Hi,
new here and have a question. I have long appreciated the A+C philosphy, my children 6/11/12 also seem to instinctively like the designs on paper, fabric etc. We homeschool and are thinking about a fieldtrip to the De Young Museum in SF where there is a exhibit right now.
I would like to introduce the art to the kids within the historic context, maybe read some sources with them. Then of course make some Arts and Crafts. The 11 year old mentioned to me recently that the "Art and Craft Kits" that are given at preteen birthday parties ad nauseum in ever larger, glitterier boxes are STUPID. She said you cannot make anything really nice with those kits. I think she is ready! Any good ideas on educational materials or craft projects? Thanks, Lis

Good Morning Liz,
Welcome to the wonderful world of Arts and Crafts and this forum. How I wish I were going with your family on your tour as I know it will be educational for your children.

With a little help from either her father or a grand father she might be able to make the item I am attaching as it would be a good lesson in the Arts and Crafts style.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Liz, Here is a section view of the same showcase.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Lis,

There ia a wonderful set books called "Our Wonder World" "A Library of Knowledge" printed by George L. Shuman during the late teens or early 1920's. Volume VII is dedicated to Amature Handicraft and this book covers:

Toy Making
Paper Craft
Needlework
Weaving
Useful Wooden Things
Metalry
Leather-Work
Clay Working
Decorative Design
Photography
Household Arts
Radio Principles and Practice.

An equally interesting and useful set of early books was pubished as "The Library of Work And Play" Each volume in this set written by diffent authors and geared towards children and teens. The titles printed were:

Carpentry and Woodworking
Electricity and Its Everyday Uses
Gardening and Farming
Home Decoration
Housekeeping
Mechanics Indoors and Out
Needlecraft
Outdoor Sports and Games
Outdoor Work
Working in Metals.

Both are out of print and may possibly be ordered from your local library through an inter library loan or acquired through a book search or on the internet.

Fred