In drawing, as in writing, how you hold your pencil makes a difference! Over the years, I’ve seen some really unusual ways of holding a pencil. Many students arrive in Kindergarten with habits already formed that look awkward at best, if not painfully uncomfortable. No wonder some kids have trouble with writing and drawing! These early habits can be hard to change, but it’s … [Read more...]
Free Digital Art Ed Magazines
In my early days of teaching art, School Arts magazine was my go-to source for art lesson inspiration and the best way to keep up with what was new in art education. Then I discovered Arts & Activities magazine, and I just couldn't believe my luck at having access to so much great information just for art teachers! Well, that was over 20 years ago, and long before the days … [Read more...]
6 Tips for Watercolor Success with Kids
Watercolor is a great medium for kids! It's affordable, mixes well, cleans up quickly, and (usually) doesn't stain clothing. Here are six tips to help you and your younger students find success when learning to work with this classic medium: Choose a good quality student paint. Good quality doesn't have to mean expensive! Before buying a class set of any art … [Read more...]
How to Sharpen Colored Pencils
If you've ever been frustrated by colored pencils that break as you sharpen them, you're not alone! Colored pencils are prone to breakage whether you’re using inexpensive student grade pencils or high quality artist grade pencils. Colored pencils are fragile by nature. The core of a colored pencil is made of pigment mixed with either a wax-based or an oil-based binder that … [Read more...]
A Colored Pencil Test
When it comes to buying art supplies for your classroom, how much does your budget influence your buying decisions? Do you sometimes choose your cheapest option just because, well, it’s the cheapest? There’s such a range of quality when it comes to student grade colored pencils and the difference in price doesn’t always make up for the difference in quality. The next time you … [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...]
Teachers On Pinterest
Pinterest has become the go-to source for inspiration for teachers. I could get lost for hours in this sea of creative ideas! In an effort to engage with the teaching community in an even bigger way, the folks at Pinterest have created a new collection of boards just for teachers, called Teachers On Pinterest. Here you'll find boards organized by grade (pre-K thru 6th), and … [Read more...]
Feed Your Creative Soul – with a Sketchbook
Most art teachers I know struggle to find time for pursuing their own artwork.... so if that's you, you're not alone! Summertime provides a great opportunity for teachers to do things they otherwise set aside during the school year. But if we're trying to teach our students how important art is, should we really be putting off our own art until summer? (I'm speaking to myself … [Read more...]
Save Your Catalogs!
Catalogs of all kinds can be a great resource for collage projects and more. Here are two of my favorites, which I'm always happy to find in my mailbox! I save them for their pages full of color, texture, and pattern... perfect for my Fundraiser House Magnets, and any project where you need a cheap (free!) substitute for expensive scrapbooking paper. If you don't already … [Read more...]