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…
Open-ended Crafts for Kids
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…
Embroidery and Stitching with Kids
Have you ever wanted to try embroidery and stitching with your kids? I have! I’ve always been drawn to textiles. In art school I was passionate about fabric design, and in my 20s I used to make children’s clothing and sell them to Barneys in NYC. With my passion for fabrics and yarns, it’s actually…
24 Homemade Valentines
I’m so excited to share these 24 AMAZING ideas for homemade Valentines cards. Make them with your kids, or just by yourself. Making cards is such a wonderful family tradition in our home, and one that is fairly easy to keep up. All you really need is a bunch of art supplies on a big table…
Plastic Jar Lanterns with Kids
My dear friend runs a coffee shop, so I asked her if she had any big containers I could recycle into something cool for my art class. When she dropped off some giant mayonnaise jars, my mind immediately thought LANTERNS! After a little soaking and slicing, the base for these plastic jar lanterns were ready…
Turkey Craft from Cardboard
When my 6-year old art student asked me if I could come to her birthday party and make art with her friends, I practically screamed YES! I love doing Art Bar Parties because it’s very different than a class in that the birthday child really feels like he or she is the leader, and takes…
