Quality Quiet Time

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The kids are outta school, ready to go to all their favourite activities (well planned, mom). And then there is down time, the time we find on a rainy day or when they come home sweaty, tired and in need of a quiet activity. That’s when every savvy mom hauls out the A&C box from under the sofa (that’s arts and crafts, ahem).

For inspiration on upgrading the A&C box, we checked in with local artist Liz Clay, creator of Cici Art Factory, and it sounds like most of the items you’ll need are already in your home. 

For Liz, art is a journey with no need for predetermined outcomes. So rather than buy expensive art kits with specific results in mind, Liz collects used materials and keeps them in an art cupboard. Some of her childrens’ favourite materials to create with include: egg containers, ribbon, wrapping paper, and cupcake holders. She has also created “bags of curiosities” where she stashes old cards, calendars, Christmas crackers, and other small odds & ends. In the summer these bags can hold treasures from long walks outside or in the back garden. Then you’ll need the essentials—tape, scissors, glue and glitter. 

Here are some of Liz’ tips to ensure you get the most out of your craft project:

1. Help the kids get involved, but don’t do it for them.
2. Do not expect the project to last more than one hour.
3. Never ask “is this a house…a tree…?”; instead ask “What is this?” or “What can we use this for?” Keep it open-ended and let your kids’ imagination run wild.
4. When the A&C cupboard gets a bit old, mix it up, by making “left-handed only” art or take the art outside to create mud pies, wands, or even body art.
5. Make it easy for mom, too: use an old table cloth or mat to help with the mess and make group clean-up part of the activity.
6. If you need some creative ideas to get you started, head to the Urban Source on Main Street and rummage through their many bins of fun and funky art materials.

So, start collecting your A&C materials now because those lazy summer afternoons are here to stay for the next couple of months. You might be surprised at the beauty you can find in an old wrapper.

Tested by Liz Clay, Vancouver