Building and Creating

We've been doing the monthly kids workshop at Home Depot for years. 

And, I must say, all those projects over the years have paid off. Those little projects with their tiny nails and little pieces of wood have turned into big projects with lumber and power tools.

Dominick just finished making this table for us so we can finally all eat outside at the same time. 

Back when we were working on the house and practically lived at Home Depot, he and Aravis got to attend an adult workshop and build an adirondack chair. He made a second one, at home, so we could have a pair.

They're quite comfortable and cost less than the plastic ones. Aravis made the little table from scraps of wood and left over fabric from Xury's Minnie Mouse  costume. We spend a lot of time out here  and now, thanks to my kids, it's nicely furnished. 

But they don't just build furniture....

They make muppets. 

They watched a netflix Muppet's marathon with my husband which sparked Dominick's interest. He went on to watch YouTube videos on how to make muppets, the documentary "Being Elmo" about Elmo creator Kevin Clash, and videos about Muppets creator, Jim Henson. 

Dominick made the head for this Kermit out of foam but wasn't happy with how it was going so gave it to Aravis who finished it off with felt. I painted the eyes with nail polish after nothing else would stick. Dominick started another one but hand stitched the felt instead of using hot glue. He hated the sewing but really wanted a more finished look. I've loved watching the process as they've started, made mistakes and restarted, learning something more and doing something better every time. I've observed this before when my kids tackle a new interest and I never get tired of watching their minds work. 

Dominick and Aravis have moved on to coin collecting. They're learning all about the value of silver, the significance of dates, the history of the different coins, what they're made of and even the value of some foreign currency. They've been counting, trading, collecting and researching for the past few days. 

Aravis made the sweetest fairy garden in the backyard. 

Someone's been enjoying it immensely.

 Since they're not entirely done making muppets, the art table still looks like this....

and I've discovered something awesome about the word CREATE on the wall. The kids painted the letters and we put it there for decoration. Every time the table  looks like this (which is usually) I see that word and remember that I asked for it. This is what CREATE looks like and it's great.