CRAFTY CREATURES - Art and Craft Events, Birthday and Craft Parties, North East England

Space Hop

2012-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

2012 has already seem the cosmic return of Space themed crafts for Harry's 8th Bitrthday Party. Here are some of the space posters which were made there.

Happy 2012

2012-01-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

A very happy 2012 to you all! Yes a new year is upon us, just how quickly did last year go? In 2012 the Olympics is coming to Britain, so watch out for some Olympic themed crafts then.

Lots of exciting events and projects already lined up for Crafty Creatures and the scary, yet somewhat exciting thing is that they will be here before I know it, yikes!!!

Here are some photos from some projects at the end of last year, Josh's Haloween party and some photos from a variety of Sure Start projects in Durham and Gateshead.

LET'S PARTY...

2011-10-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from some recent parties. At Rosies underwater adventure, dolphins and extremely colourful seahorses were swimming about. One crafts at Alicia's party was to make a horse broach and magnet. This prooved to be very popular. Lots and lots of these were made, not only for the children themselves, but also so they could give them to parents as presents. What a nice thought!

Young & Fun

2011-09-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

In the next month Crafty Creatures is going to be working with young parents and their children in Children's Centres in Gateshead. This is part of their Young & Fun programme and I am really excited about working with parents to see how easy art can be done at home, using materials from our environment.

Parties Galore...

2011-09-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Over the next few months Crafty Creatures has lots of parties coming up. A variety of themes and combinations have been choosen, from seahorses and horses, to space and Cars.

Has this given you some ideas for you child's party? If so please contact me Nicola on 07966 297426 or email: nicola@crafty-creatuires.com to see how your child could have their own unique individual craft party.

Spennymoor Horticultural Show

2011-09-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

At the weekend Crafty Creatures was asked to provide the crafts for families at the Horticultural Show, in Jubilee park, Spennymoor. Despite the rain, families came and made some fab garden inspired crafts, from a flying butterfly to a flowering garden. Take a look at some things that were made.

Young artists at Ushaw Moor Childrens Centre

2011-09-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have also been working with children at the centre to explore crafts. Some of the children were fourteen months old, but it was great to see how even at a young age they can explore different textures and then create their own work. With encouragement a child can realise they have created something and feel a sense of achievement that comes with this. I think a favourite was in the desert's week when fake snow was used to create a snowy scene for animals that live in the cold, and in contrast when red powder paint and sand was used to create a picture for animals that live in hot deserts. Very messy but great fun!

A Summer of Art at Sacriston

2011-09-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Each week over the summer I've been working with children at Sacriston Community Centre to explore the world around us, and crafts were used to do this. A variety of themes have been looked at, some of my favourite themes or crafts have been;
the Rainforest, where a really colourful chamelion was made
famous artists, here the work of Newcastle born marine painter John Wilson Carmichael, Matisse, Picasso and of course the childrens own work on canvas were all explored
Clay fossils were created during the dinosaurs week, some of these were very sculptural in their design
When we were looking at architecture, we were off to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, magical Venice to explore the canals, the heady skyscrapers in New York and of course what a great street on our doorstep - Grey Street in Newcastle, with Grey's Monument towering over us at the top.
It has been lovely over the weeks to see the children's creativity really develop when exploring the different themes each week.

Roll up for the greatest crafts!

2011-09-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, over the summer we were at the Circus with Libraries across North Tyneside. A big top, clown hats, clown faces and a lion puppet were all made by too many children to count! Lots of fun with sparkles, wool and for the authentic big top feel - sawdust was had by all. Thank you for a lovely summer of crafts.

PEOPLE WHO HELP US

2011-06-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

People Who Help us is this terms learning theme for nursery children at at Windy Nook Primary School. Crafty Creatures went along to work with the children and parents to create some great crafts. From very stylish looking police men and women to some fun looking x ray pictures. Great fun was had by all!

IT'S THE SUMMERTIME...

2011-06-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

Well the summer is almost here! Along with working with Libraries across North Tyneside over the summer, you can also find Crafty Creature workshops at Sacriston Community Centre, Durham every Wednesday morning and at Ushaw Moor Children's Sure Start Centre every Thursday afternoon. At each venue there will be different themed crafts each week, so please contact the venue to find out more information. Hope to see you there!

ART IN THE PARK

2011-04-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the Saltwell Park Spring Show has already been and gone. It was an extremely busy weekend, with lots of Japanese inspired crafts. It just keeps amazing me to see what great works of art are made. The children were absolutely brilliant, just could not believe the concentration and creativity. I certainly felt inspired seeing how different each picture was. Had a brilliant time, thank you all so much!

LIBRARY CHALLENGE

2011-04-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a lovely time working with libraries across the region making some spring themed crafts. From popcorn spring blossom trees to animals in the field pictures.

Over the summer we're going to be working with libraries across North Tyneside creating CIRCUS themed crafts for their summer reading challenge. A Big Top collage and a clown's hat are just some of the crafts you will be busy making at the workshops. Look forward to seeing you then!

CARTOON TASTIC

2011-04-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

IT'S PARTY TIME...yes we've been busy doing lots of parties, some new ones which have been very popular are Hello Kitty and Scooby Doo. Just can't believe how popular Hello Kitty is. Have a look at some budding artists creations from the parties.

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

2011-01-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

A happy new year to one and all. Sounds scary saying a new year as I can't quite believe another year has gone by so quickly. I haven't made any resolutions, apart from one, which is to update the blog on a more regular basis! Last Autumn we worked with a local charity called Out of Sight. It's based in North Tyneside and is set up by parents whose children have a visual impairment. The spirit of the parents and children was remarkable and so inspiring. The crafts incorporated lots of different textures and materials, along with some messier painting activities, so the children could participate and use all of their senses.

Already for 2011 we have lots of exciting projects lined up, one is the Saltwell Park show in April. It was such a busy weekend there last year with lots of events available for the whole family. The theme of the crafts isn't confirmed yet, but I will keep you posted once they are.

Once again a big thank you to all the businesses and people I worked with last year and am looking forward to seeing you in 2011.

SPACE HOP @ LIBRARIES...

2010-08-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Crafty Creatures has gone out of this Universe to provide space themed crafts with libraries across the region. Crafty Creatures has been in Libraries across Durham, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside. Crafts were designed to link in with this years libraries Reading Challenge - Space Hop.

Some fab Space Invader Aliens have been made, with lashings of glitter glue to create a slimmed effect! Rockets, an Alien Space Ship and a Planets collage are also the crafts which children have loved making. Yet again it's been great to see a child's creativity flourish with an array of materials. Definitely seeing some budding artists across the summer.

Sure Start Children's Centres

2010-08-25T05:08:00.001-07:00

Across the summer Crafty Creatures has been at Laurel Avenue and Kelloe Children's Centres to provide weekly crafts. Themes have varied each week, from jungle crafts, down on the farm to lets explore crafts.

The crafts are designed to suit a variety of ages, so children of all ages can participate. In addition to the themed crafts children have loved getting messy with finger paints and creating patterns and textures with paint and texture rollers.

EVENTS & BIRTHDAY PARTIES...

2010-08-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Looking for something different for your child's party then look no further. Crafty Creatures provides stress free crafts for Events and Parties. Crafts are designed around a theme of your choice and the children get to take whatever they have made home, giving them a lasting memento of the party!

Crafty Creatures was recently at Amy's 6th birthday party. Amy decided she wanted a "rainbow" craft and said she loved Unicorns. A mixture of themes you may think but Crafty Creatures was happy to oblige, along with the slime for the end of the party. Have a look at the pictures - a great time was had by all!!

Christ Church Community Fun Day

2010-08-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Christ Church in Felling held a community festival and Crafty Creatures provided food related crafts to reinforce information about Gateshead's Soul Soup Project. Soul Soup is part of a wider Generations Together project, which aims to bring together over 1,700 local residents, young and old. The community-based work will enable local groups around the borough to set up a ‘Soul Soup Café’; a meeting place for people of all ages to come together to discuss what is important to them in their community.

Children and their families made a picnic collage and their own bowl of soup craft - along with a recipe to make their own summer vegetable soup.

Water Crafts at Windy Nook School

2010-08-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

Nursery and Reception children were learning about water in the last school term and we came along to provide a craft day for the children and their parents. The crafts were designed to reinforce what the children had learnt and were also lots of fun. Some of the crafts were a collage of Venice, a sail boat (made using shapes), a beach picture with lots of paint and lighthouse picture - the children loved adding textures for the stones!

SUMMER'S HERE...

2010-08-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

What a busy time it's been over the last few months, Crafty Creatures was asked to provide crafts for Lobley Hill Community Festival in June. A lovely day was had by all and children left with bags fulls of crafts they had made.

Spring In the Park

2010-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

More recently Crafty Creatures was asked to provide a "Healthy and Active" workshop for families at the Spring Saltwell Park Show. We lost count of how many children made the crafts, but there certainly was a lot! Children had the opportunity to make a collage of the Seaside and sports you may do there and a Woodland picture where lots of different textures and materials were used to create an active, outdoor themed collage.

It's a Jungle Out There...

2010-04-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

In February Crafty Creatures was asked to do a Jungle workshop at Gateshead Old Town Hall. It's always lovely to see the all the different and individual crafts which are made from the same materials.

The Mr Men, The Mr Men...

2010-04-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

I know these photos are out of order, but here are some pictures of crafts from Hamish's Mr Men party back in February. The Mr Messy craft certainly was messy - but fun with lots of bright pink paint and wool.

PIRATES & PRINCESSES GALORE...

2010-04-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos of crafts from Isabella's 4th birthday party from early March. Isabella choose the theme Pirates & Princesses for the crafts and some great pirate boat pictures, pirate hats and crowns were made.

Happy New Year...

2010-02-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

I know it's a little late as January is now over but hope you had a lovely time.

It's been a rather snowy start to the year but the crafts at Edward's Ben 10 party and the very pink Princesses at Lucy's party haven't reflected this. Apart from some glitter and angel dust you would never have guessed we've just come out of our festive season.

Comming up over the next few weeks are some Mr Men crafts at Hamish's 5th birthday party, Jungle crafts at Gateshead Old Town Hall and in March as part of World Book Week some Transport themed crafts at Brandon library.

Please keep checking for information of where Crafty Creatures will be or if you would like to book an event or party please contact me Nicola on 07966 297426

Ho Ho Ho, Santa's Coming

2009-12-17T06:38:00.000-08:00

If you're wanting to get the kids even more excited then log onto http://portablenorthpole.tv/home so Santa can send your child a personalised video message or on Christmas Eve log onto http://www.noradsanta.org to track Santa making his deliveries around the world.

Hope you all have a magical Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Snow Galore...

2009-12-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

Over the last few weeks Crafty Creatures has been to quite a few Christmas craft parties, here are some pictures from Hannah's 5th birthday party and from Tom's 7th birthday party. As no snow was in sight we took along some pretend snow, which appears infront of your very eyes. Just like magic. I think the parents enjoyed it as much as the children!

Here are a selection of the crafts which were made.

Dolphins & Fairies

2009-12-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it may seem like a strange combination for crafts, however they worked well when we attended Ciara and Niamh's 8th birthday party. An array of crafts from dolphin magnets, sitting fairies to very glittery wands were made. When it's your party the theme of the crafts is down to you, what could be more personal?

Gateshead Carers

2009-12-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

In early December Crafty Creatures was luck yo take part in Gateshead Crossroads Carers Christmas Community Event. Christmas crafts to cover a wide age range were available for all to make, from spiraling snowmen to angel tree decorations. People from the local community in Highfield attended, along with schools in the area and of course carers. I was particularly excited for Crafty Creatures to take part in this event as in the past I have worked with people who have mental ill health and am aware of the work carers of all ages play in helping to keep people well, so it was lovely to be able to give something back to them.

Here is are few photos taken on the day.

CHTISTMAS IS COMING

2009-11-18T05:13:00.000-08:00

Quite scary, I know but there's apparently 36 days left until Christmas. Yikes! Coming up for Crafty Creatures are some Christmas events and parties. I've started to get the crafts prepared and have already got glitter all over the house and it's only November!

Along with the festive crafts we still have birthday parties, with some fairy and dolphin crafts to be made with Ciara and Niamh and on an adventure at Oliver's Diego party.

If you would like information about our Craft Parties or Events please give me Nicola a call on 07966 297426 or email me at nicola@crafty-creatures.com

LET'S PARTY...

2009-11-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I last posted anything so I thought I would show some pictures from parties I've been doing. Here's some photos from Eve's 3rd birthday back in October. The theme was Pirates and Dinosaurs. A strange combination I know but party crafts can be designed around whatever theme you want.

Halloween seems to be getting bigger every year with lots of costumes to choose from in the shops. It certainly was a busy time for us with lots of spooky crafts been made at Halloween parties, below are some photos of what was made.

BROWNIES & GUIDES CENTENARY

2009-09-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday (5th September) literally thousands of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and their leaders were celebrating 100 years of the movement. Celebrations in our region were been held at Segdefield Racecourse where a whopping 1650 children attended. Crafty Creatures was lucky to be asked to provide some of the entertainment for the day. We estimate we saw at least half of the children who attended the day. So it was a rather busy day!
Children of all ages made a variety of crafts. From a Brown Owl, Caterpillar on a leaf, Magnets of Brownie & Guide Sixer Animals and to a lovely, very tactile hedgehog. Please take a look below to see just a few of the crafts that were made on the day.

GATESHEAD TO BRAZIL

2009-09-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Bill Quay Farm in Gateshead went global over the summer and Crafty Creatures took children and their families on a journey to the Brazilian Rainforest. Toucans, jaguars, red eyed tree frogs and a paint-spattered rainforest picture and rainmakers were all made by over 100 children we saw over 3 days. Children took most of their art home, however some colourful collages and rainforest animals were left so a mural can be made for the farm to remind children of the fun and great art that was made.

From Australia to below the Sea...

2009-09-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Over the summer Crafty Creatures was lucky to work with children at the newly opened Sherburn Hill Sure Start Children's Centre. Each week the crafts and theme were different. It's rewarding to see some children who were quite unsure about painting and handling the different materials and textures, initially, actually looking forward to participating in the crafts towards the end of the sessions.

Here's some images from the "Under the Sea" session where squid, crabs, jellyfish and lots of fishy pictures were made:

The last session of the summer took us to Australia, here's a selection of crafts made from the session. Enjoy!

GOING ON A QUEST?

2009-09-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well Crafty Creatures has been over the summer with lots of children from Durham and Gateshead libraries. This year the Summer Reading Challenge with Libraries was Quest Seekers and a mountain of dragons, castles with wizards, witches, knights and princesses were made.

Just one of the children adding the finishing touches to their dragon hand puppet and below to their dancing dragon.

TIME FOR TEA...

2009-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

So many crafts were made by the nursery and reception children at Morpeth All Saint's First School at their Mad Hatters Tea Party. It's lovely to see all the work looking so different when the same materials are available to all of the children. It's just great to see at a young age how a child's own creativity and individuality can shine through.

MINI BEASTS GALORE...

2009-07-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I was very lucky to work with nursery and reception children from Glynwood Community Primary School in Gateshead to create mini beast artwork for their school fence. Luckily the sun was shining so we were able to work outside and see some real life mini beasts crawling around!

Before the project started we asked parents and children to collect stones, twigs and leaves which could be used for the art and I was absolutely blown away by how much was collected. It was lovely to see how eager the children were to take part in the project over the 2 days.

A centipede, spider, snails, ladybirds, a fly and butterflies were made. Here's a selection of photos which were taken.

OUT & ABOUT IN THE SUMMER

2009-07-03T07:28:00.001-07:00

Over the next few months Crafty Creatures is going to be "out and about" at lots of venues across the North East. In July there will be sports crafts at Oak Leaf Sports Complex's Family Fun Day, lots of Alice in Wonderland crafts for Morpeth All saints First School's Mad Hatter's Tea Party and Summer crafts at the newly opened Sherburn Hill Sure Start Children's Centre.
In August Crafty Creatures will be at Low Fell, Brandon, Pelaw, Crawcrook, Gateshead Central, Coundon and Dunston Libraries to offer crafts based around the Libraries Summer Reading Challenge theme of Quest Seekers.
Wednesday mornings in August you will see us at the Sherburn Hill Sure Start Centre with different themed crafts each week, there will be bears, bugs & insects, sealife and Australian crafts.
Over the summer Bill Quay Farm is "Going Global" with crafts from around the world. In August Crafty Creatures will be providing Rainforest themed crafts where some animal hand puppets will be made.

Looking forward to seeing you over the summer. If you would like more information about booking Crafty Creatures for an event then please contact me Nicola on 07737286876 or email me at nicola@crafty-creatures.com

AHOY SHIPMATE!

2009-07-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last week Crafty Creatures and some nursery school children from Windy Nook Primary School in Gateshead went on a Pirate and Seaside adventure. Crafts ranged from seaside collages, a picnic bag/suitcase to 'shiver me timbers' making a pirate's face and no pirate adventure could be complete without a pirate hat! Have a look at the photos to see just some of the great pirate crafts which were made.

BEN 10 PARTY

2009-06-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

It was hero time at Max's Ben 10 party... here's some pictures of what was made - my favourite was the Omnitrix watch.

" just wanted to say a very BIG thank you for all of your hard work in preparing Max's party. The kids had a great time and the parents were very impressed. The slime was a great hit especially with the girls!!!!!! Hope to see you again soon", - Tracy, Knitsley.

BRINGING THE RAINFOREST TO DURHAM

2009-06-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

IN MAY HALF TERM lots of colourful RAINFOREST crafts were made at Ushaw Moor, Brandon and Kelloe Sure Start Children's Centres. There were chameleons, toucans, spiraling snakes and trees galore.

Have a look at the great chameleon pictures - lots of glue was in need for these!

MAY HALF TERM

2009-05-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Out & About...In the May Half Term Crafty Creatures will be at Ushaw Moor, Brandon and Kelloe Sure Start Children's Centres with lots of rainforest crafts to be made. Look forward to seeing you there.

A fairy and a High School Musical party ends a busy week. I'm sure lots of glitter will be seen for a while after...

SCRAPBOOKING FOR THE EARLY YEARS

2009-05-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Crafty Creatures has done some work with Early Years Providers within the Gateshead area on Scrapbooking. It was great to talk to teachers working in the setting to offer ideas on how creative scrapbooking could be used to bridge the gap between a child's time at nursery and their home life. I must say people's creative side certainly shone thorugh when the group had the opprotunity to try out some easy and fun crafts which could be replicated with parents at home.

HERE COMES EASTER

2009-04-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Just some of the many Easter crafts that were made at the Easter Egg-stravaganza event.

I just can't believe Eatser has been and gone. We've still got some Easter eggs in the house. Evan our little boy has now declared he "dosen't care much for Easter eggs" so I now feel I need to help him out in that department...

Our Easter Egg-stravaganza and Lets Get Colourful events were again very busy so thank you to everyone who came along. Below are some pictures from the Let's Get Colourful event so happy viewing.

Hmmm, it wouldn't seem right to have anything that wasn't messy! We had some colourful ice cube melts which were a great and easy way for the children to see what happens when colours mix together.

CRAFT PARTIES

2009-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

THINKING OF A CRAFT PARTY BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT THEME TO CHOOSE?

Then here are some examples from upcoming parties...High School Musical is still a popular choice, I'm going to the bottom of the ocean with SpongeBob Square Pants and his friends, to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars, to a Fairy and Princess party, hero time with Ben 10, roaring with some Dinosaurs, jumping in muddy puddles with Peppa Pig, off to LazyTown with Sportacus and Stephanie and to a lovely "All About Me" party with Evie. If you would like to find out more about our parties then please contact me Nicola on 07737 286876 or nicola@crafty-creatures.com

"Just to say thank you for the fantastic craft party, all of the children enjoyed it and couldn't have had a better time", - Claire, Piercebridge.

At the "All About Me" party the children loved exploring the clay and using lots of texture stampers on the outline of themselves!

A Yoda mask near completion.

Busy making a standing SpongeBob Square Pants

2009-03-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

HURRY, DON'T MISS OUT - Places for the upcoming Events are filling up fast.

If you want to book a place please contact me: nicola@crafty-creatures.com or on 07737 286876. Alternatively book a place online at: http://dylanbaker.photium.com/otheritems.html

CRAFTS GALORE

2009-03-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

February Half Term was a really busy, fun week where sooo much creative art was made.

Here's some images from the session Crafty Creatures ran at Belmont Library, Durham. The theme was "Famous Artists" and was designed to show children an insight into some artists they may or may not have heard of and for them to 're-create' their work using a wide range of materials, and of course adding their own unique style. Artists were Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Lots of different materials were on hand to create the masterpieces from charcoal to lots of different brushes used to create different paint textures for their own Pollock work of art. The session was designed for 7-12 year olds, however some younger siblings couldn't resist to unleash their creative side too!

The work has been used for a display in the children's section of the library.

2009-01-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

Throughout 2009 Crafty Creatures is going to be running a series of monthly Children's Art & Craft Events.

Each month there is a new, fun theme to allow your child to learn about the world around them in a creative way. Whatever your child makes they can take home so before you know it you will have a collection of art work not only yourself but your child will be proud of.

Lots of different materials and techniques will be used from paints, gooey finger paints, natural objects, rollers and clay. Remember the mess stays at the session so you don't have to clean up the mess!

We ran some events last year and they proved to be increasingly popular, with our Christmas one being sold out! Due to this booking is essential so please contact me Nicola at e:crafty-creatures.com t: 07737 286876 to book, get more information or to enquire about our CRAFT PARTIES & EVENTS.

Below are details of our FEBRUARY - APRIL 2009 EVENTS

GOING ON A BEAR HUNT CRAFTS - WED 18TH FEB 1.30-3pm, lots of grrreat bear crafts

SPRING HAS SPRUNG CRAFTS - WED 18TH MARCH 1.30-3pm, glorious Spring & Mother's Day crafts

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA - SUN 5TH APRIL 2-5pm. Crafty Creatures is teaming up with Dylan Baker Creative Photography to host an afternoon of crafts, stories from Nikki at Kindermusik and your child can have their photo taken in Dylan's studio. All this for only £7.50 per child

LET’S GET COLOURFUL - THURS 16TH APRIL 10.30am-12pm, lots of colour themed crafts.

Unless stated events cost £5.50 per child, all materials, aprons & refreshments are provided. All events to be held at Vane Tempest Hall, Gilesgate, Durham.

Look Forward to seeing you there - Nicola.

Click for larger version

Here's some images from our 2008 Events:

Julie from Jack Drum Arts captivated the children with stories from around the world

At our Musical Christmas Event Nikki from Kindermusik brought along a selection of Barefoot books which people could buy. At our Easter Egg-stravaganza event Nikki will be using the books and puppets to mesmerise the children with her Easter stories.

2009-01-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

PARTIES & EVENTS
Crafty Creatures offers stress free entertainment for parties, special events, family gatherings, public sector and corporate events throughout the North East. Whatever the reason have Crafty Creatures at your event!

At a Crafty Creatures party your children could be a Princess, Pirate, Explorer, Go off to Space, the choice is yours! The choice of theme for your party is up to you, also themes can be combined, so no matter how many Crafty Creatures parties you go to, each party is different! Parties can also be as messy or as mess free as you like! The children make 4 crafts designed around the theme of your choice and whatever the children make they get to take home - a great alternative to a party bag. All materials and aprons are provided.

Crafty Creatures will come to a venue of your choice - whether it’s your house, a church hall or community centre and can be as messy or as mess free as you like! Parties last approximately one hour, however there’s no rush if they run over a little.

"I just wanted to say on behalf of myself and Jo a massive THANK YOU!!!!!! Anya and Olivia had an absolutely fantastic party and lots of the mums on Monday said how much their girls had enjoyed themselves", Michelle, Gosforth.

“Just thought I'd send you this to say thanks very much for the great party this morning. Hope you've recovered! Bryn says that it's the best party he's been to. All of the parents were really positive. It was well organised, fun, good value for money and it's something different too. Thanks again”, Claire, Durham.

2009-01-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

PUBLIC SECTOR & CORPORATE EVENTS
Crafty Creatures provides sessions for SURESTART Children’s Centres, libraries, schools and playgroups. Activities and session themes are tailored to a specific organisation’s requirements and can be related to any topics they are focusing on at a given time.

Sessions can be booked as “one-offs” or Crafty Creatures can attend an organisation over a number of weeks to work on a specific topic with the children. Sessions are designed to promote learning in a fun, relaxed manner and can be used to reinforce a particular topic or learning plan your organisation is currently addressing.

If your organisation is planning a family fun day, corporate event or a party then Crafty Creatures is the only choice to provide fun, stress free entertainment the children will be talking about for weeks after. Whatever the children make they get to take home so will have a memory of the day for a very long time.

2009-01-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

In addition to our Children’s Art & Craft Events Crafty Creatures is going to be Out & About at local venues over the next few months. In the February half term there’s going to be “Famous Artists” at Belmont Library, “Inventions” at Laurel Avenue Sure Start Centre, “Places We Live” at Brandon Sure Start and “Food” crafts at Coundon Library. In April there is Easter crafts at Laurel Avenue, Kelloe and Ushaw Moor Sure Start Centres and Spring crafts at Brandon, Kelloe, Ushaw Moor and Laurel Avenue Sure Start Centres.

We also have some exciting craft parties coming up and will be getting glittery at some High School Musical parties, donning crowns at a Princess party, setting sail with Adam at his Pirate party and will be getting “muddy” at our Down on the Farm party. Great fun to be had by all!!!

2009-01-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

To Learn a Second Language?
Our Little boy - Evan is learning French at nursery at the minute. He is sooo into it and keeps asking “How do you say....” in French. I can remember some things but not everything so we have started to watch the DVD “First Fun with French” by Usborne books. It’s made in the style of a cartoon so he feels like it’s fun and is interactive in parts. Worth a watch if you want your children to learn a second language.

Local libraries have a copy of this and “First Fun With Spanish” available to rent.

2009-01-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

Wanting some different children’s CD’s to listen to? Something to soothe, tap your finger and dance around to? Well here are some great CD’s which will do just that.

Elizabeth Mitchell has some great CD’s out such as “You Are My Flower” with a lovely rendition of “Shoo-Fly” and on her “You Are My Sunshine” CD her version of “Hey Bo Diddley” will certainly get you and your little ones tapping your feet!

On the Kids Club’s “Family Songbook” a range of artists sing familiar tunes and listen out for The GrooveBarbers version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.

A Hawian artist had two lovely and relaxing albums - “The Man and his Music” and on the album “Facing the Future” there is a truly glorious version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

Jack Johnson’s children’s CD “Sing-A-Long’s and Lullabies” from the film Curious George has catchy versions of “The 3 R’s” and “Jungle Gym”.

Happy Listening!