Elmo Inspires

On a whim, I threw My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud by Kevin Clash into my library bag at the same time as I picked up these wonderful books.

While this book may not be in the same literary category as the others, it was a worthwhile read. It was quite inspiring to read how Kevin Clash’s parents nurtured his creativity and encouraged his passion. Very easily they could have chosen a different route when their son expressed the desire to become a professional puppeteer.

The quote below was a good reminder for me to get off the computer and create something with my kids.

“There’s a certain sweet magic you feel when you sit down and create something with a child, whether it’s a masterpiece in watercolors or pasta shapes glued to a paper plate. And remember, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t held a crayon in decades or if you don’t remember how to fold a paper airplane or if you can’t draw hands or horses or rocket ships. In the eyes of a child, your artistic talents are supreme. It’s not what you create – it is simply the fact that you are helping that child celebrate the joy of creativity.”

Inspired by this quote, the four of us sat down and made paper bag puppets.

Though a simple craft, it was a tremendous amount of fun.

We spent an hour laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying one another. The boys eagerly filled me in on all the intricacies of the Batman series while making their superhero puppets.

Β Here are the final products.

Alex created Robin and Two Face while Caroline enjoyed using tons of glue.

When Andrew announced he was going to make a half Batman and half Joker puppet my 37 year old brain automatically thought he would draw each half of the characters vertically. I was fascinated to watch him create his half and half character horizontally.

Supermom was my creation and I’d have to say I’m quite proud of her. I wouldn’t be surprised if Angelina Jolie’s people wrote to my people thanking me for the likeness.

My boys were less than impressed with Supermoms’ weapon which indicates they must not be familiar with the powers of my purse. McGuyver and I could go head to head in any episode requiring us to keep a two year old entertained during a license renewal at the DMV.

What’s the last creative thing you did with your kids?

Making Todays Creative Blog

17 thoughts on “Elmo Inspires

  1. Super cute idea!

    I’d love for you to link up to our “Crafts for Under Twenty-Somethings” Thursdays this week! It’s a blog hop specifically for kids and teens ideas, so your ideas would be perfect! I’ll hope you’ll come link up this Thursday.

    bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
    Melanie

  2. Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚ We’ve made finger puppets out of decorated toilet paper rolls. Most recently, we made a dress out of construction paper (later repurposed into a windsock!)

  3. What a riot. I’m sure Angelina’s people will contact your people. πŸ˜‰ It is so true what the quote says about the magic of creating with children. I was just coloring on a dry erase board today and showing how to make a sun shape….and the wonder on the kiddo’s face at the fact that I could make the SUN and so could HE was so funny. πŸ™‚

  4. I am teaching. High school art survey class and in the first two weeks I emphasize creativity and in preparation for the experiential part show some “Ted Talks” at Ted.com…..one to watch is sir Kenneth Robinson on how education is robbing our children of their creativity….he is funny but has a great message. Last year, I heard him speak in person at the national ap conference in Washington, D.C…..a note however, Ted talks can be addicting…pat becker

  5. I couldn’t agree more with that quote. I’m so glad I clicked over here from Reasons to Skip the Housework. I absolutely love your writing style, you had me laughing throughout your post. πŸ™‚ All of the puppets turned out darling and I totally agree about going up against McGuyver with your purse. hahaha! I am a new follower and can’t wait to explore your blog more.

    Hope you’ll stop by by blog to say hello and follow back if you’d like. πŸ™‚

    Rachel
    http://www.iheartcraftythings.blogpsot.com

  6. What a fantastic way to spend the afternoon! I so enjoyed seeing the finished product! What a proud mom you must be to see the creativity your children have exhibited! I love the Half Batman/Half Joke and Supermom! What a riot! That pink purse could very well be a lethal weapon! Loved reading this post!

  7. I totaly have to check out that book. I gotta say, I would have guessed most of the puppets even w/ out the labels.

  8. Great post! I love puppet’s and to teach your child how they were created is awesome! Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase.

Comments are closed.