Mason Jar Ring Suncatchers

Upcycle your old canning rings into these beautiful botanical suncatchers! Upcycle your old canning supplies into these beautiful mason jar ring suncatchers! This simple DIY project not only repurposes materials you likely already have on hand, but also captures the beauty of pressed flowers and leaves. Perfect for a rainy day or as a fun… Continue reading Mason Jar Ring Suncatchers

DIY Fun: Using Bricks and Paint to Create Lego Prints

Develop your children’s problem-solving skills with these Lego prints for kids! Creating prints using Lego bricks and paint is a fantastic way to spend quality time together while building up creative thinking skills! These prints are easy, requires minimal setup, and the results are always unique and delightful. Just like with the three-dimensional bricks themselves,… Continue reading DIY Fun: Using Bricks and Paint to Create Lego Prints

All About the Homeschool Portfolio

How do we organize our papers in these early years of homeschooling? With a portfolio! Keep reading for all the details PLUS a free printable. Papers, papers, papers! The school year can quickly leave you lost in a heap of school papers. You feel overwhelmed keeping everything, and also feel bad throwing anything out. The… Continue reading All About the Homeschool Portfolio

Why You Should “Just Paint” With Your Kids

Free painting with your kids is more than just a fun time, it’s a powerful tool for your developing your children and your relationship with them! Just paint with your kids? Yes! Free painting with your kids is more than just a fun time, it’s a powerful tool for your developing your children and your… Continue reading Why You Should “Just Paint” With Your Kids

Nature Playdough

Have playdough on hand that is nearly dried up? Repurpose it with this nature playdough activity! This forest-school inspired nature playdough activity is the PERFECT way to use up old playdough. You know the type. It’s starting to get dried and crumbly. It has been mixed with a gillion other colors. It has picked up… Continue reading Nature Playdough

Scented Rice for Sensory Play

This calming DIY scented rice adds a whole new layer to sensory play! This easy sensory rice is made with only 2 ingredients and can be used as a base for so many play activities! Sensory play is an essential part of childhood development. It gives kids the opportunity to experience different textures, helps develop… Continue reading Scented Rice for Sensory Play

Beach Collage for Kids

Explore the art element of space with this easy beach collage art project for kids! I almost feel silly making a blog post about this beach collage project for kids. It is so incredibly simple – but oh my gosh, so much learning is taking place! In this collage, kids are . . . Here’s… Continue reading Beach Collage for Kids

Fingerprint Oranges – an Easy Craft for Kids

Transform simple fingerprints into adorable little oranges with this fun craft! There is just something so sweet about seeing your kids’ tiny fingerprints on paper. And these little fingerprint oranges are just as adorable as can be! My other favorite aspects of this project (besides it being stinking cute) is the learning that is taking… Continue reading Fingerprint Oranges – an Easy Craft for Kids

Flower Bouquet Cards

I don’t know what it is, but there is just something about hand print crafts. Just seeing my child’s hand in their teeny tiny size is so sweet. And I feel like that sweetness is doubled in these flower bouquet cards. All you need for this project is cardstock, scissors, glue, and dried flowers. Don’t… Continue reading Flower Bouquet Cards

Tissue Paper Paintings

Explore color theory with your kids through these tissue paper paintings! Looking for a twist on painting? Then these tissue paper paintings art for you! This process-art activity gives kids the opportunity to explore color theory hands on. Just by using tissue paper squares. Additionally, process-based art activities like this one . . . Here’s… Continue reading Tissue Paper Paintings

Nature Bracelets – A Simple Craft for Kids!

Capture the beauty of the great outdoors with this nature bracelet craft for kids! Creating nature bracelets isn’t just a beautiful craft—it’s an educational one! Here are a few ways this sweet craft can benefit kids: Here’s how we did it. Supplies: Directions: Looking for another activity to do on your next nature walk? Check… Continue reading Nature Bracelets – A Simple Craft for Kids!

Seashell Painting – A Process Art Activity

Explore the element of texture with this easy nature activity for kids – seashell painting! Paint, wash, and paint again! This seashell painting project can be done again and again. Talk about a craft being earth friendly! My kids were ENTHRALLED with this extremely simple art activity. There was something magnetic about the seashell’s natural… Continue reading Seashell Painting – A Process Art Activity

DIY Nature Stickers

This simple do-it-yourself project will help you put a bit of nature everywhere! It is safe to say we are OBSESSED with these DIY nature stickers! All you need for this simple craft is contact paper, packing tape, and a pair of scissors. Go on a nature walk or scavenge an old bouquet to find… Continue reading DIY Nature Stickers

Nature School Watercolor Painting

Create water color paintings – but make them nature school style! How? Read on to find out! Nature school watercolor painting? It’s the tiniest little twist on regular watercolors, but oh my gosh – it makes the painting session so much more special! It charges your artwork with the power of nature and adds a… Continue reading Nature School Watercolor Painting

Dried Flower Pinch Pots

These dried flower pinch pots are a simple and stunning clay project that your kiddos will love! These dried flower pinch pots will cut out the work, stress, and mess associated with clay and leave you with just the magic. Truthfully, I have a love/hate relationship with clay. It can be stressful and messy. However,… Continue reading Dried Flower Pinch Pots

Scented Chia Seed Slime

This scented chia seed slime makes for a calming sensory play experience! What is ooeey, gooey, and smells like a tropical vacation? This recipe for scented chia seed slime! Sensory play is an essential part of childhood development. It gives kids the opportunity to experience different textures, helps develop fine motor skills and muscle dexterity,… Continue reading Scented Chia Seed Slime

Tissue Paper Suncatchers

Celebrate the sunshine with these simple tissue paper suncatchers! If you having been needing a craft to bring some cheer to your space – you’ve found it! Tissue Paper Suncatchers will bring a splash of color to any room. With just a few simple supplies like paper plates, tissue paper, markers, and contact paper, you… Continue reading Tissue Paper Suncatchers

Mushroom Prints – with Real Mushrooms!

This forest-school inspired printmaking project is a beautiful way to explore the natural textures of mushrooms and experiment with pattern and shape! Mushroom prints? Using actual mushrooms? Yes! This forest-school inspired printmaking project is a beautiful way to explore the natural textures of mushrooms. It’s also a great way for kids to experiment with pattern… Continue reading Mushroom Prints – with Real Mushrooms!

Pressed Flower Trinket Trays

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with this easy craft for kids! These pressed flower trinket trays are a gorgeous way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Bonus – this nature craft is actually really simple! All you need is air-dry clay, modge-podge, and dried flowers or leaves. After modeling the clay into… Continue reading Pressed Flower Trinket Trays

Nature Bull Collage – with a free printable!

Celebrate the season of the bull with this nature collage for kids! Ah, Taurus. The earthy zodiac sign ruling the months of April and May. What better way to celebrate this bit of the year with a nature bull collage? We started this lovely forest-school inspired craft with a nature walk, collecting flowers and leaves… Continue reading Nature Bull Collage – with a free printable!

DIY Laundry Stain Stick – for those art messes!

If you do art with kids, then you know that stains are bound to happen! Here is a recipe for a DIY laundry stain stick! You know what comes with the territory of teaching art to young kids? Stains! But not to worry – I’ve got your back with this recipe for a DIY stain… Continue reading DIY Laundry Stain Stick – for those art messes!

Dried Flower Candles: An Easy Craft

These beautiful dried flower candles are the sweetest craft to celebrate spring! Looking for a simple craft to celebrate spring? These dried flower candles are just the ticket! This activity is super simple and earth friendly. All you need is wax paper, dried flowers, an iron, tape, and an electric candle. Here’s how we made… Continue reading Dried Flower Candles: An Easy Craft

Cupcake Liner Bouquet Collage

These flower bouquet collages are made using a supply you may already have in your kitchen – cupcake liners! This bouquet collage is colorful, full of texture, and has a pop of dimension. All thanks to cupcake liners! The best part of using muffin liners for this project? They give the collage a boost of… Continue reading Cupcake Liner Bouquet Collage

Garden Magnetic Tiles

These easy DIY garden magnetic tiles inspire the most beautiful building play. I think I love these garden magnetic tiles as much (or more) than the kids. They are just so delightful and inspire the most beautiful play! Whether they are setting them against the window to watch the sunlight trickle through, crafting gardens, or… Continue reading Garden Magnetic Tiles

Easter Nature Tracker

Want to go on the best Easter hunt of all? Collect Mother Nature’s treasures with this sweet & simple nature tracker! This Easter nature tracker is as quick, cheap, and easy as they come. All you need to prepare this lovely little nature activity for kids is cardboard, scissors, and some rubber bands. This activity… Continue reading Easter Nature Tracker

Dried Bean Easter Eggs

These dried bean Easter eggs for kids is a beautiful, eco-friendly craft to celebrate the spring season! These dried bean Easter eggs are one of our favorite spring decorations right now. It is as low-prep as it comes, and you probably have all the supplies on hand right now! This egg craft is a great… Continue reading Dried Bean Easter Eggs

Rabbit Sticky Wall – A Contact Paper Activity

Celebrate spring with this beautiful rabbit sticky wall for kids! This rabbit sticky wall activity for kids is a fantastic way to celebrate the magic of spring. One of the best parts? The petals can be arranged again and again to create again and again. Process-based art activities – like this rabbit sticky wall –… Continue reading Rabbit Sticky Wall – A Contact Paper Activity

Patterned Prints Using Toilet Paper Rolls

Transform paper rolls into the prettiest patterned prints! This easy craft for kids is the perfect activity to reuse and recycle. Get ready to recycle with these darling patterned prints using toilet paper rolls! All you need for this easy art project is paint, paper, and cardboard rolls. It’s the perfect low-prep art activity to… Continue reading Patterned Prints Using Toilet Paper Rolls

Dried Flower Bookmarks

They are compostable! They are gorgeous! They are dried flower bookmarks! Looking for a simple craft that doubles as an amazing little gift? Check out these dried flower bookmarks! This activity is super simple and earth friendly. All you need is wax paper, dried flowers, and an iron. A tassel is a completely optional element… Continue reading Dried Flower Bookmarks

Cardboard Snowflake Stitch Cards

Want to teach your kids to sew? Start it off with these cardboard snowflake stitch cards! Sewing is such an important practical life skill. Kids who can sew can repair basic holes and tears in clothing, as well as create new objects. Sewing builds fine motor skills, teaches kids the pattern of over-and-under, and is… Continue reading Cardboard Snowflake Stitch Cards

Heart Paintings – Inspired by Jim Dine

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and learn some art history with this heart painting for kids! This Jim Dine inspired heart painting is perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day! In case you aren’t familiar with him, Jim Dine is an American-artist famous for his pop art paintings and drawings of hearts. You can learn more about the painter… Continue reading Heart Paintings – Inspired by Jim Dine

Valentine Craft Round Up

You will fall in love with these eight Valentine’s Day craft ideas for kids! Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is a day of fun and celebration, and there’s no better way to get kids excited about it than with some fun and creative Valentine crafts! From cardboard hearts to handmade cards and decorations,… Continue reading Valentine Craft Round Up

Snowflake Loose Parts Play

Invite children to explore snowflakes and radial symmetry with this loose parts play activity! This snowflake loose parts play invitation is a breeze to set up! It’s such a simple activity, but it will keep your young kids engaged – it’s an activity they will want to repeat again and again! You see, loose parts… Continue reading Snowflake Loose Parts Play

Winter Landscapes – A Marker Painting Project for Kids

Celebrate the beauty of the winter with this easy, less-mess painting project for kids! This winter landscape marker painting for kids is pure magic. Marker painting is hands-down my favorite painting technique to use with little artists. It yields the most beautiful results, all while teaching brush control, giving children the opportunity to explore the… Continue reading Winter Landscapes – A Marker Painting Project for Kids

Winter Craft Round-Up

More time inside means more time to create art! Here is a round up of 8 winter crafts to enjoy with your kids! Looking for some indoor activities to keep your kids busy during these cold months? This winter craft round-up is just what you need! Here are 8 winter crafts to keep you creative… Continue reading Winter Craft Round-Up

Friendship Mobile

This friendship mobile is a sweet craft that helps to develop a culture of kindness and community! What is displayed in the environment can serve to develop a culture of kindness and community before words are even spoken. This friendship mobile does just that! This paper craft also helps children to develop dexterity and hand… Continue reading Friendship Mobile

Exploring the Magic of Process Art

What exactly is process art? Read to find out and get some ideas to try out with your kids! There is one art education question I am asked more than any other: “What is up with process art?!” Well, welcome my friend to a beautiful world of artistic wonder! What Is Process Art? Process art… Continue reading Exploring the Magic of Process Art

New Year’s Disco Ball Craft for Kids

Celebrate the New Year with this disco ball craft for kids! It uses supplies you probably already have in your pantry. This New Year’s disco ball craft is a beautiful way to ring in the new year! This art activity for kids is low-prep, low-mess, and low-cost. Talk about a winner! Here’s how we made… Continue reading New Year’s Disco Ball Craft for Kids

Christmas Craft Round Up

Celebrate the Christmas season with these 10 easy crafts for kids! The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by engaging your little ones in creative Christmas crafts? Crafting together not only enhances family bonding but also allows kids to explore their imagination and develop fine motor… Continue reading Christmas Craft Round Up

Dried Flower Lanterns

Celebrate all that is light with this dried flower lantern craft! Winter solstice brings with it the longest night of the year. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the light with these dried flower lanterns! This nature craft for kids is so simple and low-prep. You can hang these botanical beauties in front of a… Continue reading Dried Flower Lanterns

Roll the Ornament!

Shake and roll holiday ornaments with your kids to create these colorful abstract paintings! Ready to roll the ornament? This is a process art project that is accessible for a wide range of ages. When we did this project last year, my daughter had just turned one and my son was four. Both kids were… Continue reading Roll the Ornament!

Homemade Play Dough that Smells Like Christmas!

Here is a recipe for homemade play dough that smells like Christmas! All thanks to immune-boosting Thieves essential oil! Making your own playdough with kids is eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and just plain fun! This recipe for homemade playdough with thieves essential oil is especially magical. Although you can use any essential oil of your choice in… Continue reading Homemade Play Dough that Smells Like Christmas!

Leaf Rubbings

Explore nature with your kids using this simple leaf rubbing craft! Some of the most valuable lessons come not from textbooks, but from the world around us. One way to bring the world indoors is through this leaf rubbing project. There’s something magical about the process of making leaf rubbings. It’s a blend of art… Continue reading Leaf Rubbings

Dot Painting Pumpkins

Embrace the beauty of negative space with these dot painting pumpkins for kids! Looking to celebrate the beautiful fall season with your kids? Try out these dot painting pumpkins! This painting project for kids captures the harvest spirit, is low-mess, low-prep, and teaches the concept of negative space. Bonus? It is super accessible project for… Continue reading Dot Painting Pumpkins

DIY Cardboard Turkey Costume

Here is some feathered fun for your next Thanksgiving celebration – a DIY cardboard turkey costume for kids! Needing a craft to keep kids entertained at your next Thanksgiving dinner? Then you will love this DIY cardboard turkey costume for kids! This budget-friendly art activity will keep your children busy while you work to get… Continue reading DIY Cardboard Turkey Costume

Paper Bag Luminaries

Celebrate the light with these incredibly simple and beautiful paper bag luminaries! These paper bag luminaries are pretty. Like, really pretty. They are also pretty simple. All you need for this cozy craft is a paper bag, hole puncher, scissors, and an electric candle. This cozy craft is just what you need for your space,… Continue reading Paper Bag Luminaries

Space Shuttle Names – with a free printable!

This space name craft for kids is a sweet way to develop name recognition. Keep reading to get your free printable! So much learning is taking place with this space name craft! In this little craftivity, kids are . . . This project can easily be adapted for toddler children. If you are doing these… Continue reading Space Shuttle Names – with a free printable!

Push Pin Pumpkins

Sometimes you just need a super quick and super easy seasonal craft. This push pin pumpkin craft is just the ticket! Push pin pumpkins? You mean, let kids make art with push pins?! Yes! It develops their fine pincer grasp, an understanding of pressure, and teaches them how to safely handle sharp objects. This fall… Continue reading Push Pin Pumpkins

Spooky & Spectacular: 10 Halloween Crafts for Young Kids

Halloween is just around the corner! Here are 10 low-prep Halloween crafts to celebrate the season! Halloween is just around the corner – and ’tis the season to do all the fabulous Halloween crafts! Here is a round up of 10 low-prep Halloween crafts. These projects are sure to spark the creativity of young ghouls… Continue reading Spooky & Spectacular: 10 Halloween Crafts for Young Kids

Calm Down Dough

Help kids regulate their emotions and build fine motor skills with this no-cook Calm Down Dough recipe! With school back in session, one of the greatest lessons we can teach our kids is how to regulate their emotions. That’s where the magic of “Calm Down Dough” comes into play. Squeezing, rolling, and shaping play dough… Continue reading Calm Down Dough

Cardboard Acorns

This cardboard acorn craft for kids is simple and sustainably-made! Why did we make these cardboard acorns? Well, we have been finding hundreds-upon-hundreds of acorns on our nature walks lately. Which made my son want to make some sort of acorn craft. And acorns are arguably the CUTEST of tree seeds. Here’s how we made… Continue reading Cardboard Acorns

Bubble Wrap Dandelion Paintings

These dandelion paintings for kids recycles bubble wrap and is great addition to a nature study on dandelions! If weeds are growing in your yard, make a unit study out of them! It’s been a simple unit- but a super fun one to cover in homeschool. We’ve done dandelion dissection, written a poem, studied the… Continue reading Bubble Wrap Dandelion Paintings

Symmetrical Butterfly Paintings for Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide

This easy painting project for kids teaches the concept of symmetry and introduces the anatomy of butterflies! Here’s a captivating technique that can turn a simple piece of paper into a canvas of wonder—symmetrical butterfly paintings. This art project for kids involves folding, painting, and unfolding to reveal a symmetrical painting of a butterfly. Plus,… Continue reading Symmetrical Butterfly Paintings for Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide

Name Wands: the Ultimate Name Recognition Craft

These name wands are the perfect craft to build name recognition and develop threading skills! If you are anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for engaging hands-on activities that take learning to the next level. Worksheets are great and all, but sometimes you just need something a little bit more tactile. Especially in… Continue reading Name Wands: the Ultimate Name Recognition Craft

A Colorful Start: Portfolio Cover Pages

This first week of school activity for kids is the perfect way to start off a year of growth and learning. Keep reading for your free printable! The first week of school can be a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. As educators and parents, we work hard to create calm spaces and opportunities for our… Continue reading A Colorful Start: Portfolio Cover Pages

Lemon-Lime Prints

Create some summer magic with these lemon-lime prints for kids! Looking for an easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy craft to do with the kids on these final days of summer? This simple printmaking project is just the thing! This lemon-lime printmaking project teaches kids . . . Additionally, this is a full on sensory experience. The citrus scent,… Continue reading Lemon-Lime Prints

Paper Roll Rockets

Recycle paper with this paper roll rocket craft for kids! The interest in outer space is timeless, isn’t it? There has been so much interest in space lately in our house. The past few weeks we have been exploring the planets of our solar system, the International Space Station, and the power of the sun.… Continue reading Paper Roll Rockets

10+ Line Activities for Kids

Here is a round-up of 10+ line activities for kids. Build confidence and artistic skill by focusing on this element of art! During my time as a teacher in the elementary art room, I discovered the importance of starting the year off by focusing on the element of line. Regardless of whether my students were… Continue reading 10+ Line Activities for Kids

Chicken Collages-Using Newspaper!

These sweet chicken collages for kids are a beautiful way to recycle old newspaper! This chicken collage craft is a fun and educational activity for kids that not only allows them to tap into their creativity, but also introduces the anatomy of a chicken. By using recycled newspaper and construction paper, children can learn the… Continue reading Chicken Collages-Using Newspaper!

Flower Preservation with Glue

This easy nature craft for kids uses glue to preserve summer flowers! Love the look of resin-preserved flowers, but want to do a simpler version with your kids? You know – one with minimal materials and minimal time? Then try out this flower preservation technique that uses hot glue! This nature craft for kids is… Continue reading Flower Preservation with Glue

Glue Watercolor Paintings for Kids

This glue watercolor painting project is an art activity adaptable for all ages! If you are working with kids of multiple ages or varying abilities – this glue watercolor painting project is for you! This painting project for kids provides children the opportunity to practice their paint mixing, brush control, and watercolor techniques in a… Continue reading Glue Watercolor Paintings for Kids

Cardboard Houses- A Project Inspired by Norway

This cardboard house craft for kids is inspired by the beautiful wooden houses of Bryggen. Bryggen is an old wharf in Bergen. This wharf is recognized as a World Heritage Site, and is a reminder of Bergen’s important role in trade in the 14th-16th centuries. Although many fires have destroyed the wooden houses of Bryggen… Continue reading Cardboard Houses- A Project Inspired by Norway

July Fourth – A Free Printable for Kids

Celebrate July Fourth with this free printable activity for kids! Sometimes you have the bandwidth to do a great big arts and crafts activity with your kids. Sometimes you only have the bandwidth to print off a worksheet for your babes so you can take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee. This activity… Continue reading July Fourth – A Free Printable for Kids

Cardboard Jellyfish

This simple cardboard jellyfish craft is an easy summer activity for kids! Looking for an easy-peasy summer activity to do with your kids? This cardboard jellyfish craft for kids uses simple supplies – chances are, you already have all you need! And it only takes a moment to set up! In this jellyfish craft, kids… Continue reading Cardboard Jellyfish

Shape Paintings for Kids

This easy painting project for kids is a fabulous lesson on organic and geometric shape! When teaching the art elements to kids, it’s best to start with the most simple elements of art – shape and line. This shape painting is a great project for the start of the school year, but can be used… Continue reading Shape Paintings for Kids

Big Bugs – A Cardboard Craft for Kids

Explore shape and symmetry with these big cardboard bug collages! If you want to make a project more exciting for kids, there are two easy tweaks that can be made: make the project super big or make it super tiny. In this bug collage for kids, I went with the former. And it did not… Continue reading Big Bugs – A Cardboard Craft for Kids

Celebrate Summer With a Sun Painting!

This sun painting for kids is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of summer. The long days of summer is a beautiful time for children to explore the world around them. One way to do this is through art, and this sun painting for kids is a cheerful way to celebrate the arrival of… Continue reading Celebrate Summer With a Sun Painting!

7 Reasons to Start Nature Journaling

Here are seven reasons to start your nature journaling practice today – plus a free printable journal page! Nature journaling is a beautiful way to build connection to nature and communication skills. Here are seven reasons to start nature journaling (plus a free printable nature journal worksheet). Download your free printable journal page here to… Continue reading 7 Reasons to Start Nature Journaling

Texture Castles – A Drawing Project for Kids

Explore the art element of texture in this castle drawing for kids! This castle drawing project for kids builds the skills of observation, connecting children to the textures in their environment. All you need for this texture castle drawing are colored crayons, paper, and texture. This can either be from texture rubbing cards or a… Continue reading Texture Castles – A Drawing Project for Kids

In the Grass – A Collage Project for Kids

This grass collage project for kids is a great tie-in for “In the Tall, Tall Grass” by Denise Fleming. Have you read “In the Tall, Tall Grass” by Denise Fleming? Its a super cute read and this art project would be a great accompaniment to it! This grass collage is also a fabulous stand-alone project.… Continue reading In the Grass – A Collage Project for Kids

Making Butterfly Wings Out of Cardboard

These cardboard butterfly wings are a fun and easy spring craft for kids! Welcome to spring! Is there a better way to celebrate the season than with a fun butterfly craft? Making butterfly wings out of cardboard is a creative and easy way to engage your children in dramatic play. Additionally, these cardboard butterfly wings… Continue reading Making Butterfly Wings Out of Cardboard

Dandelions in a Vase: A Nature Craft for Kids

Reuse cardboard with this nature craft for kids – Dandelions in a Vase! Are you looking for an easy and fun nature craft to do with your kids? Look no further than these nature vases! Dandelion nature vases are the perfect way to get your kids exploring the outdoors, while also flexing those creativity muscles.… Continue reading Dandelions in a Vase: A Nature Craft for Kids

How to Paint with Flowers With Your Kids

Don’t toss your old bouquet! Create beautiful flower paintings instead! Painting with flowers is a great way to explore the natural textures of flower blossoms, and is a fun way to breathe new life into a lifeless bouquet. This process-based art project uses flower petals as a paintbrush. Every blossom leaves a different mark! With… Continue reading How to Paint with Flowers With Your Kids

DIY Play Dough Stamps from Pasta and Cardboard

Get crafty with your kids! Make your own play dough stamps with pasta and cardboard! Are you looking for an easy and frugal way to make play dough stamps? Look no further than this DIY play dough stamping project with pasta and cardboard! With just a few simple materials, you can create your own stamps… Continue reading DIY Play Dough Stamps from Pasta and Cardboard

Mushroom Prints for Kids – Using Recycled Paper Rolls!

Transform recycled paper rolls into the sweetest mushroom prints! This easy craft for kids is the perfect activity to celebrate spring. Get ready to recycle paper rolls into these darling mushroom prints! All you need for this easy art project is paint, paper, and toilet paper rolls. It’s the perfect low-prep art activity to celebrate… Continue reading Mushroom Prints for Kids – Using Recycled Paper Rolls!

Cardboard Rabbit Mask – An Easy Craft for Easter

Recycle cardboard to create an adorable rabbit mask for Easter! This cardboard rabbit mask is a delightful craft to celebrate spring and Easter. Whether you choose to use your final creation as an Easter decoration or as a mask, you can be sure lots of learning is taking place. With this Easter art project, children… Continue reading Cardboard Rabbit Mask – An Easy Craft for Easter

DIY Wax Paper Suncatchers: The Coziest Window Decoration

These botanical wax paper suncatchers are beautiful and cozy! They are the perfect decoration for your window. Make a window suncatcher without contact paper? Yes you can! With a few minimal supplies, you can preserve flowers from your favorite spring walk in a beautiful wax paper suncatcher. Hang it up in your window and enjoy… Continue reading DIY Wax Paper Suncatchers: The Coziest Window Decoration

Snail Salt Paintings – A Twist on Watercolors

Introducing salt paintings – a twist on watercolors for kids! Salt paintings are a fun and engaging way to explore the art elements of texture, line, and color. This technique is an easy way to take a two-dimensional art supply and transform it into a three-dimensional experience for your tactile learners. Whether you choose to… Continue reading Snail Salt Paintings – A Twist on Watercolors

Making a Juice Box Boat: A Fun and Educational Activity for Kids

With just a few simple materials, kids can make their very own boat and explore the wonders of water! Making a juice box boat is a fun and educational activity that kids of all ages can enjoy! In this STEAM activity, children will use recycled juice boxes to craft their own mini vessels and then… Continue reading Making a Juice Box Boat: A Fun and Educational Activity for Kids

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The Best St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Preschoolers

Here is a round up of 10 St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for preschoolers! St. Patrick’s Day is a day of fun and celebration, and there’s no better way to get kids excited about it than with some fun and creative St. Patrick’s day crafts! From colorful rainbows and clovers to handmade cards and decorations, preschoolers… Continue reading The Best St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Preschoolers

Shaving Cream Prints for Kids

This paper marbling activity for kids uses supplies you probably already have on hand! Kids will be amazed with the results of these shaving cream prints. Warning: Shaving cream prints can be a bit messy. But trust me. Any mess created with this art activity is well worth it. The “wow” factor of paper marbling… Continue reading Shaving Cream Prints for Kids

Birch Tree Paintings for Kids

These birch tree watercolor paintings are a lovely winter art project for kids. These birch tree watercolor paintings are simple but oh-so-stunning. This is the type of art project that makes every child feel like a world-class artist. When I was an art teacher, it was one of my favorite painting projects to teach to… Continue reading Birch Tree Paintings for Kids

Valentine Doughnut Cards

Kids will enjoy creating these sweet doughnut cards for their valentines! Looking for a sweet homemade Valentine’s Day craft? This doughnut card is just the ticket. We used a Valentine’s chocolate box as a template for this doughnut card. It added an exciting element of fun to the project, but you could just as easily… Continue reading Valentine Doughnut Cards

Paper Roll Heart Prints

Recycle paper rolls with this Valentine’s art project for kids. These heart prints are as sweet as can be! Love is in the air and it’s time for Valentine’s Day crafts! This printmaking project for kids is simple, beautiful, and low-prep. It also recycles a paper roll into the most festive little art project. Here’s… Continue reading Paper Roll Heart Prints

Tinfoil Norse Runes – A Craft for Kids

In this craft, tinfoil and cardboard are beautifully transformed into Norse Runes. Long ago, Viking scribes wrote in “runes.” Runes were a written code. They were used to record history, send messages, label valuable objects, and to case magic spells. Norse runes were created using only straight lines. This made them easier to carve into… Continue reading Tinfoil Norse Runes – A Craft for Kids

Indoor Snow Play – A Simple Sensory Activity

Encourage your child’s exploration of our world with this easy snow play sensory activity! Children are so eager to explore the world we live in. Looking. Questioning. Tasting. Touching. Harness your child’s natural curiosity with this simple sensory activity for kids. It’s so simple to set up, I almost feel silly sharing it here on… Continue reading Indoor Snow Play – A Simple Sensory Activity

Mittens – A Math Drawing Game for Kids

Math and art are a powerful combination! Kids will develop their number sense while creating these cozy mitten drawings. This mitten drawing has a sneaky (and fun) math component. How many shapes or lines are drawn onto each mitten will be determined by the roll of a dice. By incorporating dice rolling into this art… Continue reading Mittens – A Math Drawing Game for Kids

Dragon Puppet Craft for Kids – with free printable!

Celebrate Lunar New Year with this cardboard craft for kids! Children will enjoy creating and playing with these dragon puppets! In Chinese culture, dragons are a symbol of good luck, strength, health. They are also an important element of the annual Lunar New Year celebration. This cardboard craft not only develops fine motor skills and… Continue reading Dragon Puppet Craft for Kids – with free printable!

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

This twist on the classic paper snowflake craft for kids will brighten up any winter day! A lesson on the art element of texture? Check. A lesson on the math concept of symmetry? Check. A project that builds fine motor skills? Check. This twist on the classic paper snowflake craft will brighten up any winter… Continue reading Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Easy Cloud Dough for New Year’s

This recipe for cloud dough only has 3 ingredients! Often times, homemade play dough requires a stove top or a small shopping list of ingredients. This clay dough is different. It only requires three ingredients and since there is no heat used in the process – it is 100% safe for your little one to… Continue reading Easy Cloud Dough for New Year’s

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Wreaths

Celebrate the holidays with these beautifully simple pipe cleaner wreaths! Looking for a low-prep, low-mess holiday craft for the kids to create? Then you will love these sweet pipe cleaner wreaths. They are super simple, but so much learning takes place in their creation. Kids develop hand-eye coordination as they manipulate the pipe cleaners and… Continue reading Pipe Cleaner Christmas Wreaths

Cardboard Holiday Trees

These Cardboard Trees for kids are a beautiful, eco-friendly craft to celebrate the winter season! This cardboard tree craft is one of our favorite winter decorations right now. It is as low-prep as it comes, and you probably have all the supplies on hand right now! These cardboard trees will probably stay on display well… Continue reading Cardboard Holiday Trees

Paper Lantern Craft for Kids

Celebrate the light during these dark winter nights with paper lanterns! The nights have been long around here lately, so what a perfect time to celebrate all that is light! We created paper lanterns to house our electric candles – and they are so delightfully cozy. These lanterns are not only cozy, but are a… Continue reading Paper Lantern Craft for Kids

Woodland Deer: An Easy Cardboard Craft for Kids

This cardboard deer craft for kids is sweet as can be! It can be used as a mask during play or as a decoration during the holiday season! This sweet cardboard craft for kids is easy, but oh-so-magically folksy. All you need for this project is cardboard, a marker, and some crayons. Seriously. That is… Continue reading Woodland Deer: An Easy Cardboard Craft for Kids

Gratitude Crowns: A Thanksgiving Craft for Kids

Encourage gratitude with this easy Thanksgiving craft for kids! There are so many things to be grateful for. This easy Thanksgiving craft is an opportunity to spend time thinking about what we are thankful for. This craft is also an opportunity for children to develop language skills by expressing what they are grateful for. It… Continue reading Gratitude Crowns: A Thanksgiving Craft for Kids

Big Paintings: A Process-Based Art Activity

Encourage children to explore the magic of painting with this easy process-based art activity! Can art be play? YES. Art can be considered play for children when it is focused on the process and not the end product. This type of creating is refered to as process-based art. Process-based art is art that is focused… Continue reading Big Paintings: A Process-Based Art Activity

Gratitude Banner Craft – with a free printable!

Promote a culture of gratitude with this easy Thanksgiving craft for kids! What we choose to display in our environments is powerful. What we choose to put before our eyes daily can silently impact us. Promote a culture of gratitude in your space with this easy Thanksgiving (or anytime!) craft for kids. It’s one way… Continue reading Gratitude Banner Craft – with a free printable!

Tape Resist: Line Paintings for Kids

These tape resist paintings will give any artist stunning results – regardless of their age or ability! Tape resist is one of those art techniques that makes creating a beautiful painting attainable for artists of all ages and abilities. This is one of my favorite strategies to use with special-needs students. It has allowed me… Continue reading Tape Resist: Line Paintings for Kids

“Leaf Man” Craft for Kids

Foster creativity and connection to nature with this leaf craft for kids! One of my favorite things about art is how compatible it is with other subjects. This art project accompanies the children’s book Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. In other words, this art lesson helps you make the most of your limited instruction time! Here’s how… Continue reading “Leaf Man” Craft for Kids

Squash Drawings: A Lesson in Observation for Kids

Develop fine motor abilities and the skills of observation with this squash drawing activity for kids! Just as there is no one right way to do a drawing, there is no one right way to START a drawing. That is probably one of the trickiest aspects of drawing. The getting started. Some kids are able… Continue reading Squash Drawings: A Lesson in Observation for Kids

Ghost Paintings: Using Wax Resist

This Halloween watercolor painting for kids is low-prep and the perfect way to introduce the technique of wax resist! These ghost paintings for kids is low-prep and oh-so-magical. The perfect way to celebrate Halloween, this art project also serves as an introduction to the watercolor technique of wax resist. Wax resist is a technique that… Continue reading Ghost Paintings: Using Wax Resist

Corn Cob Prints – With Bubble Wrap!

Create these adorable corn cob prints with your kids, all while reusing bubble wrap! This art activity introduces children to the art technique of printmaking, the art element of value, and explores the concept of pressure. All while reusing an item that typically ends up in the landfill – bubble wrap! Here’s how we did… Continue reading Corn Cob Prints – With Bubble Wrap!

Beeswax Candles for Kids

Studying pollinators or making homemade gifts? These easy beeswax candles are the perfect craft for kids! These beautiful beeswax candles are the perfect craft for a unit on pollinators, or an activity to do before the holidays. We are currently studying bees in homeschool. This project was an amazing (and easy) addition to our unit.… Continue reading Beeswax Candles for Kids

DIY Watercolor Paint – Recycle Old Markers!

Have old, dried-out markers? Don’t throw them away! Make this DIY watercolor paint for kids instead! Markers are a supply that kids seem to fly through. Are you finding yourself with a pile of used markers that you don’t know what to do with? Don’t throw your old, dried-out markers away! Instead, use them to… Continue reading DIY Watercolor Paint – Recycle Old Markers!

Easy Art for Kids – Fall Roundup

Here are 10 easy art projects for kids to celebrate the fall season! As the seasons change, so do our children. They are so connected with nature – after all we ARE nature – that the shift in seasons brings about a shift in them. Children are naturally drawn to anything relating to the season,… Continue reading Easy Art for Kids – Fall Roundup

Apple Collage Craft for Kids

Celebrate fall with this sweet apple collage craft. Free templates included! This easy apple collage craft for kids is the perfect way to celebrate fall. Nothing says “September” to me quite as much as the apple does. This collage craft for kids is the perfect way to celebrate fall, but there is so much learning… Continue reading Apple Collage Craft for Kids

Handprint Cactus Craft

Create the sweetest little keepsake with this handprint cactus craft! I’m a sucker for a good handprint craft. There is something so amazing about getting to capture your child’s smallness through their handprint. There is also something to be had with how much bonding takes place when you paint your child’s hand for them. The… Continue reading Handprint Cactus Craft

Cake Pan Monoprints

Who says printmaking with kids has to be complicated? Here’s an easy, less-mess way of printing! Printmaking and clay have a reputation of being the most messy and prep intensive art mediums to teach kids. However, from my experience, printmaking and clay are the most engaging art mediums for kids. There is something so magical… Continue reading Cake Pan Monoprints

Pictographs: A Drawing Project for Kids

Children will learn that art communicates and can be read like a story with this simple pictograph drawing! In Indigenous societies, pictographs were often used to communicate and tell stories. A pictograph is a picture that means something. This simple drawing project is a great way to develop children’s communication and fine motor skills. Art… Continue reading Pictographs: A Drawing Project for Kids

Homeschool- How I Am Planning Our Year of Preschool

Let’s prepare for homeschooling together! Here’s how I am planning our year of preschool at home. This blog post is a bit out of the norm for me. Typically I share easy art projects for kids or creative play ideas. However, today I am sharing how I have planned out our year of homeschool. When… Continue reading Homeschool- How I Am Planning Our Year of Preschool

Play Dough Cup Cakes: An Invitation to Create

Encourage inquiry and independent learning with this easy play dough invitation for kids! Looking for a low-prep activity that will engage your kids for hours? Try out this play dough invitation to create! Play dough invitations not only develop creativity, but they… encourage inquiry and independent learning build the muscles in the hands through small… Continue reading Play Dough Cup Cakes: An Invitation to Create

Multisensory Ways to Practice Letter Formation

Looking to practice letter formation with your child? Here are five multi-sensory ways to practice letter forms + a free worksheet! Letter formation is the ability to form the letters of the alphabet correctly. Is it still a skill children need to have in the age of technology? When children learn to form letters, they… Continue reading Multisensory Ways to Practice Letter Formation

Flower Prints: An Easy Nature Craft

This flower print art project is an easy nature craft for kids! This has been my son’s favorite art activity to do this summer. He loves this nature craft every step of the way. Gathering flowers. Arranging flowers. Smashing flowers with a hammer. Re-smashing flowers with a hammer. Smashing flowers with a hammer just one… Continue reading Flower Prints: An Easy Nature Craft

Tree Ring Paintings for Kids

Looking for a less-mess painting project for kids? Try this magical tree ring painting! Marker painting is pure magic. This is hands-down my favorite painting technique to use with little artists. It not only is non-messy, but is a way to make painting accessible for most children at home. Many kids don’t have access to… Continue reading Tree Ring Paintings for Kids

Cardboard Ice Cream Treats: A Recycled Craft for Kids

Looking for an easy recycled art activity for kids? This cardboard craft is just the treat you are looking for! Following my son’s lead has led to some great adventures and some amazing art activities. Hot summer days and visits to our local farmer’s market have been inspiring his play lately. When he asked for… Continue reading Cardboard Ice Cream Treats: A Recycled Craft for Kids

Loose Parts Play Invitation: Element of Line

Invite children to explore the art element of line with this loose parts play activity! Loose parts play is something that comes naturally to children. The developmental need for kids to explore their environments and spatial relationships is met through loose parts play activities. This Element of Line loose parts play activity is a great… Continue reading Loose Parts Play Invitation: Element of Line

The Minimalist’s Guide to Children’s Art Supplies

Here are the ten art supplies I recommend minimalist caregivers have on hand! *Post may contain affiliate links… meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I’ll get a very small percentage in commission.  There’s never any extra cost to you, and I only link to products I actually own and use.… Continue reading The Minimalist’s Guide to Children’s Art Supplies

10 Art Projects to Get Your Kids Outside

Here are 10 forest-school inspired art activities to get your kids outside! Warm weather is a rare commodity here in Minnesota, so we practically live outdoors in the summer time. Picnics, hikes, gardening, art time… you name it. If the temps are mild, we are out in the wild. Here are 10 forest-school inspired art… Continue reading 10 Art Projects to Get Your Kids Outside

Juneteenth Flags: A Collage Project for Kids

Celebrate Juneteenth with this easy collage art project for kids! Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, takes place annually on June 19. This easy collage project for kids is a great way to celebrate the holiday! People honor Black Independence Day with flag that is red, black, and green. These are the colors of the… Continue reading Juneteenth Flags: A Collage Project for Kids

All Dressed Up: A Paper Craft for Kids

This paper craft for kids would be the perfect art project to celebrate Father’s Day or Career Day! This paper craft for kids is not only low-prep, but looks as cute as can be hung up in a hallway! Children will learn about patterns and repetition in this art project, all while developing their fine… Continue reading All Dressed Up: A Paper Craft for Kids

Line Sculptures : An Invitation to Create

Encourage inquiry and independent play with this easy art invitation for kids! Kids love 3D art activities. There is something about sculpture work that just seems to draw them in. This sculpture invitation for kids teaches the art element of line, all while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and inquiry skills. Here’s how we… Continue reading Line Sculptures : An Invitation to Create

Complete the Story : An Art History Game for Kids

Introduce kids to art history and practice parts of language with this game! One game that introduces kids to historically important visual artists and provides the opportunity to practice parts of speech? Score! This Mad-Lib style game helps kids recognize the difference betweennouns, verbs, adjectives, and interjections all while teaching art history. When I was… Continue reading Complete the Story : An Art History Game for Kids

Marker Paintings : Invitation to Create

You and your kids will love this low-mess, low-prep art invitation! Do you have a project that you look forward to the entire school year because you just know that your kiddos are going to love it and knock it out of the park?  Marker painting is that for me! All you need for this… Continue reading Marker Paintings : Invitation to Create

O’Keeffe Inspired Flower Collages – Invitation to Create

One of my favorite spring art projects, these beautiful flower collages are a great way to introduce artist Georgia O’Keeffe to kids! I have found kids create best when we keep the subject matter simple and relatable. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why children connect so well to the work of artist Georgia… Continue reading O’Keeffe Inspired Flower Collages – Invitation to Create

Paper Bag Piñatas

Celebrate in style with this easy paper bag piñata craft for kids! Besides being festive fun, this craft prepares little hands for the big task of writing through the small movements of gluing and cutting. It also builds awareness of different colors, sizes, and textures. Here’s how you can make these paper bag piñatas for… Continue reading Paper Bag Piñatas

A Coffee Filter Craft for Earth Day

This easy craft for kids is the perfect activity to celebrate Earth Day! Coffee filter crafts are always a hit. Maybe it’s because you are using a common household item to create art. Maybe it’s because kids are exploring color mixing. Maybe it’s the way the marker softens and spreads with a couple spritzes of… Continue reading A Coffee Filter Craft for Earth Day

Garden Paintings – An Invitation to Create

Develop your child’s independence and confidence with this process-based art project! What if I told you that you could set up an art invitation in 5 minutes? And that you could enjoy a hot cup of coffee as your child painted? Well, friend. THIS is that art invitation. Process-based art activities (aka activities focused on… Continue reading Garden Paintings – An Invitation to Create

Line Art Paintings

Simplicity is key in this painting project for kids. Minimal art materials help young children’s creativity flourish in this process-based art project. All you will need for this painting project is a permanent marker, watercolor paint, and a canvas. If you don’t have canvas, heavy drawing paper would work as well. There was something extra… Continue reading Line Art Paintings

Cardboard Bee Craft

The perfect addition to a unit on bees and pollination, this nature craft is a one-day wonder and a great way to recycle cardboard! This cardboard bee craft is going to be all the buzz. Sometimes you just need a quick and easy nature craft. One that is low-prep and low-cost. This recycled art project… Continue reading Cardboard Bee Craft

Potato Prints

This art project for kids is uses minimal materials and is a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Did you ever use potatoes to printmake as a child? Printmaking with potatoes is a classic children’s art activity. It not only introduces the art technique of printmaking to little ones, but the concept of pressure… Continue reading Potato Prints

Nature Shamrocks

These nature shamrocks are an easy craft to celebrate the coming of spring or St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy this simple art activity for kids! These shamrocks are an easy craft for kids that showcase the beauty of nature. Set them on a book shelf or in front of your windows. No matter where you display… Continue reading Nature Shamrocks

10 Easy Spring Art Projects for Kids

Spring has sprung! Here are ten easy spring art projects for kids to welcome in the new season. Happy Spring! The long awaited season has arrived and here are ten ideas of how to celebrate the change! 1. Homemade Bug Fossils Warmer weather means more bugs! This is a simple craft where kids can create… Continue reading 10 Easy Spring Art Projects for Kids

Nature Frames

This forest-school inspired art activity for kids works in all seasons! These nature frames are one of my FAVORITE forest-school inspired process art activities. Process-based art activities develop confidence and independence in young artists by providing them with the opportunity to make artistic choices. They also aid in the development of a child’s critical thinking… Continue reading Nature Frames

Yarn-Wrapped Hearts : An Easy Cardboard Craft

This adorable craft for kids develops fine motor skills and is a great way to recycle cardboard! This adorable craft for kids uses materials you probably already have on hand at home and is a great way to develop fine motor skills and explore texture. You can make the wrapping boards in any shape that… Continue reading Yarn-Wrapped Hearts : An Easy Cardboard Craft

Spice Play Dough: A No-Cook Recipe for Kids

This easy, no-cook play dough recipe will become a fast favorite. Scented with kitchen spices, this pantry art recipe for kids is a true sensory experience. Looking to “spice” up your play dough play time? This easy, no-cook play dough recipe for kids is just the thing! It uses ingredients you probably already have in… Continue reading Spice Play Dough: A No-Cook Recipe for Kids

Ground Hog Day Wreath – An Easy Craft for Kids

Every holiday celebration needs a wreath! This easy craft for kids is super simple and the perfect way to celebrate Ground Hog Day. Will we have two more weeks of winter or an early spring? No matter whether or not the ground hog sees his shadow on February 2nd, you can celebrate the outcome with… Continue reading Ground Hog Day Wreath – An Easy Craft for Kids

Ice Cube Paintings – Make Your Own Paint!

Make paint using ingredients found right inside your own kitchen. This easy art project for kids is eco-friendly and a fun way to introduce the scientific states of matter. Want to paint with your kids, but need to put a little twist on things to beat the winter doldrums? Make your own paint using ingredients… Continue reading Ice Cube Paintings – Make Your Own Paint!

Moon Marker Paintings for Kids

Celebrate the beauty of the moon with this easy, less-mess painting project for kids! Have you tried marker painting with your kids yet? This is hands-down my favorite painting technique to use with little artists. It yields the most beautiful results, all while teaching brush control, giving children the opportunity to explore the property of… Continue reading Moon Marker Paintings for Kids

Clay Penguins – An Easy Winter Craft for Kids

The perfect winter craft for preschool or elementary students, these adorable clay penguins are sure to be a hit! Let’s make the most amazing little penguins together! This easy penguin clay craft is the perfect activity to do with preschool or elementary students. It would be a great wrap up to a unit on penguins… Continue reading Clay Penguins – An Easy Winter Craft for Kids

Feed the Birds – A Garland Craft for Kids

Kids will spend time practicing the life skill of sewing with this easy craft – bird food garlands! Winter is such a beautiful time to slow down and be intentional about the time we spend together, isn’t it? This January, our family has found ourselves particularly drawn to all things cozy and festive. Here is… Continue reading Feed the Birds – A Garland Craft for Kids

Paper Plate Tambourines

Celebrate just about anything with this paper plate tambourine craft for kids! This homemade tambourine is a classic kids’ craft. And for good reason! Celebrate the New Year, another favorite holiday, or birthdays with this easy activity for kids. It uses simple supplies that you can find at your local grocery store. Here’s how you… Continue reading Paper Plate Tambourines

Nature Ornaments – An Easy Craft for Kids

These ornaments are an easy craft for kids that showcases the beauty of nature. Enjoy this simple winter activity! These ornaments are an easy craft for kids that showcase the beauty of nature. Hang them from a tree or in front of your frosty windows. No matter where you display them, these ornaments will bring… Continue reading Nature Ornaments – An Easy Craft for Kids

Gingerbread Prints – Using Cookie Cutters!

Bring the tradition of holiday cookie baking to the art table with this easy printmaking craft for kids. Everyone will love these sweet gingerbread prints made with cookie cutters! There is just something about the cold, dark days of winter that makes me crave the slow, homey task of baking. Do you feel the same?… Continue reading Gingerbread Prints – Using Cookie Cutters!

Welcome Lanterns

This easy ice lantern craft for kids is a beautiful way to embrace the darkness of winter. As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, our family loves doing crafts that celebrate light. It just brings an extra level of coziness to the winter season. It’s a tradition in Scandinavia for families to… Continue reading Welcome Lanterns

Art Project Round-Up: Nine Art Activities to Recycle Cardboard

Finding yourself with a growing pile of cardboard boxes? Put them to good use with these 9 easy art activities for kids! Diaper boxes, Cyber Monday deliveries, online orders… are you finding yourself with a growing pile of cardboard boxes? Put them to good use with these 9 easy art activities for kids! Here are… Continue reading Art Project Round-Up: Nine Art Activities to Recycle Cardboard

Nature Portraits – An Earth Friendly Art Activity

Do your kids enjoy collecting leaves as much as mine does? Display your collection with this eco-friendly portrait craft! Kids love collecting leaves, don’t they? Display their collections with this adorable, eco-friendly portrait craft. Your little artists will love collecting leaves, creating their portrait, and will develop their fine motor skills when weaving the stems… Continue reading Nature Portraits – An Earth Friendly Art Activity

Thanksgiving Wreath Craft for Kids

Every holiday celebration needs a wreath! This easy craft for kids is super simple and the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Hanging a themed-wreath on our front door is one of my favorite ways of celebrating a season or holiday. It’s a simple touch that brings an air of festivity to a home. Here is… Continue reading Thanksgiving Wreath Craft for Kids

Gratitude Paper Chain

This easy craft for kids teaches the value of gratitude and provides children with the opportunity to communicate with others what things they are thankful for. Do you remember making paper chains in elementary school? When I made them as a child, they were always used to count down to something important and exciting –… Continue reading Gratitude Paper Chain

“Share the Pie” – Free Printable Game for Kids!

This loose parts play activity for kids encourages sharing with others, all while developing fine motor and math skills! Sharing is hard, isn’t it? Since we have recently transitioned to being a family of 4, it’s a life skill we are really working on over here at our house. Little play activities like this one… Continue reading “Share the Pie” – Free Printable Game for Kids!

Seed Mandalas – An Easy Craft for Kids

Enjoy creating these Seed Mandalas with your children, while boosting their creativity and independent learning skills! Clay activities are so beneficial for young children – and the benefits exist both inside and outside of the art room! Small movements like rolling and shaping clay develop the muscles in the hands that are needed for future… Continue reading Seed Mandalas – An Easy Craft for Kids

Coffee Filter Bats

A twist on the classic coffee filter butterfly craft, these beautiful bats are sure to be a hit with your kids! Do you remember making coffee filter butterflies when you were a child? This beautiful bat craft is a twist on this classic activity. It would make a lovely addition to your Halloween celebration or… Continue reading Coffee Filter Bats

Jack-O-Lantern Faces: An Invitation to Create

This spooky invitation to create is a great way to introduce your child to shape, artistic choice, and emotion! If you want to use glue in this art activity, you will end up with a fabulous Halloween craft. If you want to skip the glue, you have transformed this project into a transient art activity.… Continue reading Jack-O-Lantern Faces: An Invitation to Create

Leaf Prints For Kids – Using Marker!

Take advantage of your children’s connection to the natural environment with these easy leaf prints. All you will need for this art project is leaves, markers, paper, and water. Children are naturally curious and so connected to their environment. Take advantage of this instinctive connection to nature with this easy art project for kids. It… Continue reading Leaf Prints For Kids – Using Marker!

Animal Masks – An Easy Craft for Kids

Build creativity and encourage imaginative play with this easy animal mask craft for kids. Keep reading to download a free mask template! This animal mask craft will develop your child’s creativity, encourage imaginative play, and nurture empathy. It’s hard to believe that such a simple activity can do all of that! Your little artist exercises… Continue reading Animal Masks – An Easy Craft for Kids

Pumpkin Marker Painting for Kids

You and your kids will fall in love with this low-mess, low-prep art activity! All you will need for this pumpkin painting is washable markers, a permanent marker, paper, and a brush. The technique used in this pumpkin painting is pure magic. Whenever I have used the “marker painting” technique in the classroom, the entire… Continue reading Pumpkin Marker Painting for Kids

Apple Prints with Kids

This autumn art project for kids is a beautiful way to introduce the mathematical concept of pattern. Do you remember printmaking with apples as a kid? I think the first time I printed with apples was when I was in kindergarten and had seen it on a tv show. As a kid, it was magical… Continue reading Apple Prints with Kids

Paper Bag Houses – An Easy Sculpture Project

These Paper Bag Houses are a quick, easy way to give children an experience with sculpture! There is something so magical about three-dimensional art activities. Children who are uninterested in two-dimensional art often times shine the brightest in clay and sculpture projects. If you are looking for a low-prep, low-mess sculpture project, these Paper Bag… Continue reading Paper Bag Houses – An Easy Sculpture Project

Taste-Safe Paint for Kids

This paint recipe for kids is taste-safe and uses 4 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! If I learned anything in the elementary classroom, it is that kids will put EVERYTHING in their mouths. Glue bottles. Markers. Rulers. Erasers. This paint recipe for kids is taste-safe and uses 4 ingredients that you probably… Continue reading Taste-Safe Paint for Kids

Recycled Plastic Color Lanterns

This recycled art project is not only a way to reuse a plastic container, but introduces and explores the concept of color mixing. This easy craft is not only a way to reuse a plastic container, but introduces children to the concept of color mixing. Kids will naturally explore color mixing as the tissue paper… Continue reading Recycled Plastic Color Lanterns

Learning About Shape: Free Set of Play Dough Task Cards for Kids

Your children will learn about shape and develop their fine motor skills with this easy art activity. Keep reading to download your free set of task cards! Do you remember playing with play dough as a kid? It’s an oldie but a goodie when it comes to early childhood and early elementary activities. When your… Continue reading Learning About Shape: Free Set of Play Dough Task Cards for Kids

Water Painting for Kids

This is the easiest art activity you will ever do with your kids. This easy art activity will equip your child with the skills to paint independently. It is literally the easiest art activity you will ever do with your kids. It’s low-prep, low-mess, and low-waste. And it will still develop your child’s motor skills,… Continue reading Water Painting for Kids

DIY Lego Building Box

Looking for a screen-free way to entertain your kids in the car, on a plane, or at a restaurant? Make your own travel-ready Lego Building Box! We recently went on a long road trip to attend a family wedding. Planning for this trip, I knew we needed my toddler son to be entertained for long… Continue reading DIY Lego Building Box

Homemade Chalk Paint – My Favorite Recipe!

This is my favorite chalk paint recipe for kids – and it uses 3 ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Enjoy! I have tried ALOT of chalk paint recipes in my lifetime and this one is my absolute favorite. One thing I adore about this chalk paint recipe in particular is how adjustable… Continue reading Homemade Chalk Paint – My Favorite Recipe!

Painting with Chlorophyll for Kids

Introduce children to the concept of photosynthesis with this fun, low-prep painting activity. All you’ll need for this easy art project is leaves, pen, and paper! Art projects are the perfect avenue for kids to question, explore, and discover the world around them. In this easy art project for kids, children will be introduced to… Continue reading Painting with Chlorophyll for Kids

Bug Fossil Craft for Kids

Use your child’s curiosity as fuel for learning with this easy craft! These fossils are simple to make and will lead to conversations about life long ago. Fossils are the remains or impressions of plants and animals that lived long ago. If a creature was quickly buried after it died, the sediment over its bones… Continue reading Bug Fossil Craft for Kids

Paper Plate Crown

Whether you create these crowns for a birthday party, holiday celebration, closure of a unit study, or something else entirely – this easy craft for kids is sure to be a hit! Celebrations and traditions have been scientifically shown to contribute to a sense of comfort, connection, and belonging. They are also a joyful way… Continue reading Paper Plate Crown

Cyanotype Inspired Paintings for Kids

Cyanotypes are blue prints made through a photographic printing process. Mimic these stunning prints with this easy, low-prep watercolor painting with your kids. Cyanotypes – aka blueprints – are made through a photographic printing process. Basically, a photosensitive solution is created by combining two chemicals and applying the mixture onto paper or cloth. The paper… Continue reading Cyanotype Inspired Paintings for Kids

Easy Printmaking Project for Kids: Fireworks Using Paper Rolls

This low prep, low cost art project is sure to become a favorite of your preschool or elementary child (and you!). All you need for this educational activity is paper rolls, scissors, paint, and paper. Your young child can create the most magical print of a firework display with the simplest of materials. We are… Continue reading Easy Printmaking Project for Kids: Fireworks Using Paper Rolls

Nature Weavings for Kids

Weaving art projects develop fine motor skills but are also a great pre-reading activity for young learners. Here is a simple, forest-school inspired take on weaving to try at home! Weaving art projects have a multitude of benefits for young children. Besides the obvious development of fine motor skills, weaving helps children understand the math… Continue reading Nature Weavings for Kids

Sand Castle Collage Art Project for Kids (using sandpaper!)

Your child will explore texture and practice constructing from deconstructed materials in this beach-themed collage project. All you need for this easy art activity is sandpaper, scissors, paper, and glue! There is so much learning that takes place during a collage project. Collage projects provide the opportunity for preschool and elementary students to practice construction… Continue reading Sand Castle Collage Art Project for Kids (using sandpaper!)

Paper Bag Nature Journal

Nature journals are a tool to help kids slow down and connect to their environment. Here is how you can make your very own using paper bags and string. It’s an easy craft for kids that will inspire a greater love for the outdoors! There are no rules when it comes to nature journals. Nature… Continue reading Paper Bag Nature Journal

Upcycled Tin Can Planter

Using recycled materials is not only good for the wallet but good for the earth. Your kids will love upcycling tin cans into these cute portrait planters.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I absolutely love modeling the conservation of natural resources by using recycled materials in art projects. It not only is a great way to reduce waste, but teaches… Continue reading Upcycled Tin Can Planter

Paper Roll Sculptures

Looking to teach your child about the art element of form without the usual mess of sculpture? This art project is a great way to recycle used paper rolls and give your child a hands-on construction experience. The art element of form is one of the most enjoyable art elements to teach tactile learners. There… Continue reading Paper Roll Sculptures

DIY Mud Paint

Make paint using an ingredient found right outside your front door – mud! This forest-school inspired art project is eco-friendly and can be used as a way to introduce your child to ancient art. In ancient times, paint was created by crushing rocks and minerals into a powder and mixing this powder with a liquid… Continue reading DIY Mud Paint

Travel Easel Craft for Kids

Warm weather means lots of hikes and trips to the park. Make these outings extra special by documenting your adventures through observational drawings on a portable easel! A century ago, drawing was a required course for all science majors. Yes. It was seen as an essential skill that scientists be able to communicate their findings… Continue reading Travel Easel Craft for Kids

Paper Roll Bouquet

This craft is an eco-friendly way to show appreciation to someone you love. Elementary and preschool children will be amazed at how recycled materials transform into a bouquet! Using recycled materials is not only good for the wallet but good for the earth. I absolutely love modeling the conservation of natural resources by making use… Continue reading Paper Roll Bouquet

Magnet Painting for Kids

Give children the opportunity to experience how magnets work with this delightful STEAM project In kindergarten and first grade, children start learning about the concept of magnetism when they cover “pushes” and “pulls” in science. This STEAM project is a simple way to provide children the opportunity to experience first-hand how magnets work. Supplies: A… Continue reading Magnet Painting for Kids

Nature Wands

This magical nature craft provides children the opportunity to engage in imaginative play and is a fun addition to outdoor play time. Imaginative play isn’t just fun and games. So much is going on beneath the surface! Benefits of imaginative, or fantasy play, includes preparing kids for the complexity of the real world, regulating their… Continue reading Nature Wands

Art Room Scavenger Hunt

Here’s a free printable scavenger hunt game to help build independence in your preschool or elementary child! For each of the 7+ years I spent teaching art in the public school system, I had my students complete a classroom scavenger hunt at the beginning of the school year. It was a way to not only… Continue reading Art Room Scavenger Hunt

Cloud Paintings for Kids

This easy art project inspired by Charles G. Shaw’s book It Looked Like Spilt Milk is the perfect first grade activity! One of the common struggles of any teacher is how fast time flies by. Doesn’t matter whether you are a classroom teacher or a homeschooling parent – it’s undoubtedly a challenge to cover all… Continue reading Cloud Paintings for Kids

Secret Message Egg Paintings

This painting for kids is low-prep and oh-so-magical. A perfect way to celebrate spring, this art project also serves as an introduction to the watercolor technique of wax resist. Supplies: A sheet of watercolor paper or thick drawing paper Crayon in a dark color of your choice (I recommend blue or black) A white crayon… Continue reading Secret Message Egg Paintings

Frozen Flower Cupcakes

Searching for a nature craft that celebrates the coming of spring while also appreciating winter? These frozen flower “cupcakes” are an easy, free activity to do with young children! The transition from winter to spring is an unpredictable one here in Minnesota. Mother Nature can be a bit of a practical joker, giving us a… Continue reading Frozen Flower Cupcakes

Clover Printmaking Project

The perfect Saint Patrick’s Day art project for kids – using recycled corks! Looking for an arts and crafts project to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with young children? This printmaking project is low-prep and a great way to recycle any old corks that you may have laying around. Supplies: Three corks Duct tape Thick drawing… Continue reading Clover Printmaking Project

Female Artist Posters

Self-affirmation has been scientifically shown to change who we are. Here is a set of posters to inspire positive thinking in you and your children! One of my favorite quotes ever is this one by J.K. Rowling : “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside… Continue reading Female Artist Posters

Cereal as a Math Manipulative

Bring counting to life with this free printable activity – using cereal as a math manipulative! Do you have a child who thrives when given tactile or visual learning experiences? Using manipulatives (aka real life objects) in math is a great way to engage your visual/experiential learners. Manipulatives build a bridge in a child’s developing… Continue reading Cereal as a Math Manipulative

Making Space for Creativity

Having trouble fitting art into your family routine? A consistent space to create may help you get in the rhythm! They say when you are trying to start a new exercise habit, the first thing you need to do is get into the habit of setting out your workout clothing in the same place every… Continue reading Making Space for Creativity

Kindness Paper Chain

An easy craft for kids that encourages kindness and community + a free printable challenge worksheet! Paper chains have been a favorite around here lately. We have been trying to find ways to use them outside of the classic count-down. Here’s our latest twist on the craft: The Kindness Paper Chain. Supplies: Colored paper Scissors… Continue reading Kindness Paper Chain

Dot Paintings for Kids

A less-mess painting project to teach your children about shape and negative space! This project would be a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day (hello, hearts!) or International Dot Day. Here’s how we did these negative shape paintings. Supplies: Sheet of drawing paper (I recommend 12”x18”) Square of construction paper Scissors Masking tape or painter’s… Continue reading Dot Paintings for Kids

Symmetrical Heart Paintings

An easy painting project for kids that teaches about the mathematical concept of symmetry! When art and math collide, the result is pure magic. This painting project is not only easy, but low-prep and provides the opportunity to teach the mathematical concept of symmetry to little ones. Supplies: Sheet of white drawing paper Scissors Pencil… Continue reading Symmetrical Heart Paintings

DIY Hygge Candle Holders

An easy craft for kids that uses a homemade oven-bake clay! The long, dark winter nights here in Minnesota have me craving all things cozy. Twinkle lights, hot cocoa, thick knitted sweaters, flickering candles… All things hygge. Hygge (derived from the Norwegian word for well-being) is embracing things that are warming and finding our well-being… Continue reading DIY Hygge Candle Holders

Making Time For Creativity

Finding it hard to fit art into your schedule? Morning work may be the answer you’re looking for! (+ a free coloring sheet) Starting the day feeling less rushed and stressed will impact the overall tone of your home. Morning work is a tool to help you achieve the calm, intentional start to your day… Continue reading Making Time For Creativity

Ice Suncatchers

This is a magical botanical winter craft to create at home with your child! These ice suncatchers are pure magic. One of my favorite things about art is how compatible it is with other subjects. Integrating art into other subjects increases student engagement, improves critical thinking skills, and prepares children for real life because it… Continue reading Ice Suncatchers

Winter Texture Scavenger Hunt

A free printable art game for kids! My son comes home from our walks with his pockets and hands stuffed with little treasures. There is just something so natural about wanting to connect with nature, isn’t there? And it really does make sense. After all, we belong in nature. We ARE nature. This printable scavenger… Continue reading Winter Texture Scavenger Hunt

Printmaking with Kids – Using Cardboard

Yep. All you’ll need for this easy elementary art project is cardboard and paint. This is hands-down the easiest printmaking project for kids. Don’t let the simplicity deceive you, though. There will be so much learning going on! Your child will be developing literacy as they use the art elements to represent objects, stories, or… Continue reading Printmaking with Kids – Using Cardboard

Make Your Own Oven Bake Clay

Using Ingredients You Probably Already Have In Your Kitchen! I love doing clay activities at home with kids. Play dough and clay projects are a great way to prepare little ones for the big task of writing by developing the little muscles in their hands. They also are an amazing way to grow cognitive flexibility… Continue reading Make Your Own Oven Bake Clay

DIY Coffee Paint

Use Your Old Coffee Grounds to Make Art Did you know that you can make your very own paint using old coffee grounds? Not only is it a great way to make use of something that otherwise ends up in the compost bin, but the paint has a gorgeous sepia quality. This the perfect morning… Continue reading DIY Coffee Paint

Dala Horse Craft

An Easy Cardboard Craft Inspired by the Iconic Swedish Horse Looking for a festive craft to make at home with the kids? This sweet little cardboard project is inspired by the iconic Swedish Dala Horse and uses supplies you probably already have on hand. Supplies: Horse template Cardboard or poster board Scissors Pencil Markers Directions:… Continue reading Dala Horse Craft

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