Before the advent of television, the Internet, and fantasy leagues, baseball could only be experienced at the park when the game was in town. Crowds crammed themselves into the seats to take in the smells of peanuts, hotdogs, and the cut grass of the outfield, and to watch the sport that became a staple of American culture. Baseball is about tradition, and that tradition grew out of the fans and their love of the game. No matter how the world has changed or how technology has affected the game, the fan's love of baseball is what keeps the game going from generation to generation. Children are the next generation of baseball fans, and in honor of the tradition that carried baseball for so long, the love of baseball must be passed on to them.
There are many ways of passing on the love of baseball to children who are still learning the game and acquiring the appreciation for the sport. The surest method is exhibit love for the game through baseball crafts for kids. It is one thing to say people love baseball and another to show that love. Art is a classic expression of love, and art can be used to show children the tradition that fuels the game.
In beginning a search for projects, look toward the classic classroom activities enjoyed by children in elementary school from era to era. Paper mache is a craft that can be prepared quickly and is a simple process to learn. The required materials include newspaper, white and red paint, glue, water, several brushes, some bowls, a place for the project to dry, and something to act as the base shape. If you want to create a paper mache baseball, begin with a balloon.
Baseball crafts for kids can be complicated, but paper mache is not difficult. First, cut the newspaper into strips of lengths of several inches. Add the water and glue into a bowl following a mixture of two parts glue to one part water to ensure the adhesive can be spread easily with a brush. Brush the strips of newspaper with the glue then apply to the balloon. Pile a thick layer on to the balloon to ensure the project will hold its shape after the balloon is removed. Set the project somewhere safe and let stand for twenty-four hours so the glue can dry. After the glue has dried, paint the project entirely in white. Depending on the paint used, additional layers of paint should be applied to form a solid, white field. When the white paint has dried, the red paint can be used to create the stitches of the baseball. Once all of the paint has dried, the balloon can be popped and removed.
Baseball crafts for kids are an excellent method for passing on the tradition of love for the game to the next generation. Show love for the game, share love for the game, and baseball will continue to thrive for generations to come.