My wife is a third grade teacher and she often like to do art projects with the kids. Some of the projects she has done include bracelets, pendants, necklaces, and rings to name a few. Other things the kids like to do is beading and knitting. The amazing thing about these projects are the quality of handmade jewelry that comes from the hands of these eight and nine-year old kids. In the beginning of the year, my wife has to do a lot of instruction before the kids can get the hang of it. However, by the middle of the year the about half the kids are doing most of the work on their own. By the end of the year, about 75% of the kids are on their own. When I say on their own, I am referring to the fact that they need very minimal instruction. All the kids need is the project description and they are off and running.

    My wife’s school also has a volunteer art teacher who will teach the kids the history behind the handmade jewelry that they make. It is really amazing to hear some of the stories she tells about the different cultures throughout the world who relied on handmade jewelry not only for attraction and fashion, but also for tribal significance. Every time my wife does a project with her class I get to see the photos on her digital camera. Again, several of these kids have a real talent and may one day become talented artisans either by hobby or by profession.

    Even if some of the kids never become professional artisans, hopefully they will grow up to fully appreciate the detail and craftsmanship of making something on their own that is unique and special to them. After all, not all of us will be jewelry designers, but all of us can display our creative side in one way or another.