Blog
Stamp Your Wild Side: DIY Printmaking Art Project Inspired by Charley Harper
If you love bold, graphic designs and exploring art with kids, you won’t want to miss the ‘I Am Wild’ exhibit at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum. Inspired by the iconic work of Charley Harper, this exhibit celebrates his unique way of seeing the natural world—through vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and minimal, yet striking, compositions. To bring a piece of this artistic magic home, I’ve created a DIY stamping project inspired by Harper’s distinctive style. This simple and fun activity lets kids explore shapes, printmaking, and creativity while making their own animal prints—just like Harper’s iconic artwork. Plus, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, these homemade stamps can be used to make one-of-a-kind cards! About the ‘I Am Wild’ Exhibit at the Children’s Museum The ‘I Am Wild’ exhibit immerses visitors in the world of Charley Harper, whose artwork transforms animals into striking, shape-based designs. His approach, often called “minimal realism,” captures the essence of birds, insects, and wildlife through bold lines and geometric forms. At the exhibit, kids and families can explore interactive displays, create their own shape-inspired art, and learn about Harper’s deep love for nature and conservation. It’s a perfect way to introduce young artists to his unique vision while inspiring them to see the world through an artistic lens. DIY Charley Harper-Inspired Stamping Project This easy and engaging printmaking project allows kids to build their own animal stamps using simple geometric shapes. Whether they want to make birds, fish, or any other wild creature, this activity encourages creativity while reinforcing Harper’s style. Materials You’ll Need: Adhesive craft foam shapes or adhesive foam sheets Scissors Cardboard squares, or wooden blocks, bottle caps, anything hard to use for the stamp base Brayers (small ink rollers) Washable block printing ink or acrylic paint white or colored paper- I love this neon card stock from Astrobright Step-by-Step Instructions: Create Your Stamp Design Use pre cut foam shapes, or cut basic shapes (triangles, circles, rectangles) from adhesive craft foam. Arrange and stick them onto a cardboard square or wooden block to form an animal, just like Charley Harper’s geometric creatures. Use a pencil to draw lines as detail that will show up in your stamp. Ink Your Stamp Roll ink onto your foam stamp using a brayer for even coverage. If using acrylic paint, apply a thin, smooth layer. You can also use an ink pad or even markers if you do not have a brayer or paint to use for printing. 3. Press & Print Firmly press the stamp onto paper and lift to reveal your design. Experiment with stamping patterns, using different colors, layering shapes, and adding details with acrylic markers or puffy paint. 4. Optional: Add additional details to you print or a Valentine’s Day Twist! Turn your prints into handmade Valentine’s cards by using pink and red ink or cutting out heart shapes to add to your designs. Add extra fun and flair to your prints with puffy paint, paint pens, or any supply you'd like to make them more personalized! Other Printing Options: You can also choose to use your DIY stamps with an ink pad! This is a more mess free option. You can check out some stamp pads here Why This Project is Perfect for Kids Encourages creative thinking through shape-based design. Introduces basic printmaking techniques in an easy, approachable way. Ties into a real-world art exhibit, deepening kids’ appreciation for Harper’s work. Provides a hands-on way to make personalized gifts and cards for special occasions. Visit the Exhibit & Try This at Home! If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting the ‘I Am Wild’ exhibit at the Children’s Museum to see Charley Harper’s work up close and spark even more creative inspiration! Then, bring the fun home with this DIY stamping project and see what wild creations your kids come up with. Happy stamping!
Learn more
Winter Themed Sensory & STEAM Art Projects for Kids
(click the video above for the full tutorial of how to make a snow storm in a jar) Winter is the perfect season for cozy, creative fun that also teaches valuable concepts. These sensory and STEAM-inspired art projects are engaging for kids of all ages and provide hands-on learning opportunities. Perfect for a classroom activity or family bonding time, these projects are simple to set up and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive in! 1. Snowstorm in a Jar Bring the magic of a swirling snowstorm indoors with this mesmerizing project. Using common household items, you can create a mini snowstorm that’s as fun to watch as it is to make. Materials: Clear jar or glass Baby oil White paint (tempera or acrylic) Water Glitter (optional for sparkle) Alka-Seltzer tablets (optional) mini plastic animals or trees Instructions: 1. Fill the jar about three-quarters full with baby oil. 2. In a separate cup, mix a few tablespoons of white paint with about a 1/4 cup of water until it’s liquid but opaque. 3. Pour the paint mixture into the jar with the oil. Watch as the two layers separate due to their different densities. 4. Sprinkle in glitter for extra shimmer. 5. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces and drop one in. Watch the snowstorm come to life as bubbles rise and carry the paint through the oil. For added fun, you can hot glue mini plastic animals or trees into the bottom of the jar before starting so that your snow storm resembles a snow globe! I found these woodland animals and trees at Michaels, or you can check out these woodland animals, or check out this set of mini polar animals here. All I did was use a pair of long craft tweezers and a dot of hot glue to stick them to the bottom. STEAM Learning: This activity demonstrates density (oil and water don’t mix) and chemical reactions (Alka-Seltzer produces carbon dioxide gas that moves the paint). It’s a great way to connect art with science! 2. Snow Dough This moldable, fluffy sensory material mimics real snow and offers endless opportunities for creative play. Kids can shape it into snowballs, snowmen, or even sculpted art pieces. Materials: 2 cups of corn starch ½ cup of hair conditioner (white and unscented is best) Glitter (optional) Essential oils (optional for scent) Instructions: In a large bowl, mix corn starch and conditioner until it forms a soft, crumbly dough. Adjust the ratio if needed for your desired texture. Add glitter for sparkle or a few drops of essential oil for a calming aroma. Let kids use their hands to mold and shape the dough into wintery creations like snowmen or cookie cutters for winter themed shapes. You can also make enough to be the snow in a winter themed sensory bin and add cute little trees, glass vase beads and winter themed animals. STEAM Learning: This project introduces states of matter, showing how a solid (baking soda) and liquid (conditioner) combine to form a new texture. Why These Projects Are Great for Kids These winter-themed activities are not just fun and creative—they’re also excellent opportunities for hands-on learning. Through sensory play and STEAM concepts, kids can: Understand scientific principles like density, states of matter, and chemical reactions. Develop fine motor skills through squeezing, shaping, building, crafting and open ended play Build their creativity by personalizing each project. Whether you’re looking for a snowy day activity or an engaging classroom lesson with lots of sensory and science fun, these projects are sure to bring smiles and spark curiosity. Gather your supplies and let the winter creativity begin!
Learn more
My Most POPULAR Art Project for Kids: Northern Lights Lesson
Bring the magic of the Northern Lights into your classroom with this beloved art lesson for kids. Teachers and students worldwide have embraced this creative and accessible project, making it a favorite for winter-themed art.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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!
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Spray Bottle Plant Silhouettes Art Project for Kids
Making art doesn't need to be kept to the indoors! Get your whole family outside for this arts integrated lesson perfect for the whole family! Use the beauty of nature as your muse to create these gorgeous spray paint plant silhouettes.
Learn more
Easy Mother's Day Art Project for Kids: Printed Floral Bouquet
Ready for the perfect mix of fun and exciting processes that ALSO results in a gorgeous final art product? Well then let me introduce you to my “Printed Petals” lesson. Inspired by the legendary artist Pablo Picasso and his print titled “Bouquet of Peace”, this engaging lesson is designed for students in grades K-3 and will delve into the fascinating world of printmaking techniques.
Learn more
Talk Pittsburgh: Segment with Art With Mrs. E
Art with Mrs. E teaches kids, adults and educators how to tap into their creativity, bringing to life blank pieces of paper and bare classroom walls. Kaitlyn Edington, art teacher and artist joined Pittsburgh's local news show, Talk Pittsburgh, to chat about all things art related and even teaches an art lesson to the host!
Learn more
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!
Learn more
