Themepark

imagination
Crafts

Crafts can be as complex as stained glass or as simple as origami. They cover the area known as the decorative arts. Crafts are works of imagination, creativity, and skill.

Sample some of the following activities to learn more about crafts.

 

Places To Go    People To See    Things To Do    Teacher Resources    Bibliography

Places To Go

The following are places to go (some real and some virtual) to find out about crafts.

Amber
Amber is the hardened resin of trees. The ancient Greeks thought that amber was the hardened rays of a sunset and associated amber with the sun god, Apollo. Amber can be carved into beautiful craft items. Besides crafters, scientists are also interested in amber because it can sometimes contain the remains of ancient insects and other forms of life that became encased in the amber
Crayola - Creativity Central
Visit the Crayola Factory. They have great craft ideas for teachers
New Yankee Workshop
Take a cyper tour of the New Yankee Workshop. View past and present projects
Stained Glass Association of America
Visit beautiful homes, cathedrals, and distinctive buildings to view the wonder of stained glass
The Tortoiseshell Trade
DON’T go to the Gulf of California or the Galàpagos Islands to locate the hawksbill turtle. For centuries, people have been creating jewelry, hair combs, and many other craft items from tortoiseshell which does not really come from a tortoise—but from the hawksbill turtle. These turtles are now endangered, and artists/crafters are now using a plastic substance which looks like tortoiseshell.
Ultimate Guide to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924. The balloons joined the parade in 1928 and have been a part of the parade ever since (except for two years during World War II when the rubber for the balloons was needed for the war effort). Tony Sarg, a German puppeteer and maker of marionettes, immigrated to the U.S. and was the original designer and crafter of the amazing Macy’s balloons

Back to Top

 

People To See

Aunt Annie's Crafts
From this website you can find craft ideas with complete instructions and patterns. You'll also find ideas for holiday crafts, for educational games, and more from this great resource
Goddess of Garbage
Visit with the Goddess of Garbage and find out how to make stupendous classroom crafts on a budget
Martha Stewart
Talk to Martha Stewart. She can turn anything into a craft project.
Origami: the Art of Paper Folding
Visit with the people of ancient Japan to learn about the craft of intricate paper-folding called origami
Step-by-Step Paper Mache Directions
Check with people who know how to do creative things with water and paper. Paper mache is French for chewed up paper.

Back to Top

 

Things To Do

About.com - Crafts for Kids
Find ideas and instructions for dozens of classroom projects
The Art and Science of Bubbles
Find everything you every wanted to know about bubbles
Arts and Crafts
Find those recipes for playdough, edible peanut butter playdough, and bubble-blowing liquid
Balloon Hat
Everyone should know how to make balloon hats and balloon creatures
Free Patterns
Teachers can find patterns and instructions for a variety of craft ideas
Idea Box
Discover seasonal and holiday craft ideas as well as worksheets and activities. Surf to the Idea Box's site of the week and read their "great idea" of the week

Back to Top

 

Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans/Webquests

Back to Top

 

Bibliography

  • Fredury, Melissa. 101 Craft Ideas for Kids. New York: Hyperion Books, 1998.
  • Gardiner, Susan. Classroom Craft Ideas. New York: Dial Books, 1997.
  • Martin, Sheila. Crafts for Kids. Chicago: Putnam Books, 1999.