Holidays + Celebrations

Is your house overflowing with random pieces of your child’s artwork? Besides throwing it all in the recycle bin, why not create an up-cycle advent calendar? 

Growing up, advent calendars were not a strong tradition in our family. It wasn’t until some family members gave us chocolate advent calendars that I thought about researching this tradition.ar?

This Valentine’s Paper Collage is an easy art project for early elementary aged kids because it is open-ended and uses inexpensive materials you already have at home or in your classroom.

Over winter break, I decided to organize and recycle toys.

Little plastic toys had invaded my house. You know, the random marker caps, missing game pieces, and LEGOS that left holes in my feet. I felt really annoyed and frustrated.

Let’s face it, emojis are everywhere, on phones, apps, and social media. They have become a way for kids and teens to communicate. If you haven’t jumped on the emoji bandwagon, let me show you this easy emoji DIY ornament craft you can make with your kids.

Today, I’m revisiting one of my favorite artists, Henri Matisse. His simple and colorful paper cut-outs always make me feel cheery and happy. With the holidays fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to show you how to make a kid-made Matisse ornament in 4 simple steps.

Today I’m sharing the most amazing kids’ art book written by my dear friend, Barbara Rucci. In case you aren’t familiar with Barbara’s work, she’s a mother, artist, graphic designer, and blogger at Art Bar Blog.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s a great time of year to feel grateful and connected with your family. We love getting crafty so I’ve compiled a roundup of 25 super cool Thanksgiving art projects that you can try with your family. I hope you’ll feel inspired!

Now that the craziness of Halloween is over, my mind is geared up for Thanksgiving! I love the warm orange and yellow hues along with the smells of cinnamon spice and apple crisp. I also love sitting around the kitchen table and painting with my kids for Thanksgiving.

Spiders, skulls, and brains… oh my! Are you looking for a super cool and fun Halloween project to make with your kids or your classroom? Your kids will squeal when they discover how to make this awesome gelatin brain. This is a perfect STEAM project for kids of all ages.

Have you ever experimented with polymer clay? In high school, my girlfriends and I would geek out on a Saturday night and make hippie flower bead necklaces.

Have you ever considered creating collaborative art with your children? Making art with your children is a fantastic way to connect and explore with your child. When everyone is engaged in the creative process, conversations flow freely and children show their feelings. A wonderful collaborative family art piece to try is a Doodle Heart Painting.

Is your house overflowing with random pieces of your child’s artwork? Besides chucking it all in the recycle bin, why not create an up-cycle advent calendar?

When I was an art teacher in the classroom, I would love to combine art projects with literacy. It was a great way to get children to connect their creativity in an interdisciplinary manner. So when Melissa from Mamma Miss, announced a ten day Christmas ornament roundup based on a book, I jumped at the chance to create an easy and sweet project for you.

Fall is such a beautiful time of year, and I feel so blessed to live in a wooded community where I can enjoy all the lovely changes of the season. With all the various maple trees and oak trees in the Midwest, the month of October is just a visual explosion of amazing colors. From deep reds, to bright yellows, there are so many opportunities to create art from nature. So when my daughter’s Montessori teacher asked me to partner in their autumn classroom art project, I jumped at the chance to volunteer.

Are you looking for a fun and easy Halloween project to do with your kiddos? Take a look at these super easy and fun “boo” craft sticks that any child can use as a book mark, puppet, or add to any Halloween festivities.