art for kids – Bluebird Hill Art

Sun Prints

I always strive for outdoors and creative play rather than screen time, in an effort to prevent my kids from becoming screen zombies during the most beautiful weather of the Midwest summer. I don’t know about anyone else’s kids, but mine turn in heaps of sobbing and arguing messes after any amount of screen time.Continue reading “Sun Prints”

Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day

I’ve been using printmaking to make Valentine’s since I was a kid – maybe started this tradition when I was in 3rd grade? My parents were always into printmaking and they thankfully taught me linocut early on. This year I had to go with the masked theme. Some of these will be available in theContinue reading “Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day”

Collage: Getting Started

Collage is one of those art forms that kids naturally understand. As adults, I think it is best if we give them access to materials and then get out of the way. However, as children spend more time practicing with collage, their work will become more sophisticated and they will need additional supports with materials,Continue reading “Collage: Getting Started”

Paper Snowflakes

This week has been the week of paper snowflake demos for many of my virtual art classes. There are papers, scraps, and snowflakes in all stages of completion all over my bedroom, which has been taken over as my remote teaching space. I love the unexpected element of a paper snowflake, as I tend toContinue reading “Paper Snowflakes”

Kids’ Art Center

Summer break for a teacher means rest and relaxation, right? Well, some of the time, yes. This summer I am taking a couple of classes for my master’s degree, one of which will wrap up at the end of July. In the meantime, I am finding ways to procrastinate doing the work. Hence last night,Continue reading “Kids’ Art Center “

Boredom Buster Books

I finally got around to creating a set of small take-along binders for my two kids. They are forever wanting to be busy, constantly restless in restaurants, and my eldest is always wanting to write or draw something. Here is what my solution looks like: A half-sized, mini binder filled with pocket dividers, page protectorsContinue reading “Boredom Buster Books”

Valentine Cards 2015

My hands are stained pink tonight – magenta pink. Why? Because of my love for hand-made Valentine’s and my daughter’s blossoming creative process. it all started with her asking me, “Mommy, when is Valentine?” I told her it was next weekend – 7 sleeps away and her reply was, “I need Valentine’s!” I asked herContinue reading “Valentine Cards 2015”

DIY Color Shape Magnets

We recently made a trip to Eastern Iowa, as a family, and brought along these fun colorful magnets for car entertainment. When not in transit, they reside on the refrigerator where they provide hours of fun during meal prep time. The image above is a house, according to Greta. She it recently created it from theContinue reading “DIY Color Shape Magnets”

Toddler Collage Art + Strawberry Graham Yogurt Pops

Greta and I have both been busy working on collages lately. Greta has watched me make collages countless times and I haven’t yet thought to have her make her own at home. I know she’s made them at school, but she blew me away with her collage skills. Little collage artist in training, I tellContinue reading “Toddler Collage Art + Strawberry Graham Yogurt Pops”