2.23.2011

Melty Crayons

This project started off as an attempt to do melted crayon wax suncatchers
like these:
waxing aesthetic
Stained glass hearts for Valentine's Day
Stained glass leaves and jack-o-lanterns

We have about a bajillion broken crayons because C likes to break them instead of draw with them
I have a small rotary grater that I thought would work for making crayon shavings
turns out, not so much.
So I decided to try melty crayon drawing
like these:
warming tray + wax = wonderful
Christmas paintings using watercolor resist
There are some tutorials that suggest using a warming tray so the paper is constantly warm but I don't have a warming tray so I did what The Artful Parent did and put the paper in the oven for a few minutes.
It worked beautifully
The crayons drew so smoothly with nice thick bold lines
C drew a heart for me and a heart for A
C quickly grew bored with drawing so I decided to try melted crayon painting
like this:
Friday Craft...painting with melted crayons
I would definitely do somethings differently when we do this again
like use muffin cups, keep the muffin tin in a hot water bath and not use paint brushes but maybe qtips or cotton balls...
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR UNDER 3s


I can tell C that mixing blue and yellow makes green until I'm blue in the face but she never really understands until she sees it herself. 
She was so proud and surprised when she made green




I was thrilled by the way the wax cooled and built layers upon layers
It reminds me of oil painting
I'm still debating trying watercolor resists on some of the paintings
it's a hard decision because I love them the way they are but watercolors might add an awesome pop.
Maybe next time...

2.20.2011

Art Outdoors

I love doing art outdoors.
Especially when the weather is gorgeous!
Great inspiration.
Fresh air.
No messes to clean up.
Need I say more?
This weekend I just grabbed a pad of paper and some random paint and brought it all outside for an impromptu art session. 
I wasn't expecting much, just some fun experimentation. 
And that's exactly what I got!
You can see I was trying to encourage some printing and stenciling on the other page.
C wasn't interested.

A little tasting is okay, it usually only happens once.

They soon realize it's not that great tasting.


Using a stick to draw designs in the paint.


Spraying water on the paint.

C wanted to paint the stick but didn't want to try painting with it.
I ended up smacking the stick on the paper myself and got pretty neat results.
Who says Mommas can't have fun too?

What kind of art do you like doing outdoors?


2.13.2011

The Many Faces Of The Art Studio

A friend of mine made a comment about the art studio the other day that made me chuckle and if you know me personally than you'll understand why. 
She said
"...it seems everytime you get that room done with one idea/project you decide to change it to something completely different!"
For those of you who don't know me, I'm about to show you exactly what she is talking about!

 The art studio was originally a playroom






 There is still lots of work to be done to make it the art studio I have envisioned in my head but I'm taking it one step at a time and it will be there before I know it!





2.10.2023

The Studio Is Coming Together!

Awesome news!
We have tables for our toddler art group!
We will be able to fit 8 kids around the tables, minus the two seen here that leaves 6 openings up for grabs!
It has been decided that art group will take place on
Wednesdays @6:30pm
starting
March 23, 2023
and running through
June 15, 2023
(that's 13 meetings)

There is still a lot to finish before then so stay tuned for further updates!

For more information contact me here or visit our facebook page!

2.09.2023

Tissue Paper Stained Glass Window

Cooped up inside with two small kids on a rainy day?! 

Desperate for ideas?!?

Try this tissue paper stained glass window! Inspired by this post at Filth Wizardry. This is perfect busy work with beautiful results. Use water soluble glue and it's easily taken down when you are ready to start all over again! Allows for light to come in while offering privacy at the same time.
I have decided that we will be repeating this project on all of the windows in my house (there are 10). Some we will do only the top sash others we will do the entire window. I can't wait to post them as we make them!

1.  Start with any boring old window
(this is my kitchen window)
I recommend cleaning the glass first


2.  Enlist the help of two (or more) small children to paste tissue paper squares on the window
(we used a mixture of water and Mod Podge to paste)


3.  Stop for nourishment and rest when needed

4.  Continue pasting until you have covered the area of your choice
(good luck stopping!)

5. Enjoy your beautiful results!
(ironically enough I wrote "hurry spring" and then it snowed)



Please, if you decide to do this project post your results! I would LOVE to see them!!!