I'm so happy to report that Ivo is once again interested in doing art. Seeing his supplies arranged in their new environment has made them more appealing somehow, and with the colder weather bringing us indoors more and more, he's made quite a little studio for himself in the breakfast nook. Last week we arranged some "wonders of nature" and set up the paints. How funny that even though there is no real attempt to mimic the forms of these natural objects, their simple presence enlivens the senses and brings the artistic efforts into focus. I mostly just painted on the paper, but Ivo filled his paper and was then moved to cover a few shells and a lotus seed head with a beautiful wash of blue.
This weekend I'm going to scan through all of my waldorf and preschool art books and try to come up with some good ideas to keep in mind for the upcoming weeks. We've fallen out of the habit of doing our handwork projects, so maybe we can even pick that up again in time for holiday gift giving. I was trying to hold off on the Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving, but I think if we want to do handmade-by-Ivo gifts it's better to start early and go slow and steady. So if you have any ideas or links to share I would love to hear them!
Have you ever looked at the Camp Creek Blog? She has a lot of great ideas about art and children, her focus is Reggio Emilia method of education which puts the arts and projects at it's focus. You
Posted by: Stacey | November 14, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I hope you're going to post more about Ivo's art adventures. Do you always paint with him? I've gotten frustrated in the past about doing art with CJ because she seems far more interested in "playing" with the materials than creating with them. I just gave her crayons this morning- she violently scribbled for a bit, and then made railroad tracks out of them for her cars. Sorry to go off- your post was just so well-timed. Can't wait to see what suggestions you get!
Posted by: Jenny | November 14, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I've been thinking lately that I need to change my little one's environment up a bit-just to enliven the imagination a bit.
I'm also in the process of researching ideas. I'll keep you posted as well as checking back here.
Posted by: RunninL8 | November 14, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Your picture is lovely. Ivo is such a lucky boy. When you visit at Thanksgiving, he and I can do a pine cone wreath project. That should keep us busy for an hour or so!
Don't forget about the famous "macaroni wreath"! Just glue the pasta to a carboard wreath shape (cut by adult). Then paint it--(I like gold)! Add glitter, a little bow, and voila!...a lovely wreath to hang or a nice candle ring. These can also be used as Holiday picture "frames" for that special Christmas gift photo!
I hope you get lots of great crafting ideas--although I do believe you could write your own book with the ideas you already have!
Love and Hugs~
Mom
Posted by: Mom | November 14, 2008 at 04:59 PM
i clicked in to comment "ah, this is my kind of thing ;^)" and then saw stacey already said it! thanks, stace! ;^D
Posted by: Lori | November 14, 2008 at 05:13 PM
what a wonderful picture..xx
Posted by: Amber | November 14, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Prairiepoppins has complied a great list of crafts for gifting: http://handmadehomeschool.wordpress.com/handmade-gift-ideas/
Many of them are for older kids and grown-ups, but there are some that are good for little ones and some that could be easily adapted to the abilities of little ones.
Posted by: Kim | November 15, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Have you ever made gods-eyes together? They make simple gifts, and if you use reds, greens and whites they'd be lovely for Christmas.
Posted by: suse | November 15, 2008 at 06:17 AM
gorgeous photo, I love all the colours here,
we are trying to bring nature into our home too!
x
Posted by: Lune | December 16, 2008 at 03:53 AM