Nanay Moments: Trend Micro's Internet Safety for Kids and Families: Oil Pastel Workshop by Crafters Marketplace

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Trend Micro's Internet Safety for Kids and Families: Oil Pastel Workshop by Crafters Marketplace

I'm back at the Crafters Marketplace last Monday with my son Gabi. I attended the Creative Doodling and Coloring Workshop with other Mommy Bloggers last April 08, but this time it was Gabi's turn to join one of the creative activities for this summer, thanks to Mommy Bloggers PH!

Gabi at the Crafters Marketplace Workshop Studio

We arrived early in the workshop area and there I finally met one of the owners of Crafters Marketplace, Ms Alma Borruel-Ramirez who welcomed us. We were also greeted by Ian De Jesus, the resident artist. I introduced him to Gabi and boasted that he is the same artist who taught Mommy about doodling and the one who made the doodled wall. Gabi was astonished!

Gabi with Ms Alma Borruel-Ramirez, one of the Owners of Crafters Marketplace

I went to the store while Gabi was left in the workshop area and I was stunned with the new items available which were not there before.

New stuff at Crafters Marketplace Store

They now have the Design Your Own Name Tag, handmade and made of Polymer Clay, wide array of Washi Tapes (Oh how I love them!) and the newest addition, Serendipity for cards and gift tags. Visiting their store is so refreshing. I love the feel and colorful sight!

The theme for this workshop was, "Internet Safety for Kids and Families", which is sponsored by Trend Micro. "Trend Micro is a global leader in IT security, they develop innovative security solutions that make the world safe for businesses and consumers to exchange digital information."

As we all know, the internet plays a big role in our everyday lives. It is very accessible to everyone yet using the internet is not without risk. There are always threats and vulnerabilities. And since our kids are also using the internet every now and then, they are also susceptible.

Ms. Alma started the activity by giving a talk about Trend Micro's Click Right Advocacy which aims to promote Internet Safety for Kids and Families (ISKF). She explained some risks and internet safety tips that the kids along with the parents can do to optimize security against possible attacks.

After the talk, Ian gave some tips and tricks on how to use oil pastel. He made some demo which gave our kids a good idea on how to use this medium.

After that, the kids were asked to draw Basic Internet Safety Practice and to use Dong-A Oil Pastels to color it.

"Oil pastels use wax and inert oils as a binder making them non-yellowing and giving them excellent adhesion characteristics. They are completely acid-free, and they never harden, thus they will never crack. Oil pastels can be applied to any paper, rigid support or fabric support without technical restraints, allowing the artist to complete freedom of expression while maintaining archival stability." (http://www.oilpastelsociety.com/)

My little artist

Gabi used the technique of smoothening by using oil pastel and rubbing it with tissue paper. It's a bit messy but you'll love the result. Nonetheless, "Creativity is messy". Agree?

Gabi's Art Work says, "Overtime of Internet causes radiation!"

Gabi with Teacher Ian

I marveled at how each kid came up with their own interpretation of the subject. Thanks to Crafters Marketplace and Ian De Jesus for bringing out their creativity. Truly, "every child is an artist".

Kids showing off their masterpiece

As a parent, it is our responsibility to set the rules and limitations when it comes to the internet. It is also our duty to equip them so that they know how to protect themselves when faced with possible cyber threats. It is good to know that we are not alone in this dilemma.

Above all, let's continue to pray for our kid's protection. The enemy can use any medium to destroy our kids. But we have a sovereign God, "The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life.." (Psalm 121:7 NIV).

If you want to catch the remaining creative activities for the summer, check the schedule below: