I recently discovered a handy pocket-size tool that would make the perfect stocking stuffer for any aspiring artist... It's called a "ViewCatcher". At first glance, you might assume it's just a viewfinder, but it's actually much more than just that! What the ViewCatcher does Like any good viewfinder, the ViewCatcher will help you create a strong composition. When … [Read more...]
The Perfect Gift? A Creative Keepsake!
Think of that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member on your gift list. If you could give them a creative gift they would not only use often but also keep for years to come, you'd call that a "win", right? Then I have the perfect gift idea for you... a keepsake gift made with your child's artwork from Kids Kreations. Welcome to part 3 of my Creative Gift Guide! What is Kids … [Read more...]
The Creative Gift for All Ages
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...]
Scholastic Art Giveaway
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...]