Join me in Zoom to explore methods in watercolor painting. We’ll experiment with mixing mediums and application while creating vibrant and diverse artworks
I’m partnering with Mt. Lebanon Public Library again this month to offer Free Halloween themed programs for kids!
Create a pumpkin patch, making each unique with magical reactions
-heavy white cardstock or watercolor paper
-water cup
-paintbrush
-paper towels
-watercolors and/of food dye diluted with water
-drinking straw or eye dropper
-about 1 tbsp baking soda in a cup
-about 1 tbsp table salt in cup
-about 1/4 cup white vinegar in a cup
-washable markers
-aluminum foil
-plastic bubble wrap
-a damp paper towel
-black sharpie marker
-pencil
-scissors
-colored construction paper at least 8.5×11”
-glue stick, Elmer’s School Glue or adhesive squares
Design and construct the head of a dragon using drawing and collage methods
-white drawing, watercolor or cardstock paper
-black sharpie marker
-pencil
-washable markers
-paint brush
-water cup
-paper towels
-empty cereal box cut flat
-aluminum foil
-bubble wrap and/or other plastic texture pieces like scraps of plastic fencing
-glue stick
-scissors
-optional: additional embellishments like sequins, glitter, glitter glue, paper scraps
Create a castle or other magical structure using recycled materials.
Mt. Lebanon Public Library has invited me back to create two programs for grades 3-5 based on the Summer Reading theme of ‘Imagine Your Story.’ Matt’s Maker Space has sponsored these programs so that they can be FREE for participants!
Castles Prints and Structures | Friday, August 7 @ 3:00pm on ZOOM | Register
Materials:
Recycled cardboard tubes, corrugated boxes, cardboard egg containers, and food boxes like pasta and cereal
Masking tape
Scissors
Glue stick or liquid school glue
A variety of scrap paper, liquid paint or paint sticks
Styrofoam plates or trays
Pencil
White paper
Washable markers
Paint brush
Water container
Paper towels
Unicorn Weave | view here
Materials:
Watercolor paper or heavy cardstock
Watercolor paint (or food dye and water or washable markers)
Paint brush
Scissors
Cereal box
Glue stick
Ballpoint pen
String, yarn or cut up plastic bags or material
Stick
Optional:
Glitter!
The Mt. Lebanon Public Library has invited me back to present virtual projects for K-2 students presented by Matt’s Maker Space!
Check out my how to create a Decorative Shield video here
Required Materials:
Cereal box
Corrugated cardboard, foam stickers, styrofoam plate, modeling clay or model magic
Aluminum foil
Glue stick
Black paint or black oil pastel
Masking tape
Optional-
Paint sticks or sharpie markers
Gems or sequins
Virtual ArtLab Zoom Class | Friday, July 30 | 3-4pm | Register
Required Materials:
Watercolor paper or thick cardstock
Watercolor paints
Paint brush
Table salt
Spray bottle
Oil pastel or crayons
Aluminum Foil
Washable markers
Water container
Paper towels
Scissors
School glue and/or glue stick
8.5 x 11 or larger colored paper or cardboard
Optional-
Magazines
Google eyes
Keep an eye out for 3rd – 5th grade programming in August!
Our second virtual Mini Makers, presented by Mt. Lebanon Public Library, will be a live Zoom class! I will post a short video with tutorials in the next week so check back.
Required materials are listed below:
Puffy Paint Monsters
-washable markers
-aluminum foil
-spray bottle or damp paper towel
-watercolor paper or white cardstock
-shaving cream
-Elmer’s School Glue
-container for mixing
-spoon or popsicle stick for mixing
-spoon or paintbrush
-googly eyes, eyes drawn with Sharpie Marker or cut from magazines
-optional : glitter or sequence, yarn, tissue paper
Fairy scene
-Magazines (Home and Garden types are the best)
-Scissors
-Glue Stick
Watch my first Mini Makers Virtual Lesson on my YouTube channel here
If you want to create with me, check out the material lists per activity:
Bubbling Brew:
White distilled vinegar
Baking soda
Food coloring or liquid watercolor
Eye droppers (pipettes) or turkey baster
Shallow dish
Glass or plastic cups or an ice cube tray
Color Concoctions:
Clear glass or plastic containers
Water
Food coloring or liquid watercolor
Eye droppers (pipettes) or turkey baster
Shallow tray, plate or bin
Optional:
Water Beads
Glitter
Beads
Small plastic animals
Flower petals
Magic Flower Crown:
Washable Magic Markers
Coffee Filters
Paper Towels
Spray bottle
Water
Shallow Trays, plates or plastic table covering
A strip of card stock, cereal box or other heavy weight paper
Hole punch
Masking, packing, duct or aluminum foil tape
Scissors
Ribbon at least 1/2 inch wide
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and check back for additional videos!
Sketch books and Visual Diaries: Documenting Experiences and Drawing from Observation | July 8 | 3:00pm-4:30pm | Register
Begin a daily habit of creating and documenting your feelings, experiences and environment with art journaling. Learn to draw from observation and combine doodling, text and multiple drawing methods to create interesting and intimate artwork. Play around with what you have on hand and engage with members of your community for support and inspiration.
Creating a Successful Artwork: Focal Point and Building Interest | July 15 | 3:00pm-4:30pm | Register
Playing with Materials: How to Use What You Have | July 22 | 3:00pm-4:30pm | Register
En Plein Air: Take Your Tablet Outdoors | July 29 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm |Register
Recommended materials: oil or chalk pastels and/or watercolor paints, pencil, paper or sketchbook, clipboard or easel, cardboard with clip or masking tape
Don’t forget to check out the summer children’s programs here !
Mini Makers and Art Lab for Mt. Lebanon Public Library has gone digital! Join me through prerecorded videos and live Zoom Chats throughout the summer as we play and create based on the Summer Reading Theme “Imagine Your Story”
First up …
Mini Makers for ages 2 – 5 will be available June 3 at 3:00 pm … I will post the link to my brand new YouTube station at that time. I’ll introduce two sensory explorations and one art project
Learn Live in our Mini Maker Zoom session on June 10 at 3:00 pm | Join
I will update this list as content grows!
* NEW PROGRAM ALERT! * Join me this March for a free adult art program @ Mt. Lebanon Public Library
Drawing with Charcoal | 3 Mondays | March 9, 16, 23, 10am-12pm
Charcoal is a versatile material with the ability to create amazing three dimensional effects and detail. Learn to maximize the properties of the medium, practice with the corresponding materials and create multiple unique artworks.
Play Town Creators @ Play Town Square, Mt. Lebanon PA
Little Learners Series, Ages 1 – 5 (Pre-Kindergarten)
September 25 – November 13, 8:45am – 9:30am
Let the littles take the lead while young children and their grown-ups work side by side to explore the natural world through art. Paint, print and collage flowers and seasonal landscapes and take home display ready artworks. Build confidence and develop skills like problem solving in your early learner as we introduce concepts like color mixing and shape recognition.
Elementary Learners, Ages 5 and older
September 25 – November 13, 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Kids starting at the age of five can come to us after school to explore fine art processes like printmaking and sculpting. We’ll examine artists past and present that look outdoors for inspiration and utilize experimentation, problem solving, and the elements of art to create unique artworks of our own.
Studio Make, McMurray PA
The Art Connection (Grade 6) @ Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh PA
October 5 – November 7, Morning or Afternoon
The Art Connection is Pittsburgh’s premiere art program for students in grades 5–9. Led by local teaching artists, students learn drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, culminating with a student exhibition at Carnegie Museum of Art. The Art Connection combines big ideas and practical know-how to prepare young people for a world of visual information and creative problem-solving.
Witches and Warlocks! @ Mt. Lebanon Public Library
October 11, 1pm – 2pm
Design a visual spell book by mixing potions and experimenting with chemical reactions. Sculpt a creepy creature into the cover of your book to protect its magical contents. For kids in 3rd – 5th grade. This program is generously funded by Matt’s Maker Space. Registration starts September 20.
Spooky Family Maker Time @ Mt. Lebanon Public Library
October 20, 2pm – 3pm
Gear up for the spookiest holiday by creating creepy sculptures and kooky experiments with the whole family. For grades K-5 with family. This program is generously funded by Matt’s Maker Space. Registration starts September 20.
