Create An Artsy Fartsy Summer for your Family! — by Guest Mom Amy Sharp

Some sample art projects I've done with my kids.

Virginia Woolf said, "Odd how the creative power at once brings the whole universe to order."

Art is a natural tool for teaching. Children are open and creative without effort and adding art into their life can only increase and stimulate their young brains — and work on matter of fact parameters like hand eye coordination and motor skills. Art rules! Come on, even if you worry that you are no artist, you must still love to color. You must still love that fresh new marker from a box?

This summer why not plan a great art camp experience for your child at home? And in this beautiful blogosphere there is no need to re-invent the wheel. I have been checking out some amazing blogs and all of the cool ideas they have for us:

Camp Creek blog is a stellar site that revolves around the authentic art education of a family. Check out the great lists and tips for creating art at home!

Courtney over at Two Straight Lines is super artsy and gives us creative crafts and tutorials! You might have seen her in Wondertime Magazine!

The Crafty Crow is an organized and lovely spot to go and find tons of art projects!

Book Hour Craft Projects provides beautiful craft tutorials.

There are so many wonderful sites out there for ideas. A great choice for an art scaredy cat parent is to hook up with another parent and host a mini-camp-like-experience this summer. I am working on one at my blog and am going to join other folks in my town to virtually create a great summer experience for my boys.

Just remember that young children don't know that you "can't" draw. They just know that you are spending time with them, they just know they are having fun with you! Get out your Crayolas and explore! Grab a sketch book and hit the zoo! Have a colorful summer together!