During every session of art clubs I try to tackle at least one sculpture project. For Winter ‘22 I dove into paper mache.  Confession — I myself had not done a paper mache project since high school (I made a paper mache panda, it was pretty darn cute if I remember correctly).  I knew it was messy and I also knew it was relatively simple. So I was a little intimidated, but also knew that we could do it.

I decided to focus on a simple bowl form, using a balloon as a base. ( I got the project idea from this blog. ). When the kids first walked into the art studio, they were super excited to see a bunch of balloons in bowls.   Then we mixed up some paper mache with 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of water; they shared with their neighbor and mixed it all up with their hands. Some of the kids loved digging their hands in and getting all gooey, some not so much. 

This project is great for using up scraps of paper from old projects or junk mail. Cut the paper into strips,  dunk it in the flour + water mixture, and put it on half the balloon.  We tried putting on 2-3 layers, but it was kind of hard to keep track.

Some tips I want to remember for next time: when the kids are done, have them clean up their little drips on the floor with a damp rag themselves. With the first art club, I cleaned the floor myself after everyone had gone home (and we had eaten dinner and put Ransom to bed). The drippings had dried, and I had to use a LOT of elbow grease. The next day the kids cleaned up their drops themselves (4-5 year olds) and it was so easy! Also, when walking to the bathroom to wash hands, have kids hold their hands together so there are less drips.  Sensing a theme?  Paper mache is messy!  But that’s why you have an art studio — a safe place to make a mess!

Anywho, the next week we had the joy of popping the balloons and painting our bowls.   They had a blast mixing the paints and adding color to their creations.

Another tip I’d like to remember for next time: painting the bowls completely white first makes the other colors much more vibrant.  I might insist on that next time. 

Either way, these young artists did a fanstastic job and really dove into this messy project.

As a parent and art teacher, I’ve grown to love children’s literature.  I’ve spent many, MANY hours cozied up on the couch reading picture books with my son, and I also love to connect art projects to books. We take weekly trips to the library, and I’m always finding new treasures.  Today, I’m going to share with you a few picture books that I find particularly inspiring for art-making.  Reading them aloud encourages my own artistic soul, and I hope my students feel inspired as well.

Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzber
This book holds a special place in my heart.  I first encountered it when I was student teaching back in 2011. My mentor teacher would always read it to her elementary aged students at the beginning of the school year.I think it  sets such a great tone for the art room — and for life!  Any oops can turn be turned into something beautiful.  I love being able to use that vocabulary with my students — and myself — “Let’s turn it into a beautiful oops!”

It’s Okay by Shiow-Miin Thai
This book is a similar theme to Beautiful Oops. In it, a child’s drawing keeps turning out in ways the little artist doesn’t intend, but his mom encourages him that it’s okay, and the art takes new directions.  Our artworks rarely turn out just like we imagine, but it’s ok, it can become something we new!

How to Spot and Artist by Danielle Krysa 
This book is one of my new favorites. I recently found it at the library and just loved the message and charming illustrations.  It’s emphasizes how artists can come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities.  And speaks to how all artists deal with “art bullies”, or discouraging thoughts and words about their artwork.  And the solution? Make even more art! Which reminds me of one of my favorites quotes:  “Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” -Andy Warhol

Ish by Peter H Reynolds
This picture book is one of many that Peter Reynolds has written that speak to the creative process.  It’s about a young artist who discovers the freedom to live “ishfully.” In other words, to ditch striving for perfection and just make stuff!  We’re not robots, we’re artists.   I honestly have to remind myself of this a lot when drawing.

I love discovering new picture books.  If you have any suggestions I’d love to hear them!