Archive for the ‘Ideas and Inspiration’ Category
Simple Frames for Your Child’s Artwork
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
—Pablo Picasso
The refrigerator is a great place to display your children’s artwork. But for really special pieces, try framing them. Here’s a super simple and inexpensive way to showcase your child’s art in your home.
Posted in Arts & Crafts, home, Ideas and Inspiration | 1 Comment »
The Issues Tab
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
Have you ever clicked on the Issues tab up there in the header? No?! Well, you’re in for a special treat. Click on over for some great Sunday reading. You’ll find thoughtful essays, beautiful photos, projects for the kids and more. Happy Sunday!
Posted in Ideas and Inspiration | 2 Comments »
Super Cool Holiday Gift for Spies: Hollow Book
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Long time readers know we’re lovers of spy games and stuff. For newbies to Classic Play, here’s a link to get you caught up: Impromptu Spy Games for when you’re shopping for a car, furniture, suit or other excruciatingly boring thing. (more…)
Posted in Arts & Crafts, Ideas and Inspiration | 8 Comments »
Giving Children a Gift of Art
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Owning a piece of work made by an independent artist is a remarkable thing. Especially, for a kid. It’s inspiring to hold something knowing that at one point, the artist did too. There’s a connection. We become patrons. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it, isn’t it?
In a world of big boxiness, I am grateful for those who soften the corners for us and our kids. Here are a few of my favorites:
klt:works | courtney courtney
Anorak Magazine | Mod Tots
Posted in Ideas and Inspiration | 1 Comment »
Get Your Art On!
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Art doesn’t need to be perfect, nor does it need to conform to a certain standard. That’s the beauty of it. Oftentimes, art is simply a vehicle for exploration and experimentation (ie. “play”ing around). Below are some of my favorite experimental art projects we’ve done here on Classic Play.
Some of these projects challenge your child to think about materials in a new way (cork, paper bag project). Others offer a glimpse into how your child sees the world (self-portrait napkins, give a kid a camera). A few will strengthen your child’s fine motor skills (tee shirt design, painting). Then there are those cleverly embedded with multiple lessons, like planning and science (make your own play mat, pH painting). The rest? Well, they’re just for fun.
self portrait napkin | cork figures | watercolor masks
masquerade masks | tee-shirt design | watercolor flowers
make your own play mat | pH painting | hat making
give a kid a camera | vehicle design | paper bag challenge
Posted in Arts & Crafts, Ideas and Inspiration | No Comments »
Family Field Trip | Sunsets & Stargazing
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
I don’t care for this turning the clocks back stuff. It gets dark way too early. By the time the kids finish their homework, they only have an hour or so to play outside before it’s pitch black.
But what can I do? I suppose I could go all Arizona or Hawaii and just not recognize time changes. I’d show up an hour late everywhere. When people said, “You’re late!” I’d respond, “No. I’m right on time.” (more…)
Posted in Features, Ideas and Inspiration, Science Fun | 1 Comment »
Family Field Trip: A Walk In the Woods
Monday, November 7th, 2011
photos by Dave K Cooper
This weekend the fall foliage was beautiful and the weather just right, which meant it was perfect for a walk in the woods.
Lucky for us, we have some lovely state parks nearby that have babbling brooks, large gray rocks, tall trees, and pretty easy hiking. (more…)
Posted in Ideas and Inspiration, Parenting | No Comments »
Gift Wrapping
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
I prefer to keep things pretty simple when it comes to gift wrapping. The materials I find myself coming back to time and time again are tissue paper and crepe paper streamers. It’s probably because I can always find a stash of those two left over somewhere in my house. I have a tendency to squirrel away left overs from parties. You just never know when a scrap or bit might come in handy, right?
Sometimes I’ll get all crafty and wind the streamer into a flower shape. But usually, I just tie a nice big bow.
(more…)
Posted in Ideas and Inspiration | No Comments »
