Art Time All the Time

There is nothing better than committing to your goals. I set a goal a while ago to create something everyday. The real goal was to spend at least an 4 hours a week in my basement studio. Half hour here, hour there. I have been sticking to it these past couple weeks and it is so rewarding! Here is a sneak peak at something I am working on. Also my studio buddy has come to paint with me too. Awesome. Sharing and learning from each other is the best kind of experience.

In the Classroom: Clay Houses

I love when a plan falls together, and these Kinder clay project certainly did. We made clay discs and the kiddos had a ton of random "tools" to make imprints into the clay. We talked a lot about being careful not to punch all the way through, and that their picture should be a house. They have full creative control on how they achieve this task.

When we got them back from the kiln, the kiddos went to town with some oil pastels, the more color the better. Then with my help, they painted over the top of their whole piece with watered down black tempura paint. This is scary for a little kiddo, because they believe we have just ruined everything! But with a lot of positivity on how great they did, we move to the sink, where they rinse off their work and see the magic.

It really is magic to them that the black only sticks where they didn't color. These turn out amazing no matter the age level or skill level. It is also a super inexpensive way to color the outside of their work (think budget friendly!).

Enjoy these Kinder beauties!

Easy Valentines Day Wreath

Even if all other decorations remain in their box during holidays, I always make up a quick grapevine wreath on my entrance door. I love the way a wreath looks, it is classy and also provides a little holiday flare. I never buy supplies specifically for my wreaths. I always challenge myself to use stuff I already have in the house. For Valentines I scavenged my craft supplies for pink and pretty things. I found some old hot pink faux daisys and some pretty paper from a package I got on a smokin deal at a craft store last year. 

Start with a plain wreath.

No glue required, just poke in some flowers until you like the arrangement.

I cut out some hearts from my pretty paper and stuck those in too. Use the natural form of the grapevine to help keep the paper in the wreath. 

TaDa! Easy, fast and cute!