Creative Kids: Expression Through Personalized Art

Families are often pulled in so many different directions that it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important: letting kids be kids. The intense focus on following strict directions in the classroom and through a variety of structured extracurricular activities –– everything from karate class and soccer to ballet and violin lessons — may actually make kids treat their artistic side with less enthusiasm. But that would be a mistake, as more parents, caregivers, and educators are beginning to realize.

Children desperately need to have innovative outlets, and they need to have their own work (and play) appreciated to build confidence. There’s no better way to do this than through crafts. Recent studies have shown that crafts help relieve stress –– something that everyone can appreciate. Clayzee by Aliquantum-International, Creations by You, Sandtastik, and the Chenille Kraft Company all provide pleasurable, safe crafting materials that delight the senses while allowing children’s personalized artwork to be shared with an appreciative audience.

Let ’Em Go Crazy with Clayzee

Kids love clay, but they can’t always look at a lump and visualize an outcome. Clayzee solves that problem with its line of unique clay products. Clayzee’s textured clay kits come in a great assortment, offering everything from clay that really looks like stone to wood and more. There’s no limit to what can be created with these finds: great for hours of artistic, interactive fun for children and adults alike.

Clayzee’s activity kits are targeted to pack an imaginative wallop: each pack is designed for sculptors in the making, 6 years old and up. Fun ideas, like creating “wood” picture frames, adorable “pottery” pals, and making one’s own fossils are just some of the ways to show off talents.

Inventive hands can rock the stone age with Clayzee’s stone-like clay kit, guaranteed to bring out the resourcefulness in kids. Clayzee products are malleable and easy to work with, making them the perfect craft for small hands. The crafting clay also air dries, saving the kitchen from a messy clean-up. Each work of air-dried art can then be decorated or painted for further creative fun.

Keep ’em coming back for more by loading up on the creative projects at www.ClayzeeKids.com

It’s All About You with Creations by You

Since 1992, Creations by You has been supporting the future of inspiration through its award-winning, educational children’s products. Nothing says, “I believe in you!” like having a child’s story published and shared with family, friends and neighbors.

The winner of the 2010 Teachers Choice Award and the 2009 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award, Creations By You has been recognized as a leader in producing high-quality projects that stimulate and motivate.

The Illustory is one way to nudge new authors into the world of publishing. Children design their story and submit it to the company, which then delivers a high-quality book that can be treasured for years to come. But the fun doesn’t stop with up-and-coming authors. Artists can benefit from their very own gallery-quality display of their own artwork: the My Masterpiece product provides artists a great way to promote their work. Creative kids can rally around other innovations, like the Plate Works or Kid Clock.

The added bonus of Creations by You: there are adult versions of some projects, so child and adult can doubly benefit from their crafty time together –– both in process and on display.

Draw crowds of kids of all ages with the treasures at www.Creationsbyyou.com

It’s Not Only Fantastic, It’s Sandtastik!

Nostalgia is the trend these days, and Sandtastik brings back those warm memories of striking layers of colored sand. Now children can get the same thrill from Sandtastik, the purveyor of ACMI certified, non-toxic, and dust-free sand products. Children will be thrilled with the wide range of vibrant, gorgeous colors that can be used in thousands of different ways. Bring back the memories of yesterday by stocking up with multi-colored sands and bottles; the “seashore” in a jar is sure to stir creativity and fun throughout the family.

Sandtastik fun doesn’t stop at the seashore, either: the company also offers a unique modeling clay and a high-quality plaster mix that comes in 8 colors. Sandtastik offers an array of durable plaster molds, from sets targeted to boys and girls to designs just for the holidays. The Rappit Plaster Molding Cloth is a unique, creative offering that children can transform into unusual art forms. Just dunk the cloth in water and an easy-to-shape plaster-impregnated cloth can be used to create everything from masks to jewelry! All of these projects are great for parties, classrooms, and scout gatherings.

Follow the fun (and make more “sand” dollars) at www.sandtastik.com

Get Crafty with Chenille

The Chenille Kraft Company’s creative team labors year-round to develop the very best in arts and crafts, and this hard work has paid off, both in sales and in awards for its numerous products. Chenille Kraft offers solutions to crafting calls in just about every shape and size.

From its ArtStraws to glam gemstones and the easily-shaped Wonderfoam, Chenille Kraft has it all. Its Classroom Activity boxes are better than just for schoolrooms; they’re also great for parties, quiet get-togethers or just to keep busy hands occupied.

Keep the creativity rolling with the Colossal Barrel of Crafts, which won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Best Toy Award. Chock full of buttons, clay, glitter glue, and tons of other great creativity stimulators, this product is a sure winner with families and groups of all kinds.

Trends and fads wax and wane, but the Wax Works Assortment stands the test of time. With over 50 pieces in the set, this wax is reusable and even sticks without the aid of tape or glue, a must-have for children aged 3 and up.

Give crafty customers a reason to return to your store over and over again, with craft kits from www.chenillekraft.com