I started working on these “Love Not War” banners just a few days after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. I began with the Ukrainian flag colors, but soon recognized that there were other countries at war right now, with innocent people dying and refugees fleeing. Specifically, in Syria and Afghanistan. So I researched…
watercolor
Watercolor and Pastel Valentines
This weekend I was inspired by one of the prompts in our February Creativity Project guide, appropriately named Friendship and centered around love, kindness, and connection. The prompt is a simple invitation with watercolors and pastels, and the possibilities are endless. These hearts are channeling a little Jim Dine, who explored relationships of color, texture…
Our 2021 DIY Holiday Card
This year I purposefully put off making and sending our holiday card until after the holidays. I love making cards (usually I do a postcard, not a handmade card) and love sharing an update with family and friends. But this year I just wanted to give myself some grace, and not add to my December…
Paper Pinwheel Photo Backdrop
I made this paper pinwheel photo backdrop for my friend’s 50th birthday party in May and I’ve been meaning to share it with you for months! I’ve been addicted to making pinwheels for years and years, and I really believe that they add happiness and joy to ANY occasion. I made this in pink because…
Paul Klee Artist Study with Kids
I’m so excited to share these Paul Klee artist study paintings that my students made in art class! When I was studying fine arts and printmaking in college, the posters on the wall of my dorm room spoke more about who I was than anything I could say. Paul Klee, Matisse, Van Gogh, Sonia Delaunay….
DIY Watercolor Leaf Place Cards
Last November I was really into making these plaid-ish watercolors. I decided that they would make beautiful leaf place cards so I went out to my yard to collect a variety of leaves to make templates. Autumn in Connecticut is gorgeous and there are so many leaves to choose from! I chose the biggest ones…
Sunburst Paintings
Revamping this popular Sunburst Paintings post today because I had a lightbulb moment during a sleepless night recently… make them with a heart! [ This post was originally published on the blog Small for Big. ] There is something so satisfying about an art project that combines painting and math. It probably has to do with the…
Kandinsky Inspired Circle Paintings + Floating Frame
These Kandinsky inspired circle paintings are one of my favorite art prompts. Their beauty lies in letting the colors bleed into each other. I can’t get enough of them! This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support! Supplies needed for circle paintings: ~ Watercolor paper ~ Liquid watercolor ~ Brushes Setting up the circle…
Starting an Art Journal
Today I bring out my art journal, an old friend who needed some attention. I’ve started a thousand journals in my lifetime. When I was young, I called them diaries. I had many. The ones with locks were the most coveted. I would write feverishly in a new diary for the first six to eight pages. After…
DIY Thanksgiving Banner
One week until my favorite holiday of the year! I love Thanksgiving (and this DIY Thanksgiving Banner). It’s so much more relaxing than that December holiday. Four days of being with family is just what I need in the middle of this hectic book tour. Last year, I woke up very early on Thanksgiving morning…
