Arty crafty ideas for teenagers?

[Hayls]

Hi. I've decided to extend my maternity leave until the end of the year so to keep in with the latest developments(OK and the gossip) in my line of work locally and to let dd spend some time alone with dh I've got a job in a YOuth Club doing 3 hours a week with 12-16 year olds. I've done youth work for several years but am a bit rusty after being off for so long- my role is to do arts and crafts and a bit of cooking. Has anybody got any suggestions that I can offer them. They're quite 'mature' teenagers so it'd need to be someting that would really hold their interest. I've thought of all the usual stuff like clay modelling, flower arranging, glass painting, mask making, pizzas etc but would much appreciate any suggestions!

It's so daunting meeting a new group for the first time that I'd love to have such excellent idead that they love me instantly and can't wait to do lots of activities with me...unlikely I know!

I know it's still got a bit of an old-fashioned image but would you consider knitting? There was an article in the latest issue of an American magazine I get about setting up knitting at lunchtimes in high schools in deprived areas, and the take-up from both boys and girls was astonishing. I don't know how easy it would be to set up, but it does have the advantage that they can make something "real". The new Rowan R2 range is aimed at teenagers- the yarn is ridiculously expensive but the books might have some ideas.

Probably a dumb suggestion, sorry.

Weaving friendship bracelets/hair braiding?

Sugarcraft?

How about making things like windchimes or suncatchers - from shells, beads, painted glass etc.
Or hand painting T shirts - theres loads of fabric paint you can get now or you can even do designs on the computer, print onto transfer paper & iron on ?

I've just been teaching my 14 year old and her friend cake decorating for Duke of Edinburgh's - they loved it. My 12 year old joined in too.

DD1 likes cardmaking too.

Making cards always seems to go down well at our youth club. You can get all the stuff form www.craftcreations.co.uk

How about making jewellry? You can get loads of beads and fixings etc, or make jewellry out of fimo or wire. Painting mugs, tiles etc? Silk painting, ties, scarves? Cushion covers - either painted or emboidered? Patchwork? Calligraphy?

HTH - I do a youth fellowship at church so will be watching this with interest for ideas I can pinch too.

FOr cooking, how about growing herbs as a start and then using them in the cooking?

Making sweeties always goes down well too - either moulding chocolate or cooking boiled sweets from scratch.

Or how about showing them how to cook a romantic meal for two (with emphasis for the boys on just how desireable this will make them!!)

DH says teach them how to make a cheese sauce - once you can do this then you can cook loads of things! Making bread - you can do so many things with this. Any kind of barbecuing ! Fillings for baked potatoes. When I went to Uni my Dad taught me to make soup and it has been so useful.

How to teach yourself to cook - where to find recepies (like ones on the side of packets which are usually quite easy). Basic cooking terminology! Between arts and crafts and cookery you could make a nice recipie folder or book and get them into the habit of collecting nice recipies so they always have an idea! Dh says he'll come to the classes if you can teach him how to make an omelette!

He's still thinking (got into this!) and I'll post later if he has any more constructive suggestions.

message withdrawn

Thanks for all your ideas, I've noted them all down. Now I just need to hope they like them (and me!)