From the cutest Bumpkins in the pumpkin patch to the abstract process art made by toddlers and pre-schoolers. We need to let go of our own picture perfect ideas, so that our children can explore and develop vital skills that will help them as they get older.
Rainbow Tree Boxes are designed for children from the age of 3 due to the small parts and some of the skills required, however with the close supervision of a grown-up and lots of guidance, younger children do enjoy exploring our activities and can contribute lots. Our workshops take place during the day time when older children are at school, but they are open for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children to attend with their parents and carers. This is because there is something special about taking part in art activities at every stage of a child's development. I can see a big difference in children's art skills, handwriting skills and social skills when they have been exposed to creative activities from a very young age.
Babies have special bonding time with their parents and carers when they take part in creative activities together. They observe a lot and I often find them watching their parents as they add the finer details to the pictures that they have made. They also enjoy the interraction with other babies and the sensory element of discovering new textures as they explore the art materials. I encourage parents to talk to their babies about what they are doing as they discover more about the world around them. This could be the first time that a baby has ever seen a pumpkin, felt the rough texture of a canvas and watched their Mummy relax whilst they doodle some green pumpkin vines!
Here's a photo from one of our recent Halloween Bumpkin Workshops of a baby smiling away with her sweet little Bumpkin print.
Taking part in creative activies together not only provides quality time together, but is an opportunity for children to learn from each other and from their grown-ups. This little boy and his baby brother were both given the same art materials and have created two completely different pieces of pumpkin inspired art work. You can also see that the older boy and his Mummy have helped the baby, who really enjoyed adding his own little wriggly finger prints to his picture.
Younger children can learn a lot about mark making and are given freedom to make decisions when they are provided with a simple outline of a shape and different art materials to choose from. Print out your free pumpkin outline for your child and give them a wide choice of items to choose from to colour and decorate their pictures.
We enjoy using washable paints, paint sticks, pastels, chalks and crayons. We have a collection of different brush types and sizes to use aswell. A great way to encourage recycling is to cut or tear shapes from old magazines, newspapers and wrappers and to stick them onto their pictures with glue or tape.
We would love to see your pumpkin art. Please tag us in your photos on social media. #rainbowtreebox
Have a look at our videos showing how to draw pumpkins with soft pastels here.
