Have you ever made linocut art before? Linocut is short for lino printmaking which is short for linoleum printmaking. It’s a traditional form of printmaking that’s gotten loads easier and safer thanks to new materials. This old fashioned process delivers super fun and modern results!
I love making something from nothing. That may stem from my days as a classroom teacher when I saw five hundred kids a week with a minimal budget. I love projects that use up scraps and bits and things that otherwise might get hidden in our craft cupboard never to be heard from again. Chalk prints are perfect for that.
Art doesn’t have to be sophisticated or fancy or require advanced technical skill to be totally worth making. I love introducing kids to art processes that are spontaneous and somewhat random in their results. One, because everyone is successful and who doesn’t love that? And two, because it’s fun. This paper marbling definitely fits the bill.
If you’ve got a short list of art supplies oil to keep available for your kiddos oil pastels should make the cut. They’re cheap, crazy vibrant, and can be used in dozens of ways! This oil pastel painting technique, however, is a new one on my radar and it’s the perfect way to introduce kids to blending oil pastels and creating smooth color transitions!
When I was in college I had a special crockpot just for wax. A little electric skillet was specially reserved for heating little glass jars of colored wax. I no longer have such specialty gear as the time I devote to such projects no longer warrants it. But I do remember that hot wax is a fun medium. Melted crayon is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the fun of encaustic painting.
Have you heard of dichroic glass? It’s a colorful, artsy type of fused glass often used to make pendants and fancy schmancy jewelry you might find in an art gallery gift shop. It’s good lookin’ stuff. Learn to use shrink plastic sheets that mimic that fancy glass. No one will believe these flashy charms are plastic!
If you’ve been the to The Kitchen Table Classroom before you may have caught on that printmaking is just about my favorite of all art process. There are just so many different printmaking techniques and materials that an artist can use; each of which produce dramatically different results. This styrofoam printmaking process uses materials you have on hand and is widely adaptable for age and skill level!
Don’t we all have memories of blowing bubbles as a kid? It’s a classic kid activity. I also have some pretty sweet mom memories of blowing bubbles when my kids were just square, chubby toddlers. This bubble recipe takes blowing bubbles to the next level.
Paint scrape art doesn’t take much in the way of materials. This process can be as basic or sophisticated as you want it to. That means that anyone from toddlers to adults can take part in this fun process art activity.