Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

The Cutest Paper Puppet Projects to Give a Try

Image result for paper bag puppets art bar 

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
 

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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

Taking On Paper Mache in the SWEETEST possible Way

kids use paper mache to make ice cream sundaes ~ a wonderful, sensory, multi-step art experience 

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


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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

An Outdoor Activity that combines art and Nature

Set up an invitation to draw with a basket of drawing prompts, some paper, coloring markers, and a big old tree! A wonderful community project. 

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.
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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

All the Cool kids are making abstract art

How to make layered abstract paintings with kids using warm and cool colors and a little collage. 

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.




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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

What Do you Do with Water Soluble Wax Pastels?

Children and teens paint leaves with water soluble crayons. 


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.


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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

Super fun way to play with Wire - 3D Art project for kids

Kids make wreaths and crowns from cupcake liners, beads, and wire. 


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
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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

How About Making Puffy Paper Hearts

strengthening small motor skills while making beautiful art! 


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

 
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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

Patchworks Houses and conversations about Community



Patchwork houses inspired by Art Bar Blog, from @artseeds.ie
 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.



Kids make patchwork houses with collage at a birthday party. 

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)
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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

Self Portraits make me giddy

Mini Self-Portraits by preschoolers. 

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
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Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director

Crafternoons for Kids and Adults: Egg Carton Owls

Image result for egg carton portraits art bar


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 :)


Want to find more fun projects like this one? 












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