Paper mâché is one of those classic art techniques that all children should experience at some point in their childhood. Getting your hands covered in ooey, gooey paste is a rite of passage! You will need some preparation and planning, but the process is so enriching and the end result is always kind of magical….
Open-ended Crafts for Kids
Make: World Flag Garland
We made this world flag garland back in 2014 for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, but I recently dusted it off because it is so awesome. And I do mean awesome. This one kept my kids busy for days and days. But more than that, it sparked so many interesting conversations about the world. It…
Shibori Dying Technique with Kids
A few summers ago I tried this Shibori dying technique with kids in my summer art camp and the LOVED it!! I tried it again this spring with my son and I wanted to add a few new photos to this post. He is 14 and really wanted a tie-dye hoodie in one color. Little…
Yarn Star Ornaments
Today I want to share how we made these delightful DIY yarn star ornaments! I love this idea of wrapping pipe cleaners with yarn. It’s not only charming and pretty, but therapeutic. (And yes, everything is cuter with pom-poms!) [ I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed…
Cardboard Cupcakes inspired by Wayne Thiebauld
If you are thinking to yourself, does Art Bar really have any more cardboard ideas in her? The answer is always YES!! We made these cardboard cupcakes inspired by Wayne Thiebaud a few years ago but I never got around to writing about them until now. We did a smaller version in art class, but…
Paper Plate Flower Masks
I love figuring out ways to use stuff that I already have in my closet. With Springtime in full bloom, these paper plate flower masks are the perfect idea. We’ve made things with paper plates before, like these party hats and these washi-tape trays. Paper plates are a hidden secret for art teachers. If I…
Beaded Wire Maze Sculptures
Bending wire is one of those things that all kids love, so I’m always trying to think of new ways to work with this versatile and pliable material. The inspiration for these beaded wire maze sculptures were really twofold… Our first inspiration was Alexander Calder, and all his work with wire, especially his circus series….
Printmaking with Cardboard
Printmaking with cardboard introduces children to the magic of “pulling prints” and creating mirror images. Also called collagraphy, it’s a basic a method of printmaking where collage material is glued onto a board to create a relief surface. As with any form of printing, kids stay engaged because they are producing images which is unlike any…
Washi Tape Butterflies
If you’re like me, you’ll agree that easy art ideas for groups that use very few supplies and have almost no instructions are GOLD! Enter these washi tape butterflies. I mean, you can get this ready in under 10 minutes and a group of kids could be busy for 45 minutes! Or longer if they…
Cupcake Liner Flowers Easy Art Station
During my weekly art classes, I always set up one main project and then one art station. An art station is a table where early finishers can work independently. It’s usually something very open-ended and simple so that they don’t need any help or guidance. These cupcake liner flowers make a wonderful, easy art station…
