Welcome to part two of my Guide to Creative Gift Giving! In this series, I'm sharing some not-so-obvious gift ideas that encourage creativity and develop habits and skills for success in art. I've loved art ever since I was a kid. Experiencing some early success with art helped to give me the enjoyment and confidence I needed to keep pursuing it to this day. One of those … [Read more...]
Dot Painting on Rocks
There's something about mixing art and nature that's just irresistible. So when you combine rocks with dot painting, you can't go wrong! While the painted rocks in this post were done by an adult (my friend, Tricia), kids love it, too! This project is perfect for a Mother's Day, Father's Day, or Valentine's Day gift, an after-school or Mom's Night Out project, or even your … [Read more...]
How to Care for Your Art Room Brushes
Let’s face it, art room brushes take a beating. But don’t throw them away - rejuvenate them instead! I used to think “The Masters” Brush Cleaner and Preserver was only for my expensive art brushes at home. Somehow the brushes in my classroom didn’t seem ‘worthy’. How crazy is that?! Now that I’ve started using it on my classroom brushes, I’m completely hooked, and here’s … [Read more...]
Gratefulness Rocks
Gratefulness Rocks are perfect for Thanksgiving decorating, but equally fun to keep out all year! The Thanksgiving holiday seems to bring out the best in people, as we focus on family, friends, serving others, and gratefulness. Sharing what we’re thankful for is central to our Thanksgiving tradition, and to this project sponsored by Elmer’s! With Gratefulness Rocks, the whole … [Read more...]
How to Make a Gelli Print
Gelli plates are a quick, easy, and FUN way to make the most amazing monoprints. Once you experience this process for yourself, you'll be addicted - like me! Just follow these simple steps to make your own unique Gelli prints.... You'll need: Gelli plate (available in 6x6, 8x10, 12x14, and an 8" circle) Acrylic paints (student or even craft grade is fine - … [Read more...]
Making Monoprints with a Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate
I recently discovered a new product that I've become obsessed with... the Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate. I've always loved monoprinting, but Gelli Plates take this art form to a whole new level. Printmaking with a Gelli Plate is similar to gelatin printing, but the plate itself is much more durable, it's reusable, you can store it at room temperature, and the resulting … [Read more...]
Kids Express Themselves with Art
These are just a few of the amazing paintings done by children in the tent cities of Haiti, on the anniversary of the earthquake.Sometimes I get so caught up in the academics and "mechanics" of teaching art (the elements, principles, and "how to's") that I forget the importance of art as a means of self-expression. On my recent trip to Haiti, I was enormously blessed to get to … [Read more...]