Getting crafty is one of my favorite things to do with Abbie, growing up I always and a pen or pencil in my hand, I wasnt that great at it but I loved exploring my imagination and drawing loads of pictures, my love grew into Photography from the age of 9 and I've not put my camera down since, I'd love for Abbie to follow in my footsteps, I wonder if she will!?
Crafts are so versatile, you can use so many different materials, glitter, sticks, paper, leaves, literally anything and everything! You can get the kids involved with collages to stick on the fridge, and painting gorgeous canvas art for friends and family too! Clay modelling is one of those hobbies that is thoroughly immersive and addictive, even Peppa Pig made a tea set the other day, genius pig! What’s more, you can make practical items which could even lead you to make money from your craft hobby. ArtiFolk have a great range of clays to get started on one of the projects below. Don't worry if you're not the crafty type, it doesn't have to be perfect, and the kids will have so much fun getting their creative caps on! Who remembers making clay pen pots growing up? Then carving shapes and words on it too? I still remember making it today and literally cannot wait for that lesson at school with Abbie, it'll sit on my fireplace with great pride! :)
Below are some fun clay craft ideas for you all to try, get messy, get crafty and have fun! Wall Vase This is a great project with spring around the corner. Create a small vase with a decorative backing to hang on your wall and fill it with spring flowers from your garden - makes a great welcome in your reception area.Jewellery From pendants to ear rings you can make all sorts of pretty jewelry from modelling clay. Paint them with metallic paint for added bling factor!
Animals If you’re an animal lover, you can make the cutest creatures from Fimo or air drying clay. These are great for decorating kiddies’ bedrooms.
Jewellery Stand This is a hugely practical use of modelling clay. Whether it’s necklaces, bracelets or ear rings you need to store, you can make beautiful jewelry stands by decorating basic structures made of wire with modelling clay.
Fridge Magnet If, like me, you love picking up fridge magnets while you’re away on holiday as a memento of your stay, why not add to your collection by making your own? One idea is to fashion small photo frames which can stick to your fridge with magnets. Flowers and Plants This is a great subsection of clay modelling. Make all kinds of flowers, miniature cacti and ornate exotic flora and you do not have to worry about watering them!
African Tribal Masks This is great fun for you and the kids. If there is such an exhibition local to you, take a look at ancient masks from the African continent on display and get inspired to create your own.
Woven Style Basket Clay is a very versatile medium. By rolling it into thread or flattening it and cutting it into strips you can weave a basket or similar fabric-like creation. This works best for oven drying clay.
Favourite Film Characters This is another activity which is great fun with the kids. Whether they are big fans of Frozen, Shaun the Sheep or the Minions from Monsters Inc. they can make their own miniature versions of the characters to play with.
Dominoes Not the most popular game since people are now wrapped up in iPads and Xboxes but creating your own colourful dominoes may reintroduce you to a fantastic traditional pastime.
Candle Holder Another practical use for your modelling skills, candle-holders can make great gifts, just check their melting point to make sure the holder will not suffer from being so close to the flame.
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