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Hi John,

I was on a snack break in my art studio and I found myself with a bag of in-shell pistachios.

While I could have bought the pre-shelled nuts, the in-shell pistachios demand some effort for the reward.

At first, it may seem like a hassle. Each nut requires a moment to open, a small investment of time and energy.

But somehow the flavors seem better when I have to put in the extra work to get them out of the shells.

We can apply this to making art.

Taking time with the art process can give us so many rewards.

The act of hands-on creating with patience and attention enriches the experience, making it more meaningful and fulfilling.

It's good for our minds, good for our hearts.

Here are 3 things to consider as you support your child's art experiences:

• Be patient
• Value hands-on creations
• Slow down to savor the experience

Interested in more?

1. Making ephemeral land art is a slow art process you can experience on a walk, in a park, or in a garden. Read Land Art with Children to learn more.
2. ​Ten Ways to Raise Creative Kids offers some insights and ideas for sparking imaginative and creative play
3. Take your time with drawing and painting. Chop up watercolor paper into smaller squares and fill each one with doodles. See Mini Paintings for inspiration with a preschooler.

Slowly shelling pistachios and tinkering with art,

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Hey TinkerLab Schoolhouse Members, there are exciting things happening for you in March! We're experimenting with doilies as paint stencils, weaving yarn, celebrating spring with butterfly prints and leaf Zentangles, making peace posters inspired by artist Robert Indiana, and more.

If you're not a TS member yet, here's how you can join:

Join TinkerLab Schoolhouse:​
Transform your family's creative journey into an art adventure of self-expression and curiosity with access this all our process art tutorials and 300+ playful creative activities. Doors to TinkerLab Schoolhouse are open now, so make sure to hop over and join here.​

JOIN TINKERLAB SCHOOLHOUSE NOW

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Useful Resources

Whatever your next creative project might be, if you need some help I have tons of resources waiting for you. Pop over to the blog for creative activity ideas, there are free toolson the Creativity Resources page of my website, and find affordable classes in my shop. Follow along and see what I'm up to this week over onInstagram.

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Rachelle's TinkerLab Books ​Read the Books →​

TinkerLab Schoolhouse Membership ​Start creating →​

Art Around the Year for Teachers ​Time-saving Art Lessons →​