Newspaper art from yesterday’s news

newspaper art
As part of our Kids Art Explorers project this month we are trying out different places to create art. Instead of so often starting out with a small piece of white paper we’re trying out different surfaces. Last week we used a big, flat cardboard box to make an imaginary land. This time we’re using newspaper and turning yesterday’s news into today’s art.

Newspaper art Read more »

Cardboard box play: make an imaginary land

cardboard box play
Never mind the contents, empty cardboard boxes are such treasures. My daughters have been know to ‘reserve’ cardboard boxes as they arrive, especially if they are extra big or unusual shapes. This weekend there were no squabbles as the packaging for two fold-up camping tables provided them each with a big cardboard boxes they could create with.

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Air drying clay models: let’s go camping!

Air drying clay models
One of the ideas we had for our Screen-Free Week was to have a rummage around on our craft shelves to see if there were any long-lost art materials that we might like to try. We struck gold with two packs of air drying clay that Father Christmas had brought in the girls’ stockings and which had been put away in a post-Christmas tidy up and forgotten about.

Modelling with air drying clay

Have you used air drying clay before? It’s not too messy and quite easy for young children to use – my 5-year-old had no problem manipulating the clay into the shapes she wanted. The girls had wooden skewers and scissors to use to cut and make marks with but mostly just used their hands. The clay warms to the touch and is a great work out for fine motor skills. Read more »

Kids Art Explorers: a new challenge

kids art ideas
{Kids Art Explorers:} This year we are undertaking lots of different art experiments. We’re exploring materials, techniques and styles and seeing where our creativity takes us. We’re celebrating the process of art: trying new things, having a go, being daring, making mistakes. We’re interested in how things turn out but much more focused on the fun we have along the way. Want to join us?

Kids Art Explorers Project Four: Paper Free Art

Last month’s No Paintbrushes Allowed project was a big hit with the kids here. We tried drinking straw art and set up an alternative paint station. And lots of you joined in, helping to build a collection of ideas to give a whole year’s worth of kids painting ideas that encourage exploration of different materials.

Are you ready for a new project?

Most of the time I see children being invited to paint or draw they’re offered a piece of white paper, usually A4 or A3 in size. In our house, at preschool, at creche, at school this is what’s usually on offer. And there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s wonderful that the children are given the opportunity to draw. But you know, the Kids Art Explorers like to mix things up a little! So this month’s project is this : Read more »

Shadow puppets

shadow puppets
Remember the indoor meadow we grew as one of our Earth Day activities? This week it has become the indoor / outdoor stage for a theatre production using shadow puppets.

Home made puppets are some of the most played with toys in our house, lending themselves time and time again to all sorts of adventures. The children play with puppets so often I think because it lets them be the master of a small universe and really stretch their imaginations as they tell their tales. Puppets are also a wonderful way for children to work out real-life relationships and develop their language – and so much fun to make! Here’s how the girls made their shadow puppets this week, with links to some of the other puppet ideas in our archives.

How to make shadow puppets Read more »

52 kids painting ideas: a year’s worth of creativity

kids art

This month the Kids Art Explorers have been enjoying a No Paint Brushes Allowed project. Creativity is encouraged when you set aside your everyday materials and try something different.

The Kids Art Explorers celebrate the process of art: trying new things, having a go, being daring, making mistakes. We’re interested in how things turn out but much more focused on the fun we have along the way. Here’s a whole year’s worth of ideas for the fun you could have if you tried painting with something other than a paint brush. Read more »

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