2 December 2009 SanTan FAMILY FUN
HHands on holiday funands on holiday fun
by Miriam Van Scott Splatter, a paint-your-own pottery studio in
There’s something special about a homemade downtown Chandler, hosts a variety of workshops
gift, especially when it’s crafted by tiny hands. The covering Christmas and Hanukkah items. There
holiday season presents a wonderful opportunity will also be sessions on creating tie-dyed T-shirts w
for children to experience the joy of giving while and making mosaics and handprint cookie platters.
flexing their artistic muscles, creating masterpieces Prices vary depending on supplies and services
that will outshine the most lavish of gifts. And, the required.
lessons learned while participating in arts and craft At Lowe’s of Ocotillo on Arizona Avenue and
projects produce lifelong benefits. Ocotillo Road in Chandler, children are invited
“The arts shape imagination through sight and to free workshops that provide all supplies and t
imagery, sounds and words,” says Bonnie Lou instruction. Activities are seasonal, and the
Coleman, founder and executive director of Art upcoming clinic from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 12
on Boston Community School of the Arts. “The features Christmas ornaments.f
foundation for artistic skill and appreciation is built “Many families are returning to traditions this
during the early years.” year like homemade gifts in lieu of extravagant y
Even very young children can participate in giving,” says Lowe’s representative Abby Buford.
simple craft activities that help foster a love of “The Build and Grow Clinics at Lowe’s offer
the arts and spark creativity. The key is to keep children a way to make their own homemade gifts
it upbeat and age-appropriate so the experience for families and friends.”f
leaves children with a positive impression of what There is no cost, but families are encouraged to
it means to be artistic.
STSN photo by Gordon Murray
preregister online.
“Always make sure to play,” emphasizes “We do ask that you visit
BEST GIFT: Holiday presents and ornaments made by children are some of
Coleman. “The art activity needs to be challenging
the most treasured, and good for hand to eye coordination. Community
www.lowesbuildandgrow.com and register ahead
enough to hold their attention, but not so hard
School of the Arts Executive Director Bonnie Lou Coleman leads Kayla Murray
of time so that the store will know how many
there is frustration or discouragement. Be sure in a holiday craft. children plan to attend,” notes Buford.
to be sensitive to their likes and dislikes, and Whether attending an area workshop or making
remember most of all, play needs to be fun.” gifts with family and friends, Coleman encourages families to use this time to nurture a
Appreciating the fruits of their labors goes a long way in reinforcing a love for art and love of creativity and incorporate it into everyday life.
self expression among children. The pride they feel in creating a gift is amplified by the “The arts should be a part of every environment,” explains Coleman. “The arts play
happiness it produces, and the delight a homemade mug, painted ornament or woven a significant role, historically and in the present, in promoting personal happiness and
potholder brings is a joy that both giver and recipient will savor. community celebration, and in creating a collective memory.”
“Handmade gifts are among the most treasured presents for parents, grandparents
and friends,” Coleman says. “Kids put a lot of themselves into these gifts. They’re all Miriam Van Scott of Kerby Estates is a freelance writer and Chandler transplant from the
masterpieces that will be cherished through the years.” Washington, D.C. area. She can be reached at
Miriam@SanTanSun.com.
With this in mind, retailers throughout the SanTan Sun area are offering special
holiday-themed craft activities for children during the coming weeks. Mind Over
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