Vibrant bursts of color turn groovy radial designs using this little permanent marker trick on any cotton fabric item. Think t-shirts, wall hangings, tea towels. This method is a treasure trove of gifting ideas as well as an easy group activity!
I’m all for free form, creative process art. In fact most of my lessons are very open ended. But I also believe it’s good for kids to learn some basic tools or skills that they can then use in their own art in their own way. This pine tree tutorial includes a few simple directed drawing steps plus the fun addition of color using the super simple (and not messy) paint with markers technique.
Tie dye is a favorite at my house. We don’t do it terribly often because it is a big, stinkin’ deal. Usually it involves a sunny day, buckets, and a hose. Traditional tie dye is an outside only affair at our house. This tissue paper tie dye is a whole new animal though.
Plop, fold, and squish away to make these super not-scary monsters. While kids are working away they’re actually picking up a new art concept-symmetry!
I love process art for kids. Why? Because with process art there is no “right answer.” Not only is process art enjoyable it is encouraging! This fun little project combines some fun straw blowing process art into a artwork loosely based on the infamous “Bouquet of Peace.” Picasso for kids becomes easy, fun, and ever so pretty.
Watercolor paints are some of the most accessible art materials out there. Any dollar store or grocery store carries them. Clean up is minimal. Two wins, right? What if I told you I have nine watercolor techniques for your kiddos to try that will bring new life to that tray of dried up watercolor paints? Explore texture and color through watercolor for kids!
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.