Small Talk, Big Ideas

My son, Ryan, who is 7 has lots of ideas for my paper crafts. He is also very creative and proud of me and his ideas, especially with Snoopy's House. When he was about 4 years old, I gave him a circle punch and asked him to explore what he can do. He came back showing me a circle, a moon, and a football all made out of one punch. Later, I show him, if we makes 2 football shapes, cut one in half, adhere point to point, we can get a fish out it.


As I was making the changes for the big Spider on the Fancy Favor Box, Ryan made a suggestion that the spider should have moveable legs. I use the Extra Large Tag Punch for the legs and added brads so they can move. Thanks Jackie Topa for the idea of the spider on the little candy holder -the Bat punch has been retired since I made this.


My younger son, Jake (4 years old), is in the Exploring stage. He loves to explore with my tools, especially punches, Simply Scored and the crimper. Awhile ago, he kept asking me for a cradle. It took me awhile to figure out he meant the crimper! I also got lots of card stock that have been scored for no reason! Now I got a box of scraps just for him.

How do you let your kids explore?

Danee