Wear your art or play with it, thanks to fun ideas by a creative platform for children
Ashaz, 8, paints a T-shirt with a rocket stencil after practicing on paper
In this fast-paced world of online learning and digital playgrounds, children are getting smarter and faster by the day. On some days, it’s hard for us parents to catch up. At times like these, one realises that nothing more can pique their mind or stroke their creative side than doing something artistic and adding colours to things they can use every day and not just hang on a wall. Started by Bengaluru-based entrepreneur, Anusha Stephen, The Talking Canvas is a venture for kids and by kids wherein they provide the tools to inspire and engage children creatively. We called for two age-appropriate kits recommended by Stephen. One was the ‘my pet project,’ unicorn stuffed toy painting kit for the six-year-old girl to enjoy the painting process and the wear-my-art and T-shirt painting kit with rocket stencil for the eight-year-old that he would enjoy wearing something he made himself. Stephen says, “These activities can be done by children themselves and as a family activity too.”
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Six-year-old Faria hand-paints a toy unicorn in her choice of colours. She calls it Yuni
Watch and work
This is true because kids require strict adult supervision while working on these kits. It’s not easy to stay inside the line. Each kit contained the product (a unicorn stuffed toy and t-shirt respectively) of superior quality — something that is a lacking trait in many DIY kits available off the shelf. There were brushes, a paint palette, and colours as well. A small list of instructions and a colour mixing guide to let your imagination flow. Even if it can get messy, it is fun to watch children play around with these colours and come up with their unique shades. There are trial sheets for them to paint and see beforehand what the final product could look like — more so tentatively because colours do translate differently on fabric than on paper.
Wear-my-art kit
After you’ve called for the kit, it’s hard to contain the children’s excitement levels that rise higher, since, since they are aware that they will actually get to use the toy and the T-shirt made by them. A word of caution (also mentioned in the instructions): Make them wear old clothes or kid’s aprons, and spread newspaper sheets on the working area so there’s less mess. It will teach them to be organised and convey the idea of temporary and permanence. Also, for younger kids, adult supervision is necessary; you may have to even paint outlines for them to go freehand. The process is therapeutic nonetheless and the excitement and joy on their faces are priceless. Our unicorn has a name now — we call her Yuni and the T-shirt is a favourite while heading out for his cycling rounds.
My pet project kit
Learning curve
Other kits in the series include a postcard kit, wristband kit, coaster painting, and wild India creative box. They have online art courses and there are several videos on their social media to help children get creative. Through this platform, Stephen wants to take kids to a place where their imagination can come alive and their creative capacities can be developed and so far, we think they’re on point.
Log on to: www.thetalkingcanvas.com
Cost: Rs 499 onwards
Others to check out
>> DIY Diwali Craft Box includes four Diwali themed crafts including a toran.
Log on to: bombaykidscompany.com
>> POTLI DIY Craft Kit Print your book (elephant and mouse) will let kids create their own keepsake book.
Log on to: okhai.org
>> Space Explorer 6-in-1 DIY craft box has packed in rocket science experiments, a board game and a kalaeidoscope.
Log on to: shumee.in
>> Chalk & Chuckles Yarn Birds Crafts Kit will guide kids to create their own bird hanging with birds, clouds and lots of yarn.
Log on to: https://mysparklebox.com/
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