MRS. PORTER’S RECIPE FOR ALTERED FILE FOLDERS. Ingredients: leftovers from other projects + a dash of whimsy.

BELL’ARTE classes are underway! A proud second grade artist, In-the-style-of Albrecht Durer, “The Hare”, shown above. Nine young students sketched and colored and played shape games. First, they sketched a bird from my family room mural. Then they drew a … Continue reading →

CAPTURING FALL COLORS! One of life’s simple pleasures—making prints with fruit and vegetable stamps. Recycle paper and paper bags by stamping and creating notecards, wrapping paper, gift bags, etc. Caution: this project is addictive! My husband wondered what I was … Continue reading →

Painting in thestyle of Van Gogh!IMPASTO recipe: 1/2 C. medium thick tempera paint + 1 Tbsp. white detergent powder (or cornstarch, white flour, etc.). Thin with water or add more powder to thicken. Scoop dollops of paint onto sytrofoam grocery … Continue reading →

MONDAY MONTAGE. Why are young children so attracted to the paintings of Van Gogh? The appeal of cheery sunflowers seems to resonate with everyone. The lure of Van Gogh’s intense palette, combined with the harmony of his compositions and the … Continue reading →

Extreme Building Blocks, Part 2: Middle Schoolers accept the challenge and get super creative!