I love being able to share my skills as an artist and craftsperson with kids.  I’ve taught hundreds of kids over the years (and performed for thousands as a puppeteer) and have picked up a few tips from teaching.
My number one, all time tip?
Let the kids feel like they have say in what they’re doing!

One of the first formal art classes I took as a teenager was lead by an artist who taught by having his students copy his work exactly.  In fact, he had been teaching that way for many years.
Was I bored?  Oh yes!
I wanted to learn techniques …read more

Teaching your child to sew can be a wonderful way to share your interests – and besides, everyone should know how to mend their own clothes!

Of course, teaching your child to sew can also be a frustrating experience… for both of you.  I’ve taught kids from 5 years and up how to sew, and have a few suggestions that may make things a little easier and a whole lot more fun!

First of all, does your child want to sew?  If they don’t, it’s going to be more challenging, so put the needle and thread away for now and wait until …read more