The Cutest Paper Puppet Projects to Give a Try

These are the cutest little projects that scream "happy" and "joy Joy" - which one will you start with first?
Supplies needed for the paper bag puppets:
- paper lunch bag
- acrylic paint (color of your choice)
- colored cardstock paper
- scrapbook scissors (optional)
- markers
- circle punches (optional-we used a 3-inch, 2-inch, 1 1/2-inch and 1-inch)
- scissors
- glue
CLICK HERE for full instructions
Taking On Paper Mache in the SWEETEST possible Way

I was searching for a fun way to really engage my students with a 3D project. As a kid I loved paper mache! My classes are only 30 minutes long and I have limited storage space so I need an idea that was pretty compact and could be completed fairly quickly. And look what I found!
CLICK HERE for full instructions
An Outdoor Activity that combines art and Nature

Did you know that there is a really fun way for kids to be creative and bond with nature? Yes it's true. Your beautiful tree can be transformed with an invitation to art walk the afternoon away. Here's how to get started:
Supply list:
~ Index cards, or cut paper into small rectangles
~ Some string to tie onto the index cards
~ Handwritten or printed drawing prompts
~ Two small containers, one for the notecards and one for the prompts
CLICK HERE for details on how to create this organic masterpiece.
The Time Comes When you Need a Quick Cubist Project for Elementary Kids
A little bit of a fun twist on our art friend Pablo Picasso. Have fun with this fun exploration of cubism.
Materials:
copy paper
black sharpie
Marker/crayons/colored pencils (you choose)
CLICK HERE for full instructions
All the Cool kids are making abstract art

So... this is abstract painting 3.0 with all the beautiful colors and vibrant patterns. This is an invitation to play in color mixing and sparkle of inspiration.
What you need to begin:
~ Heavyweight watercolor paper or drawing paper (we love to paint with tempera and acrylic on heavy 200# watercolor paper, but it’s easier to find 140#)
~ An assortment of tempera paint colors (we literally never use paint straight from the jar without mixing lots of beautiful shades)
~ Paint Brushes
~ An assortment of painted papers or sticker paper (instructions to follow)
CLICK HERE for the instructions.
What Do you Do with Water Soluble Wax Pastels?

Can you believe these are created with water soluble crayons? I bet coloring leaves could be a beautiful meditative process. Pick up some water soluble crayons and give these a try.
Super fun way to play with Wire - 3D Art project for kids

This project is one of my favorites and the results are amazing! It gives each person in your group the opportunity to really shine with their individual preferences.
Supplies for Cupcake Liner Wreaths:
~ Craft wire~ Cupcake liners (I also buy the mini ones)
~ Hole punch
~ Pony beads
~ Wooden beads
~ Buttons
~ Straws (IKEA has good ones, or Amazon)
~ Felt pieces, paper scraps, any small bit you can punch a hole in
~ Yarn (optional for pom-poms)
~ Pom-pom makers or make your own with cardboard
CLICK HERE for the step by step details
How About Making Puffy Paper Hearts

My teenager (yes the one who inspired Josey's Art school is now 14!) decided that we should create a Galentines Day party for her and 3 other friends. I adore the idea of celebrating friendship!
So this is one of the ideas on the agenda: puffy paper hearts - cute, right?
Pretty easy project to pull together and a great way to decorate for the party as well.
Check out the tutorial over here
Patchworks Houses and conversations about Community

photo credit
Whether we are studying shapes or community helpers, the little never grow tired of talking about the place they call home. Talking together and making decision in their art projects about what details they would like to be a part of their conversations is always super interesting.
Over on this site, I have found a beautiful for you to create with your family or with a group of friends who want something fun and creative to pass the time.

a peek at a potential set up: photo credit
Some materials to gather (links support Art Bar website)
Supply list:
~ Cardboard
~ Fabric scraps (or just cut up paper: old art, newspaper, colored paper, etc.)
~ Buttons (or any other collage bits and pieces)
Self Portraits make me giddy

One of my favorite projects to see on Instagram is the self portrait. These little peeks into the mind and hearts of the littles is such a hopeful burst of energy to my spirit. One of my favorite tutorials on how to help facilitate a project like this one is from over on this site.
The key is to give the students a simple template for them to create within. Some of the fascinating research done on this exercise includes insight to the size of eyes, ears and other details.
Make sure to go and check out the discoveries: CLICK HERE
Crafternoons for Kids and Adults: Egg Carton Owls

I don't of a better way to kick start our crafternoon series than with these incredible Egg Carton Owls! I mean, you don't need to be a kid to enjoy this delightful project. Grab some girlfriends, add some coffee (or wine) and enjoy the fun!
All you need: egg cartons, scissors, glue & paint or markers
1. Cut off the base of the carton & cut as shown
2. Cut wings from the side 3. Cut feet from the top
4. Glue the two pieces together
5. Stick on buttons for eyes
6. Colour & decorate your owl :)
1. Cut off the base of the carton & cut as shown
2. Cut wings from the side 3. Cut feet from the top
4. Glue the two pieces together
5. Stick on buttons for eyes
6. Colour & decorate your owl :)
Want to find more fun projects like this one?