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wooden beads

Beaded Wire Maze Sculptures

April 10, 2019 by Barbara Rucci 2 Comments

Kids make colorful beaded wire maze sculptures, reminiscent of artist Alexander Calder's work. These also are a wonderful handmade toy.

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….

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Stacked Cardboard Sculptures with Kids

March 6, 2019 by Barbara Rucci 2 Comments

Kids use cardboard, beads, and clay to make stacked sculptures. A perfect process art experience that is great for toddlers through elementary age, and works both hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Shannon from Hatch is back with a wonderful, open-ended art invitation for kids: stacked cardboard sculptures! Also known as threaded sculptures. Aren’t these FABULOUS? What I love most about Shannon’s idea is that it can even be done with toddlers. It’s very process-art oriented and works those small motor and hand-eye skills. Here is Shannon…

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Quick and Easy Pom-pom Mobile

September 28, 2018 by Barbara Rucci 1 Comment

Make your own pom-pom loom from cardboard and follow this tutorial to create this charming mobile using easy supplies and simple skills.

We’ve been making quick and easy pom-poms in art class all year. The best part about making these is that they don’t have to be perfect. I actually love when they look a little shaggy, especially for this simple pom-pom mobile. Supplies needed to make quick and easy pom-pom mobiles: ~ Small piece of cardboard ~…

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Pinecone Pom-pom Mobiles

November 24, 2017 by Barbara Rucci 5 Comments

Kids make mobiles from painted pinecones and homemade pom-poms.

It’s hard to believe that these pinecone pom-pom mobiles were made by children. They did everything, from painting the pinecones and beads, to making the pom-poms, to stringing it all together. (I just did the very last part tying them onto the ring.) Children are so capable. And these mobiles are just stunning! This post…

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Art Bar at SHOP UP Brooklyn

September 21, 2017 by Barbara Rucci 5 Comments

Painting pinwheels at the Shop Up in Brooklyn, NY.

This post is purely me just sharing my photos with you from the amazing event I did in Brooklyn last weekend called Shop Up. It was hosted by the incredibly warm and friendly Emilie and Esther from Babyccino, and their ultra calm, cool, and collected event planner Miraya from Pop Productions NYC. PAINT PAPER PINWHEELS…

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Kids Crafts Tables for Large Groups

September 14, 2017 by Barbara Rucci 13 Comments

Kids make people from wooden clothespin pegs, yarn and fabric scraps.

This weekend I will be setting up four kids arts & crafts tables in Brooklyn at the Shop Up New York event hosted by the fabulous Babyccino. If you happen to be local, please come by and shop and say hello, I would LOVE to see you! [ UPDATE: See photos from the event here! ] I…

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Glitter Star Mobiles

July 30, 2017 by Barbara Rucci 5 Comments

Glitter star mobiles made with cereal box cardboard.

I have an abnormal obsession for mobiles. I love all things dangling from the ceiling (that aren’t insects). Mobiles make me feel like a kid again. These glitter star mobiles remind me of my favorite lullaby , and bring back all sorts of childhood nostalgia. Cue Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. ♬ Making these mobiles required a healthy amount…

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Wintery Mobiles with Kids

January 17, 2017 by Barbara Rucci Leave a Comment

I’ve been wanting to make these wintery mobiles for years and years, ever since I saw them on the Purple Twig blog back in 2014. Samara always has the very best ideas. She did them for an arts fair in her California community, and I wanted to set this up for a book event I…

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Collage Animal Marionettes

May 3, 2016 by Barbara Rucci 6 Comments

Last summer in art camp, we made marionettes! I have a big bin full of TP rolls, so I went on Pinterest in search of something to make with them. I found that several different bloggers had made marionettes from their TP rolls. The crafty Maggy at Red Ted Art has made four different marionettes if you can…

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Painted Wooden Bead Necklaces

September 18, 2014 by Barbara Rucci 3 Comments

Wooden bead painting has become one of my go-to activities lately. Whether for art class, or playdates, painting beads is such a lovely little art escape. It takes no skill whatsoever which therefore creates this calm atmosphere that is very relaxed and free. The kids start talking about what’s on their mind, and they connect…

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All content on this blog is copyright and owned by Art Bar Blog unless otherise stated. I would be flattered if you wanted to use an image from one of my posts! But please, ask me first. I would also ask that if it involves DIY instructions with a list of supplies that you don't repost any of that stuff because then nobody would have a reason to click back to my original post!

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There are two things that I'm passionate about: Children + Art. As an art teacher, author, graphic designer, and mom to 3 creative thinkers, I get to explore my passions every day! Learn more...

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