The model railroad area had a plaque with instructions. I imagine that the colorful houses are made similarly and the instructions could be adapted. Here is the text from the plaque: Applying the Imagination (or How do They make these Magical Miniature Houses/) "Blocking Out" We measure, scale, and draw the house parts on Gatorfoam (a strong yet lightweight graphic arts board with a polystyrene foam core.) After cutting the pieces out, we use hot glue to construct the building. Decorating: We also use hot glue to attach the natural materials. Windows: After sealing the windows with a clear plastic, we pour casting resin over the mullions. The resin gives the windows that wonderful rippled effect of old glass. Protecting: A thorough coating of urethane protects the house from the elements, enhances the adhesion of the decorations, and gives the building a golden antique glow. ("They" are the creative staff of Applied Imagination, Alexandria, Kentucky) I want to make a replica of my house (only with wild decorations) or maybe one of the historic houses in our downtown. kathy

There are drawing pads that draw with light https://lightdrawingpad.com/products/light-drawing-pad-fun-and-developing-toy?variant=30308965843024&utm_medium But I took Bumble to be talking about this kind of light mat -- a thinner version of what used to be a light box (LEDS make that possible) used for tracing. Tracing can be a learning tool or a crutch that prevents them from learning -- all depends on how it is used and what is wanted. https:/amazon.com/Portable-LITENERGY-Artcraft-Sketching-Animation/dp/B07F147VF6/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=light+mat&qid=1573911176&sr=8-8 An upright version -- good for painters or drawers who will use an easel https://amazon.com/Diamond-Painting-Adjustable-Brightness-Detachable/dp/B07RWD3S5Q If she is really interested in learning to draw, I would look at some books that teach drawing and pencils and sketch books or pads to go with them. There are books for animals, people, flowers and general ones like this. They will help her see shapes and figure out how to break down the things she wants to draw into something that seems easier and build on that. . https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Book-Kids-Things-Activities/dp/0997799374 Another option would be to give her a subscription to Bluprint and let her take classes and watch videos there. They are running a special on the annual membership for the holidays. One plus to Blueprint is that she could get bored with drawing and try some painting -- or crocheting or knitting or embroidery or sewing.... It's all covered by the same membership (her mom could even take a class when she's not watching) and they offer a lot of discounts on materials. https://www.mybluprint.com/p/gift-bluprint Copic markers are ones a lot of illustrators use, but I wouldn't buy them for a beginner. There are sets like this one on Amazon for knockoff brands that get good ratings. I'd start there. They are alcohol inks -- like Sharpies, so rather permanent and will dry out if left uncapped. Make sure she's ready to handle them and understands that these are for coloring the designs she draws with pencil -- at least for now. If she gets into the Copic level, they have sketch versions and paint versions. https://amazon.com/Caliart-Permanent-Highlighters-Illustration-Underlining/dp/B073TWPHQN If she works on drawing skills, she can take that into anything else she might like to try. If drawing doesn't hold her interest, there are a lot of crafting options she can move into. You can search Google, Amazon and Pinterest for 9-10 year old art ideas and see if there is something else that looks like her to you. But building skills at this age will be a real plus if she has the desire to learn and the patience for it. Hope that helps.

I'm not inclined to put art on the wall just to decorate. I prefer to live with objects that have meaning to me. When I was in college, I saw drawings by a local artist and fell in love. A year later when I got a job in my field, I tracked down the artist. She she still had 3 40" x 60" pieces from the exhibit. This is Witch Tree VIII. The materials are paper, lead, tobacco juice and vermillion, which are traditional gifts to the tree. The image is what Hazel saw lying one her back and looking up through Manidoo-giizhikens (aka Witch Tree, Little Cedar Spirit Tree). I'm fortunate to know a framer who is excellent in framing to enhance the art. It hangs in my dining room. Here's a link to a local TV new story on the tree. Finding MN - WCCO about the tree.

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