We all know that children love to do get creative: colouring, sticking, cutting, making; the many variations of arts and crafts are far-reaching, but if you think these are purely frivolous activities, you would be wrong. There are a huge number of things you can make and create that involve a healthy amount of both history, and expertise. Here are 7 educational ways to get crafty and arty!

Beading
Using beads for jewelry is certainly not a new invention. In 2004 an archaeologist in South Africa found beads estimated to be over 75,000 years old and made from the shell of ostrich eggs. These decorative beads represent a culture long steeped in mythical traditions, where jewelry and decoration represent faith, health, power and even magic. Colours and intricate designs represent tribes and geographical locations and jewelry is passed down the generational line, alleged to carry the thoughts of wise elders. For a simple but effective beading project to do with children, why not try these ingenious safety-pin bracelets, which resemble those worn by people across Africa.

Origami
Sheets of paper and card appear so simple and uninspiring to the untrained eye, but to a creative eye; the possibilities are endless. Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, although it is reputed to have begun in China, arriving in Japan with Buddhist Monks. For centuries there were no written instructions for the intricate folds and models, instead it was a tradition passed down to each generation. In 1797 though, the first instructional book was printed ‘How to Fold 1000 Cranes’, pertaining to the old Japanese custom that if a person folded 1000 Cranes, they would be granted one wish. In this tutorial you can learn to fold a rather nifty modern-day toy: an origami slinky.

French Knitting
French knitting or spool knitting, on a French knitter or a knitting nancy; all produce the same cords of yarn that can then be turned into embellishments, toys or even handbags and rugs! Although the history of French Knitting is unknown, there is evidence of ‘Peg’ or ‘Rake’ frames that produced tubular knitting during the 16th Century. Because of its simplicity, children have long loved the technique, which gives quick results. In this tutorial you will learn the basics to get you started and give your children an easy introduction to knitting and creating.

Crochet
While there is not much evidence about the origins of crochet, we do know that it gained huge popularity in the 1800s due to it being a cheaper and quicker form of lace making, with Queen Victoria even being a fan! Over the years crochet has fallen in and out of favour: in the 60s granny squares were all the rage, in the 70s it was ponchos and these days it is once again gaining popularity in the crafting circles of young who are fashioning children’s toys, clothing and jewellery with a modern twist. Why not try to make some embellishments with this simply crochet flower pattern.

Simple Puppets
Punch and Judy, Rainbow, The Muppets – puppets have played a part in most of our lives at one point or another. We have all made finger puppets, cardboard mice or sock puppets with our parents (or Blue Peter) and over time they have remained the perfect imaginative toy for numerous play ideas. Although no one is certain, it is believed that puppetry began in India 3000 years BC when stick puppets where used to play out Indian epics. Nowadays puppets are still popular the world over in entertainment, carnivals, and with children so why not try out this simple 5-minute tutorial to get you started and ignite your child’s imagination.

Watercolour Painting
Watercolour painting is thought to be extremely old, perhaps even used in prehistoric cave paintings and certainly in Egyptian times. Over the centuries it has proved popular the world over and certainly in 18th Century England it was seen as a sign of a good education, particularly for women! Of course, watercolour painting is also one of the easiest and most free-flowing ways to encourage children to start putting paint on the page. The paints ability to run and flow easily, with little work needed, means that they get instant effects that are always beautiful and therefore do not instill fear for art. In this tutorial kids can very easily create a beautiful watercolour fish.

Oil Pastel Flowers
Pioneered by Pablo Picasso, perhaps one of the most famous artists in the world, oil pastels are a 20th Century invention. They are a wonderful medium for children to use because they give instant effects and not only that, allow the child to immediately get involved with their drawing directly. By smudging and blending the pastels an idea of mixing colours can be gained and the bold lines are appealing. In this tutorial children will be able to create their very first pastel flower, perfect to brighten up any wall!

This post was contributed by York Notes who specialise in finding effective and creative ways for young people to further their education.