All The Art! And a lil' Bit of Mental Health!
Creativity Is So Important! Science Proves It!
We spent a little time talking about why creativity is important in a previous blog but now I think it’s time we shift gears and see what the big deal is about self expression and creativity.
Today we are going to jump in and see exactly what pushes us and motivates us to be creative and what we get out of the experience.. We might even be able to see how one can potentially foster those feelings and push our creativity into overdrive.
Action Painting is an Exciting Alternative Art Experience
Action painting aka action art. Oh Action art, how lovely are your paintings? Anyone heard of action art before? It’s not a new form of self defense. It’s a cool vibe that incorporates movement of objects or materials to create something artistic.
Creating saves lives and it’s good for us, here’s why!
Creating isn’t just a “nice thing to do”. It can literally change your life! As a kid, I vividly remember that on every single road trip I had a little wire basket that looked like one of those ones you get at the grocery store for “just a few items”. Mine was white and plastic with a black handle. Anyways, I used to FILL it with art supplies and other things to keep me entertained on those road trips. My brother had one too but his was filled with action figures and stuffed animals.
Space Nebula in a Bottle | Everyone Needs One!
As a therapist working with mostly youth and teens, I need every tool that I can get when working with my clients. These space nebula jars are calming and soothing and attractive to look at. Not only are these a great therapeutic tool but they’re also inexpensive to make.
On Meditation . . . All the Meditation, It Saved Me!
Meditation literally saved me, here’s how! In March of 2020 I developed horrible insomnia. I was losing weight, not sleeping, stressing over money, work, time, and losing my summer job. I started walking around my neighborhood just to kill time. Then I got bored with that and I started running. I AM NOT A RUNNER! I NEVER have been.
Painting My House | A Comedy of Errors
Painting my house all began innocently enough last week when I noticed that the shelf I have anchored on the wall to the right as you walk through my front door was a little bit wobbly. This shelf holds all the things, the keys, the mail, the leashes . . .all the things.
Dutch Pour, Grab the Hair Dryer! Wait, What?
In a previous blog we talked about Dirty Pour acrylic art. Dutch pour is similar in style to dirty pour but the execution is a tad different. I use a hair dryer or some drinking straws depending on the size of the canvas or the area I’m trying to enhance!
How to Make a Vision Board Work for You!
You may be familiar with how to make a vision board; but do you truly understand what they can do for you? Many of the world’s most influential leaders have found that using specific exercises can help turn anyone’s dreams into reality. Hard work is the first step, but clear organized goals are another required tool for success!
Mixed Media Collage Art for the Family
Why a mixed media collage art project for the entire family? Because when COVID hit many families had been struggling to find ways to express their feelings of frustration, exhaustion and fear. Oftentimes we had young children who were struggling to understand what’s going on in the world and their inability to function in it.
DIY Sugar Lip Scrubs
After a season in the sun or snow DIY sugar lip sugar scrubs are essential for your weekly pamper routine. I don’t know about you but in the city of Houston our weather is so fickle that in the morning it could be 50 and in the evening it could be 80. And my lips get really confused. Dry cracked lips are not attractive and even more it can be painful! So organic lip scrubs are the thing to grab all year long!
Crochet All Day! I’m Hooked!
I can crochet sweaters, scarves, hats, socks, and blankets of all sizes and of course my favorite, granny squares but it didn’t start out that way!
White Noise Is My Tiny Miracle!
White noise is a common repetitive mostly soothing sound that people will often play in the background to help with sleep and help with focus and concentration.
I have a lot of trouble sleeping in a room with new people, like sharing a hotel room at a conference or when there is noise in the hall etc… so the white noise apps are a MIRACLE for me!
Lettuce Grow? Cool Concept and Pure Joy
Hydroponics? Hydroponic lettuce grow, what you say?! I’ve known for a little while what Hydroponics are and I have a vague notion of how it works. I have this friend Eve who lives in Austin and she keeps posting these pictures of this adorable 5 foot tall maybe even 6 ft tall white tower that has all these little holes in it and in each hole there is a little seedling and over the last few months I have virtually watch her seedlings grow into full-size plants.
Dirty Pour | Shaken Not Stirred!
Dirty Pour is an acrylic art technique that allows one to pour multiple colors into a cup and then pour the cup over a canvas and then tilt and swirl the canvas around until the art takes shape. It’s a very fun cathartic and exciting artwork art form that I have thoroughly enjoyed learning, creating and teaching other people.
Salt Dough Recipe | Basic Kitchen Supplies Become a Magical Craft
I have recently rediscovered the simple, easy and cheap beauty of a salt dough recipe. And the best part is, it keeps kids entertained for hours! Literally! It’s such a small fun thing and you can do so much with it.
I remember making a glass jar topper with salt dough and some kind of gummy chewie things on top that we sealed with shellac and put candy inside of. Only once the candy was gone, I started secretly picking off the gummies on top and eating them. Shellac and all. Amazing all the stupid things we did as a kid that people think NOW would kill us.
Process Over Product, I Always Say!
Many times as parents/adults we want our kids to create something “Beautiful”. We have forgotten about honoring the process children go through to create their works of art.
At one point in time, Picasso’s art work was considered “crap”. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We want our kids to make these beautiful pieces of art that we can proudly post on our walls, on the fridge, in our offices at work but we spend too much time looking for perfection and not for HOW your child arrived at their proud works of art.
Paper mache! Dirty, sticky & messy! It’s a great time!
Paper mache has been around for decades. The process is basically the same but the materials have shifted a bit with each generation.
When I was a kid we used flour and water and newspapers to cover our creations. My hands were goopy and gross and the texture and smell bothered me. As I became an adult I learned from another art teacher to use Liquid starch. Easy to get at the dollar store and cheap too!
Summer Art Camp: Trials, Tribulations & Triumphs!
What do a child’s incisor, 15 bottles of alcohol ink, and 3 rolls of paper towels have to do with summer art camp?
Well, let me tell you… This week was week one of my summer art camp. 9 kids, 2 teachers, and one co-teacher, 4 tables socially distanced around my living room, 14 chairs and the AC set to 66 (were in Texas Y’all what do you want from me?)
Get On My List For Updates & Event Info!
Michelle offers in-person camps and art experiences, she also hosts live art events and can bring an art experience to your location. Her blogs give you the inside tips and fun stories of being creative every day with your kids, but also just for you!
Every Family Needs Creativity!
Let’s get creative together, relieve stress, and ignite the imagination! Enjoy creativity with your kids or on your own! In-person, online or with wine!