Conduct experiments with a variety of art materials and create take-aways to use as an act of kindness in this series for kids in 3rd-5th grade.
This class if free, including a Class Kit that can be picked up at the Library. Generously sponsored by Matt’s Makerspace.
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 !
* 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.
School is out for our local schools so the Mt. Lebanon Public Library invited me to teach a program for grades 3 – 5. This program was 100% free for participants through Matt’s Maker Space. I created ArtLab so students could explore multiple printmaking/transfer methods in a short period of time. We discussed the scientific method and tested our theories throughout our class.
Groups rotated through three stations; watercolor experiments, marker transfers and shaving cream paper marbling. Groups spent about 10 minutes making in each space, completing one or two experiments each.
In watercolor, students tested solvency and fluid paths. Our tools were Dick Blick Liquid watercolor, brushes, spray bottles, water droppers, and oil pastels.
In marker transfers, students drew an abstract design with markers on aluminum foil. When the drawing was complete, they spritzed the foil with water and smoothed watercolor paper on top.
In paper marbling, students spread a layer of shaving cream on boards and used eye droppers to apply liquid watercolor. Using a popsicle stick, students connected the color droplets with varied lines. After placing watercolor paper on top, students squeegeed the shaving cream from the paper, revealing its design.
After a quick clean-up, I demoed radial designs and students created relief blocks with 2″ styrofoam plates. We printed with black block ink on colorful paper, which became the covers for their bound experiments.
I love mixing art and science in my lessons. So many tenants cross these disciplines and both cultivate inquiry, curiosity, exploration and confidence in learners of all levels.
I’ll be back at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library later this month for an adult watercolor class and early next month for an adult/child class for ages 2 – 5.
