Archive for the ‘Art Projects’ Category

Back in May we lost our family friend and pet, Sam. It was all I could do to share it here with everyone. Sam was a good dog. He would’ve made an even better person.

Since then, we’ve been much too busy, and, honestly, I just haven’t wanted to think about the void that’s been left, so I’m finally getting around to being able to share this painting with you.

A few weeks later we received this painting of Sam from Lauren, a 14 yr. old talented young lady. Isn’t it cool? We were all blown away and blessed with such a thoughtful gift. And such talent. My kids were so surprised that someone, who didn’t even know us, would take the time to paint a picture of our Sam.

I sometimes think we don’t know how our gifts, as trivial as they seem to us, have such an impact on others lives. Whether it’s painting, singing, cooking, sewing, story telling…you know I could go on and on. The list is endless. Sure we derive joy from our talents, but it’s when we share them with others that they become so much more. Sorry, pulling out my soapbox for a moment…

These days it’s easy to get stuck in this technology infused world with all the bells and whistles. So much so, I can forget about my unplugged gifts and talents. And even worse is to miss the opportunities that may come with passing on the love of art, music and other gifts to my kids. I’ve tried to always have art supplies on hand at the ready. From the meekest crayons (with the built-in sharpener) to oil pastels, or acrylic paints in every color of the rainbow, my kids have everyday access to create until their heart’s desire. But do they? Sometimes. Usually we’re too busy, or the TV is on with yet another rerun of their favorite show.

School starts here tomorrow, and with that a new schedule begins, a new routine packed with goals, expectations and deadlines. I’m hoping we can carve out some downtime for exploring their gifts. Less TV will be a must. Less TV and more crayons.

I’d hate to think that we would’ve never been blessed by Lauren’s talents because she opted for TV instead of her paints. Thanks Lauren! And keep on painting.

Here are a few art projects that may inspire the little Monet or Picasso in your home, some fancy coloring and creating a masterpiece. Fun stuff! Inexpensive too.

Do you have any art projects to share?

By the way Lauren and her sister have their own food blog site called Goodbye to Gluten. Check ‘em out. Yummy stuff!

Our church began a new tradition last year, a friendly gingerbread competition. Tonight is this years night for the event. Last year since my daughter was teaming up with her Sunday school class, my son and I teamed up with one of his friends and his mom. This year we bailed and have no entry.

I’m a little bummed and feel like a slacker. As I was looking through the pictures of our entry from last year I reminisced about our sugary fun and thought I’d share our entry with you as well. (Forgive me for the quality of the pictures. It was dark and I didn’t take the time to use my tripod.)

We kinda procrastinated and tackled ours in one long sticky afternoon. Our base was rice cereal treats molded to form the perfect sledding hill, which atop sat our snow house made of sugar cubes glued together with icing.

The only rules were that it had to be edible, so the only gingerbread we used was the roof of the house and that was covered with gum shingles. Gum shingles withstand a lot of snow in elf land. The house is still in one piece in my friends china cabinet. Trees were made from ice cream cones covered in icing and turned upside down. The bushes were marshmallows covered in the same green icing.

These little elves were made from a homemade gum paste concoction.

The sled is made from a fruit roll-up.

Look a snow angel!

We had a blast that day playing with sugar and all things sweet. Tonight I’ll certainly enjoy seeing the creations of other busy hands. Maybe next year well have a go at it again.

Did you make a gingerbread display this year? Or have you made a memorable one in the past?

Merry Christmas!

Looking for a gift idea that will allow your children (or yourself) to flex your creative wings? Or just an art project for a rainy day?

Here’s an easy one, oil pastel self portraits. No liquids are involved (so no spills!) and the project can easily be stored away if not finished at the first sitting to return to later. No expensive supplies. No special techniques. It’s basically fancy coloring. So whether you’re 5 or 85…4 or 94…3 or 103…well…if you’re 103 and can still color…well then…you rock!

You don’t have to make it a self portrait, any theme or topic would work. We chose self portraits because it’s always fun to see how people view themselves plus it was a nice change of pace to the usual photo portrait for the grandparents. But if grandaddy is a fisherman, you could draw him a picture of the “one that got away” or maybe a picture of his boat. Or if Aunt Judy is a renowned baker? What about a picture of her famous chocolate chip cookies? You get the picture.

But, again self portraits are always fun and you could begin, or add to an existing portrait gallery with an original work of art. My children created these a few years back for my parents, who can now say they have an official portrait gallery like no other art museum around. Priceless.

Remember this is supposed to be a fun, creative project. Achieving the perfect or realistic portrait is not the point. I’m pretty sure my son’s ears have never looked like that before but it’s a cute picture. It’s neat to see different styles and interpretations emerge at such a young age.

What you’ll need to get started:

- art paper (something medium to heavy weight and acid free; watercolor or medium drawing paper works well; we used 9 x 12″ and it was around $7-$10 for a pack) and some scratch paper for practice

- oil pastels (nothing expensive; this pack was around $5) and pencils w/ eraser

- cotton swabs (because it’s always important to have good, clean ears when creating a masterpiece)

- spray fixative

- framing (since you’ll be using spray fixative, you don’t have to use a frame with glass; if you choose to use a frame with glass you’ll need a mat or the oil pastel, even with fixative applied, will stick to the glass)

And of course a willing artist. My good friend’s sweet little daughter, Mary Helen, was all about coloring – what a great artist. Watch as she shows us how…

Here we go!

Step 1: You may want to begin by doing preliminary sketching on some scratch paper to practice, compose your picture and think about what color choices you will use in the final. This step isn’t necessary but some artist like to take some time to think it though.

Step 2: When ready to draw final, lightly sketch portrait (or whatever the artist has decided to draw) on the art paper. If mistakes are made, you can easily erase just don’t go crazy digging into the paper.

If you’re drawing a portrait try to fill the paper with the face. Add any details or decorations you’d like.

Look, she’s drawing her cute little dimple.

What a stylish shirt Mary Helen.

Just take your time.

Step 3: After sketch is complete, begin “coloring” with the oil pastels.

Oil pastels are quite a bit softer than crayon so it may help to practice a tad on the scratch paper to see what happens when you press down. Since there is no point, the edge of the pastel will have to be used to get into smaller areas.

Be sure to fill in all areas, covering every section of the paper with color.

She’s working very hard I can tell.

Very lovely color palette Mary Helen. I love the rainbow.

Mary Helen went back over her colors to darken the areas which I think looks mighty nice.

Adding more oil pastel to cover the paper well takes time but it’s worth it.

Step 4: When coloring is complete and picture perfect, get the cotton swabs and begin cleaning your ears. Naaaah, hopefully you already did that this morning. Use the cotton swab to “blend” each separate area of color, almost pressing the pastel into the paper.

You’re not trying to blend colors into each other – unless that’s the style you’re looking for, and if so, go for it! The cotton swab tip tends to want to ball up, so you’ll need to hold it right at the tip. Depending on the age of the artist, an adult may need to assist with this step.

Step 5: (Sorry but I didn’t take a picture of this step. I had to run to the grocery store.) When drawing is complete, following directions on fixative container, spray artwork. Spray at least 3 times, letting dry between sprays according to directions.

Step 6: Oh, almost forgot! This is important! Sign the artwork with a dark pastel color. You can sign it before or after spraying with fixative.

Step 7: Frame and hang. Remember again, if you’re using a frame with glass you’ll need a mat. The pastel shouldn’t be able to touch the glass or it will stick. Since you’re using spray fixative, you can frame without using glass.

Yea! You’re done. Now you can have a gallery party revealing the priceless artwork.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun!

Do you have any art project that would make a good gift idea? Please share.