Hello! It’s been a while. I am busy writing a book (more to come on that later) and it’s taking all. my. time. I’m sorry for the inspiration gap. But today’s post is worth the wait! Last November, I interviewed Samara Caughey, owner of the famous children’s art studio Purple Twig, and one very creative…
Recycled
My Best Posts of 2015
Happy almost new year!! I’m not going to say it, how I can’t believe that the year is already over, and how time just moves too quickly. Those words are so contrived. Instead, let me just say that 2015 was a pretty great year for me, and I owe it almost ALL to my followers and fans….
Recycled Wrap from Kraft Paper
Ok, so I realize that my situation is unique as an art teacher, and that not everyone covers their tables before an art project. But I really wanted to share this idea so that maybe you will be inspired by the beauty of the mess that is leftover after an art project is completed. Maybe next time…
Dala Horse Party Craft
I’m in birthday party mode these days. Two weeks ago I shared my collaborative banner idea, and today I am so happy to share this cute craft I did for a horse-loving six-year old. It’s really so simple and easy to prepare. The hardest part is cutting the cardboard (think: hand-strengthening exercise!). But I have…
Bird Finder Binoculars
I love a simple craft that is completely child-led. These bird binoculars were such a hit with the kids during our “BIRDS & BUGS” week at art camp. They loved being able to pick out their own color combinations, wrap yarn and cut tape (two skills that take lots of concentration and make little ones feel…
Milk Carton Bird Houses
Milk cartons have so many possibilities for crafting. Just their shape alone is a work of art! I love that they already looks like a house, with a little chimney and everything. We use milk cartons a lot in art class (I haven’t written about them yet because sometimes I’m just a lazy blogger, mmm hmm),…
Bubble Wrap Roller Printing
In my art class there are many days where I plan a collaborative art experience. I actually love these projects more than anything else. Since I teach mostly four and five-yr olds, collaboration is a natural way to promote creativity and exploration because at that age every experience is so rooted in socialization. They love to…
58 Summer Art Camp Ideas
Summer is in full swing over here! As some parts of the world are in the middle of winter (which I can’t fathom), I know this list of ideas will come in handy for indoor creativity as well. I teach art camp at my house all summer. I make long lists of crafts and activities to do with…
Paper Bag Art Portfolio
I teach art class twice a week for an hour. I have six kids in each class. We work in my living room. The classes are small and completely perfect. At the end of each six-week session, I put each child’s work into a paper bag portfolio. I like to think that I invented these,…
DIY Cardboard Easel
There are many ways to make a quick easel. I might have learned quite a few tricks if I had actually researched before I made this project. But I’m much more of a spontaneous planner, and I woke up on the morning of art class with an idea that my students should experience painting on a proper…