellished three tshirts each. I suspect that they could have carried on, but we ran out of tshirts. There was more than enough dye left over, so I grabbed a few balls of white wool and turned them into rainbows. I’m going to enjoy knitting with these as I have no idea how they will turn out.
It is a joy to paint outside. Just being surrounded by so much inspiration. At one stage, they all stopped to watch a beetle, before returning to their projects.
Another activity crossed off our summer list.
Linking up…
I agree outdoor painting is a lot easier to clean up and seems to encourage their creativity more Thisdayilove
We certainly made lots of mess! The cloth we worked on will never be the same. That’s OK! Doing arts and craft outside is always more creative. I suspect that the thought of clearing up the room afterwards stifles some of the creativity.
You know I just love this!!! You are living my life!!!
There is so much dye in the kit I got that I think there was plenty for your family to dye tshirts too. And more! Wish you could have joined us. Such fun. Definitely on our summer list for next year.
That is so cool!
http://mumx3x.blogspot.co.uk/
We all had fun. I can’t wait to see how they all turn out. 😀
I was hoping to see a picture of the T-shirts when they had finished! I’d say messy play for children is the best play, it give them a chance to be creative and use their imaginations. Thanks for sharing your ideas with Country Kids.
Washed out the excess dye today. Hopefully I’ll get some photos of them tomorrow. I know my three models are keen. 😀
Ohh great fun!!
It was fun. 😀
Your kids are very lucky to live in such a creative world. I bet those t-shirts are going to look great.
Anne xx
Just had a fashion show from the children. The tshirts have turned out really fun! I will post photos soon.
This looks like fun, and I can’t wait to see pics of the finished shirts
Can I ask where you got the dye kit? My 2 are keen to try this because we have only ever done single colour tie dying in the past. I am guessing a kit would be a good starting place for lots of colours.
The kit is great. There are a choice of different colour themes. I was torn between this one and rainbow. I’ve included a brief review of the kit in my next post. It is pricey, but I think it is great value as the dye goes a long way. The bottle applicators cut down on the potential mess and can be reused. I think if anyone was brave enough to do a tie dye birthday party, this would be an excellent choice. It says 20 tshirts, and I’m sure it would do it.
Love this! I’m a big fan of messy play in the garden, less stress all round, and much more fun as a result! Look forward to seeing the t-shirts 🙂 #CountryKids
Actually – just went on a hunt and found the T-shirts – fab! Especially like the turquoise one with the pink splodges!
🙂 That one did turn out well.
It is good fun. Lovely to be outside and being creative.