One of the first Contagious LaughterTM themed lunchboxes for kids that I created was Artie's Crafts. With each box, I want to supply a child with a ready-made kit pertaining to the particular theme, and the art box evokes personal memories of my childhood--memories of making things all on my own.

        I was one of those kids who just loved arts and crafts. At school or summer camp, that's where I could spend the entire day, if the choice had been mine. At home, I would "retire" to my room for what my parents describe as hours, emerging with something new all the time. I recall googlie eye-covered things, kitchen witches made from dried apples, and animals made from Mom's old stockings, stuffed with cotton balls. There was even a pig in an electric blanket (complete with a felt square with glued on baggie twist ties, as wires).

        Given this interest, my parents knew that some kind of craft oriented gift, such as clay, a miniature loom or just an array of glitter, would entertain me until there was nothing left to make, which there never was. I am so grateful that they encouraged my interests. It allowed me to conceive of a business that includes all of the things that bring me joy, which I can to spread to children.

        So as an adult with happy memories of time spent in creative expression, I wanted to make a lunchbox kit for kids that would allow them to create something of their own, under any circumstance. If a child is under the weather or on a long trip, Artie can help to distract, entertain and hopefully cheer up the owner of his lunchbox.

        As all of the lunchboxes illustrate, I value the creative arts therapies. Furthermore, through crafts, we learn self-mastery, fine motor skills and even what colors we like. Plus, as Artie tells us, ". . . squishy clay is really great".

        In a society that has cut too many creative programs from our schools, toys that inspire the imagination are more relevant than ever. Finally, when children enjoy Artie's Crafts lunchboxes so much that there is nothing left to make--they can make lunch!

Artie's Crafts