Something different
I couldn't tell you how I came across Camp Creek Press, but I've been reading over there for a little while. There has been talk recently about sitting down to draw with your kids. It's not something we've done as a family before. Painting, yes, play dough, yes, but never just looking at and drawing an object together. When it rained and rained and rained on Sunday, it came to mind as something different we could try. 
Now, I'm not telling whose is whose, but they come from 4, 7, 36 and 40 year olds. We did observational drawings and contour drawings. And to my amazement, everyone was quiet and happy and concentrating and having fun. Who'd have guessed it? I'm sort of looking forward to the next wet weekend.
What a lovely idea! My drawing would look like the middle one on the left. Most people have difficulty recognising my stick men drawings... my hand doesn't ever do what my brain asks it to!
Liz
Posted by: Liz | 17 March 2008 at 23:10
Nice drawings. I like that it's not instantly recognisable who did which one.
I also like that everyone got involved, I'm not sure my husband would do it, he'd need a lot of cajoling.
Posted by: Allison | 18 March 2008 at 03:16
I recently came across her blog as well and I love all the ideas she has. My kids are little, so it's just crazy me drawing with a paper plate attached to my pencil while everyone's in bed.
Posted by: meg | 18 March 2008 at 03:45
Oh these are fabulous! What a wonderful family archive. They are all equally wonderful.
Posted by: Amy | 18 March 2008 at 04:28
i love this Ali. such a great idea. Anyone can draw no matter what age! I should check out that blog.
Posted by: Tiel | 18 March 2008 at 05:09
lots of potential there, in all age groups.
What a great activity.
Posted by: tracey petersen | 18 March 2008 at 05:43
great idea- I shall hot foot it over there immediately!
Also the drawings show how amazingly observant children are and confident they are in their abilities.
Posted by: janet clare | 18 March 2008 at 07:50
Wow, this looks like a fun afternoon. I am very surprised of your little one! He draws, Linus doesn't like to draw at all. It is always me drawing for him. Maybe we should try this too. Would be fun seeing the outcome.
Posted by: seemownay | 18 March 2008 at 08:09
Your drawings are all lovely and that is such a lovely way to spend a rainy day :)
I'll have to file this one away for the next time the kids are crawling up the walls!!!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 18 March 2008 at 08:13
These are good! A clever idea! How long did it keep everyone happy?
Posted by: Di | 18 March 2008 at 08:24
What a fantastic idea! I'll be trying this next time we can't escape.
Julia x
Posted by: julia | 18 March 2008 at 10:13
Ooooh I love this idea. My girls would really enjoy this and it's school holidays as of Friday. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Louise | 18 March 2008 at 10:26
great stuff - I love Camp Creek also, Lori has great ideas and approaches to share...I use some of her ideas in my kid's artclub too
Just for the sake of it I am having a little giveaway at http://overmilkwood.blogspot.com/ at the moment - would love if anyone wanted to pop by and leave me a comment...you could win a piece of my heart forever!
Posted by: annieb | 18 March 2008 at 11:21
Fantastic idea. I love the fact that you all did it together - what a wonderful example to set to your children. I am racking my brains to think of anything we did like that. No...can't think of anything.
Posted by: Alice C | 18 March 2008 at 11:26
Quite impressive. It sounds like a fun idea.
Posted by: martha | 18 March 2008 at 11:56
actually this sounds like something my boys would enjoy... thank you very much!!!
Posted by: monica | 18 March 2008 at 13:41
What a lovely exercise for you all to do! I love it.
Posted by: June | 18 March 2008 at 14:37
I love that idea...can't wait to try it. Your drawings are all fantastic. x
Posted by: Florence | 18 March 2008 at 15:30
What a great idea! We don't take time often enough to just observe and try to draw. Great job for all of you!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 18 March 2008 at 20:10
That's a great idea ... I shall try to remember it for another wet weekend in my parts. (So to speak). x
Posted by: Kitty | 18 March 2008 at 20:46
That's a lovely idea. I've been wanting to practice some drawing (I am not terribly skilled) so maybe this will spur us all on!
Posted by: dottycookie | 18 March 2008 at 20:46
Great idea - looking forward to seeing the results of the next session!
Posted by: rebecca | 18 March 2008 at 21:04
alison, thanks so for the link to my blog, and I'm happy you had a good experience drawing together! :^D)
Posted by: Lori | 18 March 2008 at 22:07
Funny how we often overlook drawing in favour of more complicated crafts. These turned out great!
Posted by: lina | 18 March 2008 at 22:25
I must give this a go later,although my one year old may just throw the crayons!!!
Posted by: natasha s | 19 March 2008 at 12:08
what wonderful drawings! thanks for the idea- we'll be trying this soon.
Posted by: melissa | 19 March 2008 at 21:29
I how have another blog to read, this always happens, I pop over here to see what you have been up to and see that you've read something interesting on someones blog so off I go to have a read and before you know it, click, another one on my list;-)
Posted by: Jox | 20 March 2008 at 10:51
What a great way for the whole family to spend time to with each other (without driving each other bonkers).
Posted by: Lisa | 20 March 2008 at 13:04
Way cool. I bet yours is the middle one on the left...
Posted by: Megan | 20 March 2008 at 22:07
This is one of our favorite family pass-times, too!
Posted by: Veronique | 24 March 2008 at 02:23
mmm, I like the sound of 'quiet, happy, fun' when describing that activity. Would love to see how the 3, 6 and 7 year olds in our house take on such a project. What a great idea.
Posted by: Kristine | 24 March 2008 at 22:19