Greek geometric pottery project

When the kids finish a project early, rather than having them do "free draw," I like to give them a quick project. Today three of them finished quick and simple mixed media Greek vases. Inspired by ancient Greek geometric pottery, they cut vase shapes from brown grocery bags, added geometric patterns with black sharpies, and then added a painted background. I keep them busy.

Found Object Robots

I've done it before and I'll do it again, but the robot project--using painted pieces of cardboard and found objects from my exciting wicker basket of "junk"--is always a hit with the kids and always makes me smile.

Valentine Wreaths

Back in February, the kids in both of my weekly Georgetown classes patiently made flowers and leaves out of egg cartons, empty toilet paper, paper towel rolls, and those sheets of cardboard that you find inside folded sets of new sheets (the thin cardboard allows little hands with little scissors to cut it). Then they used them (and some glitter and paint) to decorate recycled cardboard valentine wreaths which I think looked terrific. Special thanks to the women in my book group who collected all of these recycled materials for our project.

Landscapes on Wood

The kiddies make landscapes on wood, inspired by the charming rustic landscapes painted by Cathy McMurray. In one of my recent kids' art classes at the Arlington Arts Center.

Judith Kindler-inspired Portraits

Today the kids finished a portrait project inspired by the work of @judithkindler. Thanks to the women in my book group for saving and donating many small boxes! 📦 📦

Mixed Media Portraits

Awwww, I adore these decorated mixed-media portraits that the 4- to 6-year-olds made in my Handmade Holidays workshop today at the Arlington Arts Center. Using craft sticks, watercolor paint, washi tape, pompoms, and photos taken in class, the kids created these joyous works. Aren't they great?! (It's another project inspired by the creative folks at @artcampla)

Howard Finster-style Portraits

In my kids' class, they made portraits of "people who did something awesome". In style, they were inspired by folk/outsider artist Howard Finster (using cardboard, rather than wood for the almost life-sized images, and incorporating text). For those wanting inspiration for whom to depict, I shared the book Rebel Girls. And so we have represented Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, and Hillary Clinton. But the 7- to 10-year-olds also represented Jimi Hendrix, Art Garfunkle, Lady Gaga, and others.