Everything must seem magical to kids. It’s only because we’re used to them that sunsets and chickens and rainbows don’t blow us away on a daily basis. Here’s a little bit of magic you can orchestrate in the kitchen any time. You need white paper, a white candle, food colouring or diluted water-based paint andContinue reading “day 31 – wax magic”
Category Archives: drawing
day 29 – woodgrain doodle
Doodling is good for you. It’s a kind of mindfulness, I think, or meditation. And best done when you’re not thinking about the drawing. This woodgrain doodle is a good one to start with. It’s something you and a child can do together, even working on opposite sides of the same doodle. Start with aContinue reading “day 29 – woodgrain doodle”
day 17 – just face it
If someone gave you a pencil, sat in front of you, and said, Draw my portrait, you’d freak out. It’s really hard. The pressure is enormous. You will not believe, then, how easy and carefree the prospect suddenly becomes with just three little words: close your eyes. Something about not looking at the drawing releasesContinue reading “day 17 – just face it”
day 10 – recipe book
Do people have recipe books anymore? I love about mine, even though I don’t use it much, because of the family history recorded there. My grandmother’s Christmas pudding recipe written in her handwriting, another recipe in my mother’s, other favourites written out by friends. The family recipe book is also a great place for somethingContinue reading “day 10 – recipe book”
day 9 – talkin’ on egg shells
Develop the habit of looking twice at household waste before you throw it out. Egg shells, for example. Before they go into the bin, hand the closest child a pencil and let them draw a face on it. TOP TIP: keep a 2B or 4B pencil in the kitchen drawer – if it’s got HContinue reading “day 9 – talkin’ on egg shells”
day 7 – take a break
Easiest activity yet. You just need paper, a pencil or Biro, and maybe coloured pencils or crayons if these are on hand. The immediate benefits are obvious – you get to take it easy. Other long-term effects you will appreciate as the years go by. Simply ask your youngster/s to draw YOU. The space isContinue reading “day 7 – take a break”