The Gift of Love/The Crossmaker (See the Light) DVD's

I love it when something strikes a chord with my kids! I especially love it when what strikes a chord with them includes creating something beautiful for themselves or for others. Creating beauty makes this world a better place, don't you think?

I received 2 DVD's from Propeller and See the Light~ The "See the Light" Christmas Story and Easter Story DVD's and art lessons($14.99 each). I am graciously allowed to run a giveaway on my blog for this set, just in time for Easter! :) (It's going to be a quick one~ ending Tuesday, April 19th @ 11:59 pm)

Following are our thought on these two DVD's~ I have two very different impressions for separate parts of the DVD, so please don't stop reading with the first paragraph

THE EASTER STORY("The Crossmaker") and THE CHRISTMAS STORY ("See the Light"):
The stories are taken pretty much straight from the Bible. Having seen a chalk artist draw in real life, I have to admit that we were all a little disappointed in the presentation on the video. However, I would say that it was interesting if you have no comparison to seeing something similar done in person.  Given that there is much more than just the story presentation on these DVDs, that point didn't bother me too much.


"The Gift of Love" pans back and forth from pre-drawn chalk illustrations to video of chalk artist Gloria Kohlmann drawing a larger piece. Again~ if one hasn't seen a chalk artist working in person, one likely won't be disappointed~ but if one has, expectations may not be met with this bit.



"The Crossmaker" was a little "intense" for children, from my perspective. To give you an idea of where *I* am coming from, I am someone who has not seen, nor do  I plan to see "The Passion of the Christ" as THAT is too intense for ME... (No one wants me getting sick or having my blood pressure drop and fainting, which would be a likely scenario... I know myself too well). So, while I appreciate the adherance to scripture, the addition of audio/visual media to the story could be a little "much" for some folks. I am sure that there are also those that wouldn't be bothered more than they should be by the story of the Passion. Just wanted those who have the same tolerance level to be aware.

However, the "stories" only take up 10-15 minutes on each DVD. There are many other resources on the DVD's which make them attractive in our eyes.

THE BONUS FEATURES on each DVD include:

• "Artful Worship": Gloria Kohlmann draws a large chalk picture scene with background worship music provided by "Breathing Room"
• "The Plan of Salvation" with chalk drawn and water-color illustrations as children are walked through, well....  the plan of salvation, narrated by a number of children as well as a "Grandfatherly"narrator
• "The Artist In Action" features commentary by the artist as she draws the main scene for each video.

To me, though, the "meat" of the DVD is in the ART LESSONS.
We previewed each one before we attempted them. Once we actually began, with most of the tools in hand (the See the Light program makes extensive use of "extreme" Crayola's ....), it was very helpful to have the remote handy to pause the DVD as everyone completed each section of the lesson.

I appreciate that Scripture is not only in the Christmas and Easter stories, but woven throughout each of the LESSONS as well.

The first lesson on both DVD's is an "Illumination" lesson (the words chosen were"Rejoice" for  "The Gift of Love" and "Glory" for "The Crossmaker"). My kids were fairly happy with how their first attempts turned out, but once I purchased the colored pencils that "pop", I made them try again. With a few grumbles and complaints they did as asked. Funny thing is... once they finished the lesson, they continued "illuminating"~ other words like Hosanna~ and I'll admit, I joined in with "Easter", and my son illuminated "Creation". He also illuminated his best friend's name, and brought it to his house right away. Did I mention I appreciate things that build enthusiasm for creating beauty? :)

Regular light

With Black Light(Using the Ilamp App on my itouch)

THE CROSSMAKER
Chalk Art Lesson: "He Is Not Here" (I used this lesson as my "Easter Illumination" inspiration)
Watercolor Lesson:"Three Crosses on a Hill" Lesson



SEE THE LIGHT
Colored Pencil Lesson: "Away in a Manger"
Chalk Art Lesson: "Portrait of Mary

All in all, if you have a budding artist, or wish to encourage creativity, these DVD's could be a good starting point. (note: keep an eye out for my TOS Review  for the "See the Light" Art Class DVD's later this week)

Now, on to the Giveaway~ GIVEAWAY now CLOSED
Because I hope that the winner can receive their DVD's before Easter, I am running this giveaway for only 2 days~ I will close entries at 11:59 pm, tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 19.


Entry methods~ Please leave only one comment for each method you use~ :)

1. Follow me in GFC (Please comment if you already follow)
2. "Like" See the Light's Facebook page
3. "Like" my Acorns Facebook Page
4. Leave a "Thoughtful" comment on any of my other posts, and come back here to tell me where you commented
5. Write a Blog post about this Giveaway/review
6. Post on Facebook about this giveaway/review
7. Tweet this giveaway using hashtags #giveaway, #easter
8. Editing to add one more ~ Leave a comment telling me how you heard about this giveaway(I'm interested in where my entries come from!) :)

Alrighty then, I think that should about do it! Looking forward to your comments and entries. :)
Blessings~

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”