Are you looking for something creative to do with your little one? Do you like the idea of arts and crafts but not the mess or additional tidying up that goes with it? Then look no further than ARTventurers – offering award winning colourful, creative (often messy!) art, craft and creative play sessions for babies, toddlers and young children.
Charlotte and her mini Mumbler recently went along to a session to and this is what they had to say about it…
Like most parents, I love the idea of arts and crafts with my little one, but often find the reality is hit with a lot of mess and stress keeping things contained and off the walls. That’s where ARTventurers can help! Their classes offer all the fun of arts and crafts, messy and sensory play, but without the massive clean-up! There is a different theme each week to engage little ones and help to develop their creativity, skills, as well as their confidence. And each term has a ‘showstopper masterpiece’ which the children work on each week throughout the term – making for a memorable keepsake. This term is aptly a giant easter egg!
We were warmly greeted by Catherine and, as we were a little early, had a quick sneak peak of the different activities for the session. Each session starts with a warm up song, followed by a look inside the magic craft box to find out the theme of the week. It was Mother’s Day! Catherine quickly talked through the different activities, which included some craft, painting, and ‘mud’. And then the children we free to explore!
Robin was immediately drawn to the ‘mud’ tray and so we spent a good chunk of time, digging, scooping and filling plant pots with the mud to making mud pies and ‘plant’ flowers. Made from flower, olive oil and cocoa it smelled delicious too!
Once his sensory juices were whetted, we explored the other more creative sections, where we made a flower crown for his big sister – he absolutely LOVED dripping and pasting the glue onto the headband to stick the flowers down.
When it came to the painting sections, he was a little hesitant at first, but when he knew it was OK to make a mess, he got stuck right in – using double-sided paint brushes and even rollering his own hand to make handprints on the Mother’s Day card!
The session then ended with everyone getting cleaned up, whilst Catherine tidied away. We brought a snack so enjoyed this, and then everything was round up with a song and the ever-popular bubbles. Each child got a sticker and we were able to take our creations home with us too!
These classes are perfect for anyone who wants to add a bit of creativity into their child’s play and learning, without the stress of having to do it a home! Robin had an absolute blast – it really opened up his creative side – and we have some lovely keepsakes to enjoy afterwards.
Sessions currently run on:
Tuesdays at 10-11am – Leos Rugby Club, Crag Lane, Alwoodley, LS17 5PR
Fridays at 10-11am – AWCA, New Adel Lane, Adel, LS16 6AN.
Each session is 1 hour long and is suitable from 6 months – 4 years. A 5week course costs £42.50 and when you sign up you can also choose to purchase an optional painting tools pack for £10 – see the website for more details.
ARTventurers also offer weekend and holiday classes and workshops, as well as creative birthday parties and other special events for children of all ages.
To book or find out more information contact catherine@artventurers.co.uk or visit www.artventurers.co.uk/northleeds
*Mumbler was not paid for this review but we did receive a complimentary class. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion. Published March 2023
