Elijah’s summer started a week ago. I still can’t believe school gets out in May — that’s nutty. At the beginning of the summer I always conjure these fantasies of a regular craft day with my son – like – every Thursday we’ll make a Christmas present for someone, or every Tuesday we’ll make a paper project. One year we even got so far as to list out a dozen ideas. I’ve got to find that list.
So, once again, the cogs are turning (I love when he’s home, it just feels right). What would Elijah like to learn? How do you find that interface between all the girly crafts out there and the interests of a nine-year-old boy? He wants to learn to sew and to knit and to quilt. I’ve explained to him the potential social ramifications and he’s cool with it. He likes the things I do. When I started an art journal, he started one too. When I made pincushions, he made one too. When I tried out Hillary’s shrinky-dink pins (Wee Wonderfuls blog, 2006), he made some too! I think it’s fantastic – and great fun for me. Moreover, I want him to have every opportunity to find what he likes best.
Now, I’ve given it some thought and here’s the plan: sign him up for a couple of sports, invite his friends over like crazy, do the macho boy stuff: computer games, sword fights, remote control cars, etc. Then, in a quiet moment, sit him on my lap and teach him about the things I love to do. Make things, make memories. He’s growing up so quickly and I’ve just got to go with it now, this summer, before he’s off to college… What? Next year?
Here’s my adorable family of pins: Heather (me), Isaac, Elijah and Charlotte.
Note: Try doing shrinky-dinks with a heat gun (like what you use for embossing), instead of the oven — INSTANT gratification and no bent pins.
cute pins! i have shrinky dink paper and keep thinking that i’ve got to make something with them! maybe buttons? hhmmm, you’ve got me thinking.
Heather, I think that is great that your son is so interested in craft. Such a compliment to you, you must inspire him. I have a nearly six year old daughter and I think the same things all the time. They grow so quickly and when you have them at home, it’s so hard to make that quality time with them. But when you do, it’s just heaven.
I just adore your photographs. My 3-year old son loves to craft with me and I hope he will always want to spend time in my studio rummaging through paper scraps and ribbons. I cannot believe I’ve never thought about using a heat gun for the shrinky dinks…great tip!
love your photos and creations, not to mention a wonderful new blog to read!!!
wonderful ideas… how old is your son? my daughter just turned 3, and each time I have grand plans of joint crafting, it lasts about 10 minutes and then she’s off to the next project! I guess I need to wait a bit more ’til she can really *sit* for a while!
love it! great idea with the heat gun- what is better than instant gratification???
I have three sons ages 11, 7, 3. They don’t sew and won’t crochet, but they do draw and love cooking, play clay, and origami. Oh, and those perler beads. I think you have the right idea – mix it up and let the boy have fun with whatever activity he chooses, be it soccer or quilting. But the best? Doing it with Mom or Dad. Any activity can be more fun if a parent is participating and not just supplying or instructing. Hope you have fun. Yay!
I appreicate the artistry that you use to display the crafts, and respect your ability to create colorful and unique items! You inspire me to grow in this area! I hope to share a passon with my son before he is off to college too!
You sound like a cool mom to me.
Jack (age 5) just told me the other day that he’d like to learn to sew, but he has yet to sit still long enough for a lesson. 🙂