Hi friends! I was given a free set of Maped Watercolor Pencils to review. I decided to practice my skills at making videos and I did a review of these pencils. Stay tuned! In my next blog post, I will give a demonstration of how to use Maped Watercolor Pencils to make a beautiful doodled painting. If you would like to purchase a set, click here: Maped Watercolor Pencils (affiliate links have been used.)
Two pages of high resolution downloads are available for free at my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. This is fun for fall leaf inspired projects!
My creative and wonderful blogging friend, Phyl, has posted several times about her toothpaste batik process. I have admired the results for years and decided to try it last year for our Wild about the Arts Fine Arts Night. I was hesitant to try because of the logistics. It was not a quick and easy project, but I loved the process and I loved that it was so “different” than other things my students have experienced. These were made with 4th … Read more…
Hi all! I hope your school year is off to a great start. This project is how I began the year with my youngest students. First, I read them two short books about creativity and making art. First, we read Think Big. It’s very short and simple (about two words on each page), but it shows different ways people express themselves.. dancing, sewing, cooking, woodworking, theater, art, etc. The title Louise Loves Art has two meanings. Ask your students if … Read more…
Growth Mindset… Positive Thinking.. whatever you want to call it, there is power in changing the way you think about your day. This package has 24 colorful, positive posters to hang in your classroom. I choose to be positive. Attitude and Effort are more important than talent. Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush. It can color any situation. Is this my best work? A Challenge lets me exercise my brain. Don’t say “I can’t”. Do say, “I will give it a … Read more…
This is a very simple, but satisfying process I tried with 1st graders. All you need is a pencil, some stencils and watercolors. Over the years I have collected all kinds of stencils from garage sales, thrift stores, donations and catalogs. I have them all in a big box for kids to pick from. Sharpies are optional and can be used to trace over lines. The first step is to use the stencils to draw shapes, write words and make designs. This … Read more…
I have been having fun this summer making coloring pages! I have two free coloring sheets for you that did not end up in the coloring sheet packages in my shop. For high resolution PDF download, visit my shop for a free package. I made two different sets of coloring sheets, both with positive Growth Mindset affirmations. Coloring sheets are fun, relaxing and can put you in a mindful state. Don’t substitute coloring sheets for deep art projects in the art … Read more…
At the end of the school year, my students had fun painting rocks and using magazine words to decorate them. We used acrylic paints to paint the rocks. Then, we used Mod Podge to glue down the words and seal them. The metallic paint was from Target’s little acrylic paint jars. I have some printable magazine word cut outs in my shop for easy use. Just print, cut out and go! These are perfect for collages, art journals and “About … Read more…
I have a lot of things to share with you today! First. You have the chance to win a big prize for a special Back to School giveaway. The winner will receive a drawing book, a $10 TPT gift card and my new Art History Icebreaker Foldable. First, this book by Mark Kistler! You Can Draw It in Just 30 Minutes: See It and Sketch It in a Half-Hour or Less. I am working with De Capo Press to share this book. Mark … Read more…
I saw this post by the Art Bar Blog which gave me the idea to make these cylinder sculptures with my 1st graders. We started with toilet paper tubes and paper rectangles rolled into tubes. The best way to adhere these is to pour out some liquid glue onto a paper plate, then stick the ends of the tubes into the glue. We also used washi tape, colorful straws, pipe cleaners and pom-poms for added interest and texture.
I have been teaching myself how to use Adobe Illustrator this summer so I can make some clip art to use. I made a cute poster you could print out for your class. I have seen this phrase on many posters online. I made the pencil on Illustrator! Ha Ha, I’m so proud of myself. I’ve always used Photoshop to do everything, so Illustrator has been kind of a mystery to me. To download the high resolution PDF version, go to … Read more…
Thank you to all who entered the Beautiful Oops journal giveaway. The winner has been randomly chosen and notified… and that winner is Amanda Shaw. Congratulations! When I was at the NAEA conference two years ago, I saw a station where people were making wooden Kokeshi dolls in the vendor area. Every time I walked by it, either it was too full or I had to be on my way somewhere else. So, I didn’t make one. But, I found … Read more…
Hi! I’m working with Workman Publishing to share a new book and giveaway with you! Many art teachers use the book Beautiful Oops! in their classroom. It’s one of my favorites! It’s all about how even if you make a mistake, it’s an opportunity to turn it into something beautiful. This link has some art projects I’ve taught using this book. BUT… there is a brand new companion to Beautiful Oops! This a creative personal journal for young artists aged … Read more…
Hi! I’m here today to share with you a meaningful art project for your younger students. This would be good as as a “getting to know you” activity. The following examples were all made by kindergartners near the end of the year, but I would think this lesson would be suitable for kids through grades 2. Many art teachers have taught about the artist Faith Ringgold and had their students create paper quilts. I have a free printable for you … Read more…
This is a simple challenge that leads to a variety of creative artworks! Choose one shape to repeat throughout your artwork. Use markers, watercolor paints or any art media of your choice. The challenge is to arrange the shapes in a unique and interesting composition. Include a variety of colors and sizes. Overlap some shapes to add interest. Add patterns or designs inside the shapes. Limitations encourage students to think in new ways.. to be creative within the constraints. Repetition is … Read more…
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