About the Author:
Rose Ross Zediker lives in rural Elk Point, SD, with her husband, Mike. Rose is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature. She primarily writes for the Christian magazine markets. Her work has appeared in Bread For God's Children, Children's Ministry, Discoveries, Keys For Kids, Our Little Friend and Primary Treasure. Recently, she has been writing curriculum for Cubby Bears for Jesus.

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Crafting for Kids
by Rose Ross Zediker

Many writers overlook the value of submitting crafts to Christian children's magazines. You don't have to be a professional artist or crafter to write this form of non-fiction. Follow this step by step guide to turn your craft idea into a polished manuscript.

Envision

Submitting inappropriate craft ideas will garner a rejection. It's important to think about your project before you begin writing. Does the magazine use general crafts or must the craft convey the message of a Bible verse? Can your idea only be made with expensive supplies from a hobby store? Is the craft too difficult for the age group that reads the magazine?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, don't shelve your idea, brainstorm. There are solutions to each of these problems.

Most crafts can be alerted to fit a theme or Bible verse. Perhaps the Bible lesson is about sharing—can your craft be assembled by taking turns or can it be shared with someone else?

Look around your house and figure out a cheaper substitute supply to use. Just because you had your heart set on a certain product doesn't mean that the craft will be less appealing made out of cardboard or felt.

Your idea fits the theme, is economical but needs to be measured and cut precisely and oops the magazine's target age is six. Age appropriateness can be overcome in several ways. You can list in the supplies area, a four inch precut square of cardboard or make a note that the craft requires adult supervision.

Compose

Your first draft is your blue print for you to make the craft. Begin by listing all the supplies you'll need to assemble the craft. Next write the instructions in a logical order. Don't worry about repeating words, like glue or cut at this stage. It also helps your thought process to begin each new step with, now you, next you or then you.

Let this rough draft rest a day or two. This way when you go back to make your craft, it's easier to catch an error in the instructions.

Make

Begin by collecting all the supplies you listed. You must follow your step-by-step rough draft to make the craft. Keep your target age group in mind while assembling the craft. Children's craft instructions need to be simple and specific.

As you finish a step jot down notes to clarify those instructions. If a step is hard or time consuming for you to complete, it may be impossible for a child to do. Impatient little fingers might not be willing to hold paper together until glue dries. Tape may work better in this step. If so, revise your instructions and don't forget to add tape to your supplies list.

Don't hurry through this process. Follow your instructions to the letter. If glue needs to dry then let the craft dry before continuing. Your finished craft needs to be as polished as your manuscript. (You'll see why in step five.)

Rewrite

Revise your supply list to include any additions or deletions.

The fewer steps it takes to make the craft, the better. Read through your text and notes. Rewrite sentences into direct statements. If possible combine your instructions then break them down into numbered steps.

For example your free writing may say:

1. You need to take the paper plate and lay the it front of you.
    
2. Then with your scissors cut out a picture of your choice.
    
3. Next you turn picture over.
    
4. Then you squirt glue on back.
    
5. Next you press picture glue side down to the center of your paper plate.

Revised these instructions would read:

1. Cut out a picture and place glue on the back side.
    
2. Press picture onto the center of the paper plate.

Look for repetitive words in your directions during the rewrite process. Try not to start several instructions with the same word. For example in step one if you said cut around the pictures then in step four you said cut the excess paper off the bottom, think of another word that has the same meaning. Step four could say Trim excess paper off the bottom. It conveys the same instruction but adds variety for your reader.

Photos

Pictures of your craft increase your chance of acceptance. Editors like to see your finished product. The pictures you submit with your manuscript don't need to be professional quality. Chances are your snapshots won't be the photos used in the magazine. Most crafts in children's magazines are illustrated or the art department makes your craft and photographs that one.

Don't show your craft as it should be used. A picture of a coaster with a glass sitting on it wouldn't effectively show an editor the finished product. Place your finished craft on a solid, coordinating background. This can be a cloth or even construction paper. Take several pictures of your craft. Snap up-close shots only if your craft has detail work. Otherwise the pictures should show the craft in its entirety.

Submit

A craft activity is submitted in the same double-spaced format as a manuscript. Craft manuscripts need a title and word count. Check your target market's guidelines to make sure you're within their word count limits. Some magazines have instruction step limits too, especially for younger children. Be sure your instructions don't run over the required steps.

Under your title, in bold font, type the word supplies. Double-space and list your supplies. Supplies should be listed in one-column or two-column formats. Don't run the supply list together in a line, separating them with commas. The double-spaced columns are easier to read.

Begin a new paragraph and, again in bold font, type the word directions. Double-space and begin your instructions. Each numbered step should be indented.

Include a picture of the craft with your submission. Write the craft's title and your name on the back of the picture. There are special pens to write on picture backs available in office supply stores. You can also write your information on a small label and apply to the back of the picture. In the cover letter state that you are willing to send the actual craft if requested.

Don't overlook the craft section of Christian magazines for children. This hands-on section lets children be creative and gives them a valuable gift, a visual reminder of God's love.