When the editor of Scholastic Art contacted me about reviewing their magazine on my blog and hosting a giveaway, I jumped at the chance! Scholastic Art has a special place in my heart. As a high school senior, I was chosen to receive a Scholastic Art Scholarship to an art school in Boston. Even though I had to decline the scholarship, the honor of being selected gave me a huge … [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...]
A Podcast Just for Art Teachers
When I discover something new that I really love, I have to share it! Whether it's my new YETI tumbler that keeps my tea hot (or cold) all day or my Pentel Water Brush that I'm currently having a blast with, I tell everyone. There's just something in me that has to share good things with others. So after listening to the first eight episodes of Patty Palmer's new podcast, … [Read more...]
Origami Flower Balls
The Japanese art of origami always seems like a fitting thing to do at Christmas. It’s peaceful and calming, almost meditative to work on, and it makes a beautiful decoration when finished! As with many origami projects, this unique hanging ornament looks much more difficult than it is. It’s really just the same simple sequence repeated over and over and then glued together. … [Read more...]
Gratefulness Rocks
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! Gratefulness Rocks are a fun way for the whole family to share what’s most important while creating a visual reminder of the things … [Read more...]
The Cure for Dry Hands!
We art teachers probably wash our hands as often as doctors! When you combine this frequent hand-washing with cold winter weather, and whatever medium we've currently got our hands in, it takes a nasty toll on our skin. After so many years of trying different lotions and still having rough, dry hands, I had all but resigned myself to this fate! But when I started working … [Read more...]
My New Favorite Pencil Sharpener
Usually, I sharpen pencils as needed, a few at a time, and don't think much about it. But this morning I sat staring at 9 dozen brand new pencils I needed for a workshop I'm teaching. I found myself procrastinating this simple task all week, just due to the sheer number of them. But once I got going, I was completely surprised by how quick and easy it actually was, so I had to … [Read more...]
Recycled Assemblage Sculptures Inspired by Louise Nevelson
Louise Nevelson (1899-1988) was one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Born in Russia, she emigrated with her family to the United States in 1905. Her unique artistic style was influenced by the cubist movement, co-founded by Pablo Picasso, and the found object sculptures of Marcel Duchamp. Calling herself “the original recycler”, Nevelson is most famous for … [Read more...]
4 Easy Ways to Sharpen Your Scissors
Scissors in the art room can get dull fast, with being shared by so many students, and cutting who-knows-what! But sharpening your inexpensive classroom scissors is easy to do and can add new life to dull scissors that you might otherwise just toss and replace. And the best part is that you probably already have all you need to do it! 1. Basic aluminum foil works great … [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...]