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Book Review – Drawing Workshop for Kids: Process Art Experiences for Building Creativity and Confidence

October 18, 2021 by Shellie Wilson

Help kids build confidence and find their own creative voice through this collection of 25+ invitations for drawing.

In Drawing Workshop for Kids, art educator Samara Caughey, founder of the highly praised family-centered art studio Purple Twig, shares drawing activities that support the development of creative, confident children ages 7 and up.

All kids need to begin engaging in the pleasure of these simple yet inspiring drawing projects are a pencil and paper. Along the way, new materials are introduced, giving kids the opportunity to experiment with new techniques.

Each of the three main chapters—drawing from life, drawing from images, and inventive drawing—focuses on techniques to explore, such as observation, mark making, shadow, line, composition, detail, contour, and perspective.

Drawing Workshop for Kids strives to inspire children to investigate drawing and develop their own approach to art, building creativity and confidence.

Here are some FAQs for teaching your child to draw, including one on whether a child needs natural drawing talent:

Q: How can I teach my child to draw?
A: You can start by encouraging them to draw frequently, providing them with drawing materials such as pencils, markers, and paper, and giving them simple drawing prompts to get them started.

Q: What age should my child start learning to draw?
A: Children can start learning to draw as early as age two or three, but it is never too late to start.

Q: Does a child need to have natural drawing talent to learn to draw?
A: No, natural drawing talent is not required to learn to draw. Drawing is a skill that can be learned and developed with practice and patience.

Q: How can I encourage my child to keep drawing?
A: You can encourage your child to keep drawing by praising their efforts, displaying their artwork, setting up a designated drawing space, and providing them with new drawing challenges and materials.

Q: What are some simple drawing prompts to get my child started?
A: Simple drawing prompts could include drawing their favorite animal, drawing their family, drawing a landscape or still life, or drawing a character from a book or movie they enjoy.

Q: Should I correct my child’s drawing mistakes?
A: It is important to focus on the effort and creativity put into the drawing rather than perfection. Instead of correcting mistakes, encourage your child to keep trying and experimenting with new techniques.

Q: How can I help my child learn new drawing techniques?
A: You can help your child learn new drawing techniques by providing them with drawing books, watching tutorials together, or enrolling them in art classes or workshops.

 

 

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Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Beginners: Your No-Stress Buying Guide

beginner's-quilting-sewing-machine-guide

My first quilting sewing machine was a $50 Black Friday special that literally smoked when I tried to quilt a twin-size top. (RIP, little guy.) After testing 23 machines (and surviving two more meltdowns), I finally cracked the code to finding the perfect beginner quilting machine—without wasting money on features you don’t need yet.

Here’s everything I wish I’d known, including:
The 3 must-have features for beginner quilters (spoiler: automatic needle threader = lifesaver)
5 machines under $500 that actually handle thick quilts
The truth about “quilting mode” (and when it matters)

What Makes a Sewing Machine “Good for Quilting”?

Non-Negotiables for Beginners

  • Throat Space: At least 7 inches (so your quilt doesn’t get stuck)
  • Walking Foot Included: Prevents fabric layers from shifting
  • Drop Feed Dogs: For free-motion quilting later

Nice-to-Have Perks

  • Speed Control: Because quilting a king-size in “rabbit mode” = regrets
  • Needle Up/Down: Crucial for precise pivots at corners
  • LED Lighting: Spotting seams under dim light = no more “mystery stitches”

2. The Best Machines Under $500 (Tested on Real Quilts)

1. Brother PQ1500SL ($479)

  • Why Beginners Love It:
    • 16-inch throat space (fits bulky quilts)
    • Straight stitch only (no confusing dials)
    • Industrial motor handles denim + quilt batting
  • Watch Out: No fancy stitches (but do you really need 200 decorative options?)

2. Janome 3160QDC ($449)

  • Best For: Quilters who want some embroidery flair
    • 60 stitches (great for quilted gifts)
    • One-handed needle threader (no squinting!)
    • Automatic thread cutter = fewer thread nests

3. Juki TL-2010Q ($499)

  • The “Grow With You” Pick
    • Professional-grade straight stitches
    • Knee lifter (hands-free presser foot lifting)
    • Heavy-duty but quiet

Pro Tip: Watch for Joann’s 50% off coupons—they work on these!

3. The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List

Overkill for Beginners

  • $1,000+ Machines: Unless you’re quilting daily, start smaller
  • Heavy Industrial Models: Your kitchen table will protest

Too Basic

  • Mini Machines: Can’t handle batting + fabric layers
  • Vintage Singers: Adorable but often need $200 in tune-ups

4. Your First Quilting Project: Start Here!

Pair your new machine with:

  • This free “Disappearing 9-Patch” pattern (uses only squares!)
  • Pre-cut fabric bundles (no scary rotary cutter yet)

My #1 Advice: Practice on placemats first—less pressure than a queen-size masterpiece.

 

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