Of all the craft projects I’ve done with my kids, this is one that I didn’t also do and I really wish I would have. We did it in parts over multiple days.
First, I sent them a google document with some sentences to finish. I got a huge kick when Violet changed her “If I were stuck inside all day” to “While stuck inside all day.” Those were printed and cut out.
Then I gave them a canvas to paint in whichever way they wanted.
Once we had completed those steps, I showed them the inspiration and offered to use a picture that I already had of them or take a new one. Violet knew exactly what picture she wanted to use. Abram had a couple of poses he wanted to try. Once we had the picture taken, I turned it black and white and printed it out on card stock which we then cut out.
Finally, we assembled all the pieces onto the canvas they had painted. These craft projects in my head are always filled with joy and happiness and the quiet concentration of contented kids. Not every step goes that way, as every parent knows, but I hope they’ll look back on this very weird time and remember the joy and the happiness bits best.
This is great. I might make my own version of it. In some ways this is mental health therapy on the fly, a way to understand yourself in a new way. Cool beans.
I’m a huge fan of art therapy. I find it making art calming. If you do make it, I hope you’ll share!
I love this so very much.
I just can’t be motivated to do such projects right now. I have said this since the beginning, I don’t know where my motivation is but it’s definitely not here.
I think I am just coping.
BUT, I love seeing projects like this because it makes me happy.
I need happy right now. 🙂
Thanks, Kari. I’m glad it makes you happy! Not being motivated to do this stuff and just coping right now is a-ok in my book. Better even. Sending hugs and wishes for health.
These are really lovely, Kate 🙂 . My 15-year-old is enrolled in art this semester, and I’m hoping his teacher assigns some cool projects. Sadly, although he’s been quite creative in the past, he doesn’t seem to be too interested in doing anything his mother suggests. (He’s just told me, though, that he left his art kit, which contains paints, etc., in his locker. Argh. We do have some supplies at home, thank goodness.)
Thank you, Marian. I have an almost 13 year old that doesn’t really like doing anything I suggest either 🙂 I think we’re all just getting through – for some people I think this is a highly creative time, and I think for some there just isn’t the bandwidth and both seem reasonable to me.
Hope you are all well and healthy!!
Oh, you know I love these! What a cool thing you are going to have for them in the future. Some day, one or the other of them will find them and show them to their kids and tell them their story of living through the flu pandemic of 2020. Thank you for sharing.
I really hope they will.