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Crafty things for a 5yo


Jackie
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My 5yo DD loves all forms of arts and crafts. She recently mastered her potholder weaving loom and is churning out a crazy number of pot holders. I have only vague recollections of crafty childhood stuff and am really, truly not crafty myself (nor do I have any desire to be crafty). What else should I look at? I vaguely remember latch hook designs, but not what age they're for. Maybe there's other weaving stuff only slightly more complex than the potholders? Other ideas for artsy craftsy projects for a 5yo with average fine motor skill?

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This is a great time of year to browse for kits at JoAnn Fabrics/Michael's/Hobby Lobby. I got a cute pre-preprinted plastic canvas kit at JoAnn Fabric for my 6-year-old to do soon.

 

Rainbow Loom might be a possibility--only $7.85 right now, what a difference a year makes, LOL. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K18YIOU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1446842371&sr=8-3&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=Loom&dpPl=1&dpID=51levgx8MyL&ref=plSrch

 

I have no experience myself, but friends' kids have started spool knitting at that age.

 

A "lap loom" might be a good next step. You can even make your own easily. We made them with yarn stretched across a slotted cardboard box at school when I was 7.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00000IVAB/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?qid=1446842371&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=Loom

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KO6UGXG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1446842288&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=Loom&dpPl=1&dpID=51M9fEIXE8L&ref=plSrch

 

http://www.amazon.com/Harrisville-Designs-Lap-Loom-Style/dp/B00000IV3W

 

I did latchhook at 10-11, but I think it might be a bit frustrating at 5.

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Flat needle felting, finger knitting, and a knitting Nancy were all favorites with DS at that age.    For weaving, DS was bored by his lap loom but enjoyed a giant version of the potholder loom, and when he was six or so liked simple backstrap loom weaving.  Children can do rigid heddle weaving at that age with some help.

 

Printmaking was a hit at that age, too (you can either cut what the child has drawn or use foam so no cutting is needed). Art Lab for Kids (or the version for smaller kids) might be a good book to have a look at for ideas.

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This is the very best season of the year for corn husk dolls, and they are really easy.  You just use the same techniques as for yarn dolls but they look way better at the end.

She's probably a little young for pine needle baskets but those are good in a few years.

 

I suggest looking at the supplies at Discount School Supplies and letting her have a big assortment to play with.  You never know what she will come up with that way, and it's a sure road to creativity later on.

 

Also, Magic Cabin Dolls has the very best kits of high quality fiber crafts that I have ever seen.  Great for presents.  Don't forget to provide play silks for imaginative play (not for crafts).  If she likes fiber crafts, she will probably really enjoy those.

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Thank you all for giving me so many things to look at!

 

She has an incredibly well-stocked art supply. She does hours upon hours of open-ended art and "creating". In the potholder loom, she has found especial satisfaction in having an "end result". But before I drown in potholders, we need to find the next step :)

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