As a family, we are gradually and simultaneously branching out from our study of fine arts into more “useful” applications of art. This process has come about for two reasons: the joy of creating something useful, and my children’s discovery of God-given gifts and abilities as they mature. As they have developed interests, we as homeschoolers are free to pursue and develop those interests.

     •   Crafts: We’ve used seasonal how-to craft books to add spice to unit studies. Projects like leaf rubbings for science, paper making for history, and dioramas for literature have been highlights of some of our units. I’m grouping them with applied arts because of the knowledge gained while doing them.

     •   Architecture: We’ve tied a basic study of architecture into our other subjects. We’ve used a K’Nex toy curriculum to study bridges as a physical science project. We looked at Greek architectural features in downtown libraries, courthouses, and government offices while studying ancient Greece. (It was fun to hear my little ones pronounce—and even differentiate—details like Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric columns.) Victorian-style buildings, often found in nearby restored urban neighborhoods, can be linked to an Anne of Green Gables literature unit.

     •   Technical Drawing and Drafting: These are both closely related to architecture. We realized that our oldest son is very right-brained and artistic, and I knew I couldn’t develop his gifts on my own, so I turned to the books in the Complete-A-Sketch series by Melvin Peterman of Insight Technical Education. With subtitles like “Orthographic,” “Isometric,” and “Perspective,” they sound very intimidating. However, I’ve found them very easy to use for an age range as broad as 5 to 13 years old. The author says that “The unique approach of Complete-A-Sketch allowed me to teach my children to draw what they see....(and) to clearly present their ideas to others.” I agree with his assessment. My children have learned to use a straight edge tool and create complicated renderings, and it has given them confidence and techniques to use in their own designs.

     •   Graphic Design and Animation: A couple of years ago, my son decided that he wants to become an animator when he grows up. Two years later, it is still his desire, and together with my husband, he is actively pursuing that interest. They have attended an animation seminar at a children’s museum and emailed questions to a current animator on the staff of the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Now they are learning the computer programming behind current animation techniques, using a software program called MicroWorlds and a curriculum called Computer Science Pure and Simple. For Christmas, my son received a clay set complete with animal armatures (skeleton-like models) to fashion into suitable characters for his future movies. He understands that sketching, drawing, and a basic grasp of movement are all the bases of animation. Similarly, my oldest daughter shows an interest in graphic design, the visual representation of an idea or message. While she may not call it graphic design, we’ve found it accessible for her to pursue at home these days. Making brochures, newsletters, posters, and homemade greeting cards are all easy for her with computer software like PrintMaster.