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DIY Eco-Friendly Holiday Décor: Cardboard Winter Villages and Giant Paper Bag Snowflakes
Looking for festive, budget-friendly holiday décor ideas? This season, skip the store-bought decorations and try making your own with materials you likely already have at home. These eco-friendly crafts are not only beautiful but also fun for the entire family to create together! In this blog, I’ll show you how to turn cardboard and brown paper bags into adorable winter villages and stunning giant snowflakes. Back story: Picture this, it's the year of 2020 and you are an art teacher attempting to teach art during a global pandemic to kids who are either: a. quarantined at home while the rest of their classmates are in school, or b. an entire class of children who are remote learning from home and having to use only supplies that are accessible to them at their house. Sounds kind of like a nightmare huh? Nope! Just another day as a teacher during the Covid 19 Pandemic. *shutters at the memories* All jokes aside, even though teaching through the pandemic was one of the most difficult times I've experienced throughout my career, it also was filled with many silver linings. One of them was forcing myself to think creatively about how I could still provide quality instruction to my students despite the circumstances. One of the fun routes I decided to go was to have a focus on using eco friendly materials and upcycling everyday materials to create art with. One of the supplies we used most often was cardboard! So around the holidays I decided to have my students create gingerbread homes out of cardboard and white paint or paint pens, and it was so much fun! I also forced myself to start making Youtube videos that my students could access at their leisure when making these projects from home. Anyways, it was a wild time but I came out of it with lots of fun lessons and ideas to continue to share! So let's get into them, shall we? 1. Cardboard Winter Village Transform everyday cardboard into a cozy holiday display with this upcycled winter village project. Whether you’re making a quaint snowy town or whimsical gingerbread houses, this craft is a perfect family activity. Materials Needed Cardboard (think cereal boxes, shipping boxes, or leftover packaging) Scissors Glue Markers or paint Optional embellishments: buttons, fabric scraps, cotton balls, glitter Step-by-Step Instructions Cut House Shapes: Use scissors to cut out house shapes from the cardboard. Vary the sizes for a charming village vibe—tall houses, cottages, or even a shop or church! Decorate: Let your creativity shine! Draw or paint doors, windows, and roof tiles. Add festive touches like wreaths or string lights using your markers or paints. You can use my Winter Village Drawing Guide for inspo! Embellish: For an extra cozy feel, glue on buttons for doorknobs, fabric scraps for curtains, and cotton balls for snow. Display: Arrange your village on a mantle, windowsill, or as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Tip: Encourage each family member to decorate their own house, adding their unique style to the village. Additionally, you can make these winter homes in all sizes! I loved making a giant house with my adapted art class, made from my paper storage cardboard! You can learn more about that full project on my blog 5 Amazing Winter Art Projects for Adapted Art. 2. Giant Paper Bag Snowflakes If you’re looking for a show-stopping decoration, giant paper bag snowflakes are the way to go. These are easy to make, eco-friendly, and bring a magical touch to any room. Materials Needed 7 paper lunch bags (brown or white) Glue bottle or hot glue (preferred) Scissors Ribbon/ String for hanging Step-by-Step Instructions Glue the Bags: Apply glue in an inverted “T” shape (across the bottom edge and up the middle) and stack the bags together. Repeat until all bags are glued. Cut Designs: Once the glue dries, cut patterns along the edges of the stack—triangles, semicircles, or zigzags work great. Fan the Stack: Carefully fan the stack open and glue the two ends together to form a snowflake shape. Hang and Display: Attach a string to your snowflake and hang it in a window, from the ceiling, or as part of a photo backdrop. These snowflakes look stunning in clusters of different sizes or colors and you can even paint them after the holiday season and turn them into flowers! You can find a video tutorial from me here! DIY Gingerbread House Gift Bags Turn ordinary brown paper bags into charming gingerbread house-themed gift bags. These personalized bags are perfect for wrapping small presents or treats and add a whimsical holiday touch to your gift-giving. Materials Needed Brown paper lunch bags White paint pen or white acrylic paint with a small brush Ribbon or twine Small gift tags (optional: cut from colorful cardstock) Scissors (optional for trimming) Treats, gifts, or holiday goodies to fill the bag Step-by-Step Instructions Prepare the Bag: Start with a flat brown paper bag. Fold down the top edge if you want a shorter bag. Draw the House Details: Use a white paint pen or white tempera paint and a thin paint brush to draw details like windows, doors, rooflines, and holiday elements (e.g., wreaths, snowflakes, or swirls). Get creative! Each bag can have its own design, from modern houses to cozy cottages. Add Embellishments (Optional): Punch a hole at the top of the bag and thread ribbon or twine through to secure it once the gift is inside. Attach a gift tag for a personalized touch, adding the recipient's name. Fill and Finish Add gifts into bag with small amount of paper filler, Fold in the sides, thread your yarn or ribbon through holes, and tie in the front.
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8 Engaging Halloween and Fall Art Projects for Children
Looking for fun and engaging fall art projects? Check out these 8 creative ideas perfect for both art teachers and parents! From interactive haunted houses to cozy autumn drawings, these projects will inspire kids to embrace the fall and Halloween spirit while learning new art techniques
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There's a Ghost in This House Art Project
Discover a fun and sustainable Halloween art project perfect for classrooms and homes! Inspired by Oliver Jeffers’ book “There’s a Ghost in This House” and the viral “Thrifted Ghost Paintings” trend, this easy DIY lesson teaches students how to upcycle old book pages and frames into spooky, creative art. Perfect for art teachers and seasonal arts and crafts activities, this project brings imagination and sustainability together for a festive classroom experience.
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Pop Art Apples: A Warhol-Inspired Printmaking Project 🍎
Bring the vibrant world of pop art into your home or classroom with a fun and easy project that celebrates fall, creativity, and a local Pittsburgh legend—Andy Warhol!
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5 Exciting Fireworks Art Projects for Kids: Fun and Easy Techniques
Discover five creative ways to make fireworks art with your students! This blog covers wax resist, DIY scratchboard, fluorescent paint on black paper, foil marker print, and raised salt painting techniques. Perfect for art educators looking to inspire creativity in the classroom.
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Fireworks Salt Painting for the 4th of July
Learn how to create a raised salt fireworks painting in this fun and educational art project perfect for all ages. This step-by-step guide covers materials, instructions, and tips to help you create a dazzling fireworks display using simple art supplies. Enhance your classroom art activities with this engaging and creative project.
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Foil Marker Printing Rainbow Art Project Perfect for St. Patrick's Day
Are you ready to create a fun, easy and gorgeous art project for St. Patrick's Day? Well then look no further than foil marker printing! In this blog you will learn how to do this project with step by step photos and even a free St. Patrick's Day Drawing guide! The best part about this project? Most of the supplies you already have at home!
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How to Make Shaving Cream Marbled Paper Valentines
Let's make a fun and easy marbled paper valentine! Perfect for artists of all ages using only shaving cream and liquid watercolor- anyone can do it!
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Winter Wonderland: 7 Family-Friendly Events at Carnegie Museum of Art
As the chill of winter sets in, there's no better time to warm your heart with family-friendly festivities at the Carnegie Museum of Art. As a family, we absolutely love Carnegie museum of art! So to learn that there are so many family-friendly programs and events happening this winter makes our holiday season extra special! From captivating exhibitions to hands-on workshops, the museum is ready to embrace the season with open arms. Here are seven delightful events & programs at Carnegie Museum of Art that promise to make your winter memorable. Winter Exhibition Celebration (December 14, 6–8 p.m.) Kick off the winter season with a festive bang! On December 14, the museum invites you to a Winter Exhibition Celebration. Enjoy free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. and revel in a night filled with music, community, and conversation. Explore the latest exhibitions, including Unsettling Matter, Gaining Ground, Amie Siegel: Panorama, Pittsburgh Satellite Reef, The Milton and Sheila Fine Collection and warm up in the Hall of Sculpture with a special roundtable toast and a musical call and response. It's an evening the whole family can enjoy! Click here to learn more! Sounds for the Season Live Musical Performances (Dec. 9, Dec. 23, 2023, Jan. 13, Jan. 27, 2024): Delight in the sounds of the season in the Hall of Architecture among the Carnegie Trees with live musical performances by friends of Carnegie Museum of Art! Gather the family for one or all performances and enjoy a diverse range of music celebrating the cultural traditions of the season. Talented musicians and performers, including River City Brass Band, Camerata 33, Renaissance City Choir, and Taktouka Band, will grace the stage. These enchanting performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Dec. 23, 2023, as well as Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. Best of all, no registration is required, and the performances are free with museum admission. Immerse yourself in the harmonious spirit of the holidays amidst the beauty of the Carnegie Trees! Click here to learn more! Carnegie Trees (Nov. 18, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024) Step into a winter wonderland in the Hall of Architecture with the annual Carnegie Trees installation. Admire towering Fraser fir trees adorned with festive baubles, celebrating the theme "Wintry Days & Frosty Nights." Since 1961, this signature event has marked the beginning of Pittsburgh's holiday season. Don't miss the chance to be enchanted by this dazzling display! Click here to learn more about these gorgeous trees! Day Off at the Museum (Nov. 27, Dec. 28, 29, 2023, Jan. 15, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) Keep the kids entertained during their days off from school with "Day Off at the Museum." Young artists aged 6 through 10 can explore the galleries for inspiration and engage in hands-on art-making. From painting to sculpting, the museum provides a creative space for kids to express themselves and learn new techniques. Register now for a day of artistic exploration! Click the link here to learn more! Make a Gift of Art Workshops (Dec. 7, 6–8 p.m.; Dec. 17, 2–4 p.m.) Join local artists for special gift-making workshops at the museum. Create unique, handmade artworks under the guidance of Pittsburgh artists Laurie Trok and Marcè Nixon-Washington. With all supplies included, participants will craft personalized gifts that are perfect for the holiday season. Please be sure to register in advance for these engaging and festive workshops (click here to learn more). Neapolitan Presepio and Art Chats (Nov. 18 – Jan. 7, 2024) Dive into a centuries-old tradition with the Neapolitan presepio. Witness an elaborate nativity scene featuring miniature figures that recreate 18th-century life in Naples. Join Art Chats on Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 2–24 (10:30–11:30 a.m.) to learn more about this captivating display. It's a perfect opportunity for the family to explore the rich history and artistry on display. To learn more about Art Chats, click here. Holiday Shopping at the Museum Gift Shop Of course, we can't forget to explore the treasure trove of the museum's incredible gift shop! Whether you're searching for unique gifts, holiday ornaments, or art-inspired keepsakes, the Carnegie Museum of Art Store and Custom Prints Store have you covered. Be sure to take advantage of special promotions both in-store and online, offering a wide selection of thoughtful and artistic gifts for everyone on your list. You can support the museum while finding the perfect holiday treasures to spread joy among family and friends. Our current favorites in the gift shop are the new line of merch ( I love my white crewneck!) We can't get enough of the new soft and cozy apparel that showcase the new branding and bright colors of the Carnegie Museum of Art. To check out the merchandise, click here! This winter be sure to create lasting memories with your loved ones at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Whether you're exploring the Neapolitan presepio, marveling at the Carnegie Trees, or getting hands-on with art-making, there's something for every member of the family. There's no better way to embrace the warmth of the season by making the most of these family-friendly events. Visit carnegieart.org to register and learn more about the exciting winter lineup! I hope you and your family enjoy the Carnegie Museum of Art as much as we do! Cheers!
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Window Painting 101: How to Paint Festive Windows at School or Home
One of my favorite ways to spread holiday cheer throughout my school community has been to paint the windows. Painting the windows in your classroom, front office, library, wherever is such an amazing way to make a BIG impact with just a little time and paint. This is also a fun way to involve your students in a community based art project (if the imagery is simple enough!) Today I want to share all I know about window painting, share my process, as well as answer some of the questions I have received over the years when it comes to painting windows. So let's go! How to Paint Windows for the Holidays: In this blog, we'll guide you through the creative process of painting your windows, adding a personalized touch to your surroundings that captures the magic of the holidays. Gather Your Supplies: Before diving into your holiday masterpiece, gather the necessary supplies. You can honestly use many different times of paint/ markers to decorate the windows. I prefer to use tempera paint as it just washed right off! I love Crayola Premier paint. However, you can also use water based acrylic paint, paint pens, or chalk markers! Choose a color palette that perhaps compliments the surrounding area/ decor, or you can keep is classic and simple and just use all white! Sketch/ Gather Inspiration For Your Design: Start by sketching your design on paper to visualize how it will look on your windows. It would be just something real quick to help you with layout, and then you can reference other imagery while you work. You could consider more classic holiday imagery like snowflakes, ornaments, or festive landscape. You could also choose to paint some of the iconic holiday characters around this time of year- I have loved painting My favorite imagery has been painting a winter village. It's festive yet not specifically Christmas. I recently painted the windows at my local library and opted to paint a woodland creatures winter scene, as they had expressed they would like the leave the windows up throughout the winter, not just December. Here is a step by step tutorial for painting your own winter burrow scene from a recent blog post. You can find a link to my drawing guide for winter village drawing guide here, as well as my woodland creatures guide here. Prepare the Windows: If your windows are notably dirty, it would probably be a good idea to clean them before painting! You also might want to lay down a drop cloth, or just a poster board along the window ledge to catch any paint drips. Get Painting: With your design in mind and your windows prepped, it's time to bring your vision to life. If you want to begin with the end in mind- and would like to use a scraper to take the window paint off, you can add a pump or two of dishsoap to the paint for easy clean up! Now, just keep in mind, the more soap you add, the thinner/ more diluted your tempera paint will be. If you would like paint that is more opaque, then just use the tempera paint as it is. Gather a mixture of brushes to vary line thickness. I like having a few brushes of each size/ shape. I mostly end up using flat brushes to paint windows. I use large + medium flat brushes for painting in larger areas, and medium + smaller round brushes for smaller details. Once you get painting you will discover what brushes work best for you! * A few other things to note about the painting process: * If you are planning on making your windows visible from both sides of the window, you need to consider your process. If you use only one color (like the white for the winter village) you will be fine! Everything will be drawn in a monoline and perfect from all sides of the window. However, if you are painting a character or scene with more colors and wish to have a black outline, you will need to start with the black outline of your scene first. Typically when we paint, we block in shapes first and then add the black details on top so they are visible- but if you would like your windows to be viewed on both sides, you will need to: 1. Paint the black outline first. 2. Paint in the colors of the shapes as if you are working on a coloring book page. Meaning- do not paint over the black outlines, as this will move/ smudge the black paint and mix it into your colors. Only paint in the negative spaces in and around the black outline.Then, once evetything is painted in, you can add a bit more black on top to clean up/ darken your black outlines. Just be sure to wait for the paint to dry so it doesn't move/ you don't pick the paint back up. If you are going to blend colors, you will need to blend as you paint, and while the paint is wet! Once you let tempera paint dry on the window, if you try to paint over it, it will be darker, look splotchy and not look as clean as if it were all painted in one layer. Try to avoid layering as much as possible on windows, unless you are using acrylic paint and don't plan on making your windows viewable from both sides. Here is an artist, Lindsey Morales who paints windows for the season on business's windows. She uses interior acrylic house paint and paints a base layer of white first and then builds up her painting like she would on a canvas or mural- but note: her paintings aren't viewable from the inside of the building, as all you would see is the white base layer. 5. Share the Joy: Your painted windows are sure to bring smiles to those passing by. Share the joy with your community by taking photos and sharing them through your newsletter or social media. You can consider organizing a window-painting event with your students to make it a shared experience. There is no better feeling than knowing you are spreading joy for other's to enjoy- what a special feeling you can share with your students. 6. Clean-Up and Removal: When the holiday season comes to an end, remove the window paint using a damp cloth or window cleaner. Washable window paint is designed to come off easily, leaving your windows clean and ready for the next creative endeavor. If you used soap in your tempera paint you can use a large paint scraper to scrape the paint off the windows. You can also use a paint scraper to take to acrylic paint off, you just have to spray the paint with water first to loosen the paint. Here is the window scraper I recommend! Painting your windows for the holidays is a wonderful way to express your creativity, spread festive cheer, and bring a touch of magic to your surroundings. Whether you're creating a winter wonderland or a scene straight from your imagination, let your holiday spirit shine through your painted windows to spread joy and love to others! Happy Creating!
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Doggy Disguises: How to Draw Dogs in Halloween Costumes!
Learn how to draw super cute dogs dressed up in different halloween costumes everyday throughout the month of October! These super simple, 5 minute drawing tutorials are the perfect daily art activity to draw for students of all ages!
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Summer Self Portraits: The Perfect Art Lesson to End the School Year!
Summer is a season of sunshine, warmth, and relaxation. It's also a great time to capture your own image through self-portraiture. Whether your students are in kindergarten through 5th grade, drawing a self-portrait can be a fun and rewarding way for students to express themselves and document their unique features. In this fun and easy drawing guide students will draw themselves living their best summer lives!
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