Resource + Inspiration
for Art Teachers + Art Makers

ALL
ART
GEN CLASSROOM
ELEMENTARY
SECONDARY
VISUAL JOURNALS
CRAFT
ALL
ART
GEN CLASSROOM
ELEMENTARY
SECONDARY
VISUAL JOURNALS
CRAFT
5 Creative Weaving Project Ideas

5 Creative Weaving Project Ideas

Learn how you can incorporate 5 different weaving projects into your elementary, middle, or high school art classes. Fun, easy, and low supply!

Teaching Value and Shading in Art

Teaching Value and Shading in Art

Teaching value and shading in art is an important part of creating a successful art program. Check out how I introduce and teach value in intro all the way to advanced level art classes.

5 Reasons Why I Teach Art Journals

5 Reasons Why I Teach Art Journals

Art journals are one of my favorite things to teach in my high school art class. Check out 5 reasons why you should include them in your art class!

Advanced Art Project Ideas

Advanced Art Project Ideas

Get art project ideas for your advanced art class with this 24 things about me project. Perfect for the first project of the school year.

Free Elements of Art Poster: 8 Posters

Free Elements of Art Poster: 8 Posters

Check out my set of 8 printable elements of art posters. Even better, get free elements of art posters by joining my subscriber list. Details in the post!

Spring Art Projects: 7 Art Lesson Ideas

Spring Art Projects: 7 Art Lesson Ideas

As the crisp mornings give way to the warmth of spring, it's time to shift gears and bring bright colors, florals, bugs, and Mother's Day art projects into the classroom. From elementary art to high school, art, there are countless opportunities to explore creativity...

Creating an Introduction to Art Curriculum

Creating an Introduction to Art Curriculum

Designing an introduction to art curriculum takes time and effort. I recently shared a blog post on creating a middle school art curriculum and an elementary art curriculum, check it out if you need inspiration for younger students. I typically use the elements of art...

Art Lessons: Clay Project Ideas

Art Lessons: Clay Project Ideas

I love teaching clay, but it can be challenging and stressful to teach. If you feel intimidated or unsure about how to introduce clay in your classroom, check out my clay project ideas below. SCAFFOLDING TECHNIQUES The key to making any art project a success is...

AI Art Lesson Plan & Project

AI Art Lesson Plan & Project

AI technology has been top of mind for just about everyone, which is why I had to play with creating an ai art lesson plan. It has exciting (and scary) possibilities across all fields and in education. For teachers, there are so many uses for AI from helping to write...

Designing a Middle School Art Curriculum

Designing a Middle School Art Curriculum

I have designed many art curriculums in my time teaching and developing art lessons. Middle school can be a tough level to plan for. When developing a middle school curriculum you need to build off of techniques taught in elementary art classes and prepare them for...

Intro to Design Project: Water Bottle Design

Intro to Design Project: Water Bottle Design

One of the first design projects I teach in my Introduction to Design class is designing a water bottle. With the Stanley cup craze currently going on this is a topical, engaging way to get students interested in design. It's simple enough to teach students the basics...

Mixed Media Art Ideas in K-12

Mixed Media Art Ideas in K-12

Mixed media is a work of art that uses more than one medium. It has always been my favorite form of art to create and teach. I've always had an attention deficit edge in my artmaking, jumping from one style to another, one medium to another. Mixed media allows me to...

Elements of Art Elementary Art Lessons

Elements of Art Elementary Art Lessons

Elementary art has to be the most fun to teach, kids just love art. While I haven't taught elementary art beyond volunteering and student teaching, my mom is the elementary art expert with over 35 years under her belt. Today I want to share a handful of her elementary...

Tips for Second Semester Art Classes

Tips for Second Semester Art Classes

You made it halfway through the year, congrats! It always amazes me how quickly the spring semester flies by. With all your New Years motivation under your belt start your second semester art classes with organization and project prep now before time gets away from...

Junk Journal Course: Semester of Activities

Junk Journal Course: Semester of Activities

I just released my semester-long visual journal, junk journal course. With this lesson pack you get one lesson a week complete with handouts, demo videos, and more. Get visual journal ideas, sketchbook activities, and more. Check out details on what you get with this...

Winter Art Project Ideas

Winter Art Project Ideas

The winter season is quickly arriving, it's time to plan some winter art project ideas to tie you over through the holiday season and into the start of next year. Check out my go-to winter season art lessons and get a FREEBIE by clicking the button below! These winter...

Virtual Art Class Via Outschool

Virtual Art Class Via Outschool

Check out my newest endeavor, teaching a virtual art class on outschool. Join my for a one or four-week visual journal flex course.

Fall Art Project Ideas

Fall Art Project Ideas

Check out fall art project ideas for art students in elementary, middle, and high school art classes. From painting to sculpture inspiration.

Get Organized: Art Teacher Planner

Get Organized: Art Teacher Planner

Get organized and feel on top of the chaos with my art teacher planner freebie. One click download and get a PDF you can easily fill in.

Art Sub Plan Tips & Tricks

Art Sub Plan Tips & Tricks

Read tips and tricks I use to help set up my substitute teacher for success. Check out my favorite art sub plans, editable template, & more!

Encouraging Daily Sketchbook

Encouraging Daily Sketchbook

How can you encourage regular sketching in your art classes? Try a quick daily sketchbook activity as a class opener or bell ringer assignment

Homeschool Art Lessons

Homeschool Art Lessons

Check out my homeschool art lessons for elementary through high school. You can cover a range of materials and subjects from home!

Middle School Art Project Ideas

Middle School Art Project Ideas

Get inspired for the school year with a list of middle school art projects for the first few days and even the entire year.

Elementary Art Lesson Ideas

Elementary Art Lesson Ideas

As back to school begins check out elementary art lesson ideas for back to school, most popular options at any point during the year, and more.

My Go To Art Supplies List

My Go To Art Supplies List

Check out my must have art supply list, downloadable PDF with links is included! I have a must have art supply list, donation request, & art supply list if you have a healthy budget to spend.

Art Journal Online Course

Art Journal Online Course

This four-week class introduces you to the process of visual journaling. This art journal online course is perfect for artists or teachers.

How To Prep Your Altered Book

How To Prep Your Altered Book

Read tips on how I prep used books to be used as an altered book, or visual journals. This project is fun for artists or in an art classroom.

5 Art Teacher Post Planning Tips

5 Art Teacher Post Planning Tips

Follow these 5 tips for art teacher post planning to get organized and prepared for back to school so you can enjoy your summer break!

End of Year Art Awards

End of Year Art Awards

Don’t forget to celebrate your elementary, middle, or high school art students with end of year art awards. 3 ideas to get you started.

Visual Journal, Junk Journal Ideas

Visual Journal, Junk Journal Ideas

Get junk journal ideas through my last visual journal page. A combination of recycled paper, photographs of doorways, and page cut throughs.

Annual School Art Show

Annual School Art Show

Learn how I ran my school art show for 11 years including scheduling, marketing, set up, and more. Don’t skip this important, amazing event.

Gelli Printmaking Process + Painting

Gelli Printmaking Process + Painting

Teach your middle or high school art students about gelli printmaking as well as painting, color, and value techniques. A quick, fun project!

Tar Paper Painting Project

Tar Paper Painting Project

Get details on how to teach this tar paper painting project with your upper elementary, middle, or high school art students. Cheap & easy!

6 Art Room Organization Hacks

6 Art Room Organization Hacks

This week I want to focus on 6 of my favorite art room organization hacks for your art classroom or art studio. Over the many years I was in my classroom I was constantly tweaking, trying new things, and hoarding supplies to try to make my art teaching life easier and...

Teacher T-Shirts, Apparel, Accessories, & More

Teacher T-Shirts, Apparel, Accessories, & More

I've got merch, ya'll! I am so excited to officially roll out my teacher t-shirts and accessories, check them out here. We all love our jean Fridays, but I was often left wondering what to pair with them. Most of my t-shirts didn't feel school appropriate or were too...

Visual Journal Ideas for Jumpstarting a Visual Journal Project

Visual Journal Ideas for Jumpstarting a Visual Journal Project

What is a visual journal? A visual journal is a mixed media project that uses a hardback book as a base. Check out visual journal ideas to get started in your own or jumpstart them in your art class. These are sometimes referred to as altered books, but in my class, I...

7 Back To School Art Activities

7 Back To School Art Activities

Getting back into the groove of the school year has its challenges. For me, filling those first few days was always the hardest. With all of the paperwork, seating charts, and learning names, it’s hard to jump straight into instruction and projects on day one. These 7...

TPT Latest Art Resources

TPT Latest Art Resources

Check out my latest art resources, no prep art lessons, handouts, and activities. Make your art teacher life easier and treat yo’self!

Art Class Projects: Bookbinding & Sketchbooks

Art Class Projects: Bookbinding & Sketchbooks

Do you need engaging art class projects? Teach your students about book binding and save money by having them make their own sketchbooks! Sketchbooks are a great way for art teachers to save money from their budget while having students gain valuable art practice....

An Art Teacher Journey: My Last Day of School

I recently made a major life change. Last fall, I decided the 2020-2021 school year would be my last year in the classroom. After kindergarten through senior year of high school, undergrad, graduate school, and twelve years as an art teacher, on May 21, 2021, I...

7 Art Teacher Tips for Back to School

7 Art Teacher Tips for Back to School

Never has back to school arrived so quickly. Thanks to the pandemic, after a summer that essentially lasted from April to August last year, May to August just doesn't feel long enough. Even though it doesn't seem fair, back to school is on the horizon, it's time to...

Dear First-Year Teacher in a Pandemic

Dear First-Year Teacher in a Pandemic

I remember going through college as an art education major and relentlessly hearing how challenging it is for a first-year teacher. After a while I internally rolled my eyes, silently repeating "I know, I know." I heard it so many times the warnings fell on deaf ears....

Teaching Tips for Hybrid and Virtual

Teaching Tips for Hybrid and Virtual

THREE WEEKS IN HYBRID I have to start this post with a disclaimer: my first two and a half weeks of school has been a lot of putting out fires, just barely hanging on, and feeling a bit like a failure. But, as I rounded the corner into week three of teaching in...

BACK TO SCHOOL, PANDEMIC, HYBRID & DISTANCE LEARNING STYLE

BACK TO SCHOOL, PANDEMIC, HYBRID & DISTANCE LEARNING STYLE

Back to school this year is like no other year. I have opted for smiling and nodding with every plan proposal, knowing that nothing is definite until that plan is in action in real time. Fully back to school, hybrid, distance learning, or other, there are endless...

Elements of Design Worksheet Set

Elements of Design Worksheet Set

Check out my latest TPT product, an elements of design worksheet bundle, pictured above. As I approach the end to this very bizarre school year I have started to look ahead to next year. Many changes are coming my way and I am distracting myself from distance learning...

Distance Learning – Visual Journals

Distance Learning – Visual Journals

Check out my distance learning plan for my classroom during the COVID-19 crisis, which focuses on visual journal s. Find instructions, resources, and more.

Visual Journal Page 55: Bedtime Bear

Visual Journal Page 55: Bedtime Bear

When I realized what visual journal page I was blogging about today I was equal parts heart warmed and melancholy. This visual journal page is for my Kody Bear who lived a long 13.5 years, but went on to puppy heaven two and a half years ago. Kody Bear was sweet,...

Colored Pencil Portrait

Colored Pencil Portrait

Learn what techniques I use to create a colored pencil portrait and how I teach this lesson to high schoolers. Part of the organization The Memory Project.

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS & MORE

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS & MORE

Check out my latest art resources including a number of photography lessons. I have Pinhole photography and digital photography projects.

Mod Podge Image Transfer, Page 53

Mod Podge Image Transfer, Page 53

Check out how I create a mod podge image transfer and use them collaged in my visual journal. Supplies, how-to, and more are included.

Felt Flower How To + First Birthday

Felt Flower How To + First Birthday

To celebrate my little girl turning one we flower themed birthday party. Felt flowers were used as decor and party favors. Learn how to make them here.

Page 41: Watercolor Splatters

Page 41: Watercolor Splatters

A visual journal page about a car accident and an interview with watercolor splatters are used to add drama. Read the details in the post!

A Super Wings Birthday

A Super Wings Birthday

Check out my son’s Super Wings birthday, how I pulled it together despite not many party decor options being available.

Monster Theme Birthday

Monster Theme Birthday

Check out the monster theme birthday party I threw for my one-year-old little man. Read about how the crafts, details, & more

Painted Pumpkins Tutorial

Painted Pumpkins Tutorial

Learn three ways to add an artistic twist to your fall pumpkin decor with painted pumpkins. Perfect for all-level art classes, DIYs, & more.

Gelli Printing Ideas From a Self Taught Printmaker

Gelli Printing Ideas From a Self Taught Printmaker

This year I taught myself how to create gelli prints a few days before I started teaching it to students. I had been interested in trying it for a couple of years, especially after seeing a demo of it at the New York NAEA conference in 2017. When it came time to plan...

Art Class: Sharpie Doodle Chairs

Art Class: Sharpie Doodle Chairs

Need an art fundraiser or art class decor? Try creating doodle chairs! All you need is a chair and sharpies. It’s great for early finishers to work on.

Visual Journal Page 37: Foggy Mornings

A visual journal page about my morning commute, which often involved fog drifting between silhouetted trees. Learn how I created this visual journal page.

Visual Journal Collage, Page 36

Visual Journal Collage, Page 36

Read about visual journal collage tips, techniques, and how tos. This page is created using old book pages, watercolor, and colored pencil.

Interior Design: Dining Room to Playroom

Interior Design: Dining Room to Playroom

One day I decided we didn’t need a dining room, we needed a playroom. Cooper’s toys were already filling up our living room and a teepee had been ordered for his Christmas present. This is my weekend adventure of converting our dining room into a one year old’s playroom.

Visual Journal Page 29: Even Brighter

Visual Journal Page 29: Even Brighter

Hands down, Christmas is my favorite time of year. Although I refuse to decorate until after Thanksgiving (each holiday needs a moment to shine), I start feeling the Christmas spirit as soon as Halloween starts approaching. This is yet another visual journal page...

Tips for Teaching A Watercolor Lesson to High Schoolers

Tips for Teaching A Watercolor Lesson to High Schoolers

A few years ago I began teaching a painting class, after taking a a three year break to focus on ceramics and sculpture. While I loved teaching 3D art, I was excited to move back to the two dimensional world. I always loved painting. and couldn’t wait to teach a...

Visual Journal Page 28: The Sound of Trains

Visual Journal Page 28: The Sound of Trains

There is something about the sound of trains. It first started on trips to visit my grandparents. They lived in a small town, it's biggest claim to fame being their proximity to another small town, known only for their major, annual golf tournament. They were on the...

Linoleum Relief Printmaking Basics + Colored Pencils

Linoleum Relief Printmaking Basics + Colored Pencils

Printmaking is such an interesting and historic art-making process. My students especially love it because they have the ability to make multiple prints of one image. They often refer to the linoleum block in relief printmaking as a "stamp," which I have an irrational...

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

We welcomed baby number two, sweet Kennedy Elise, into our family on November 21st, 2017. Cooper was born almost exactly two years prior, on November 12th, 2015. After Cooper's arrival, I realized I needed to get a "baby's first Christmas" ornament for him. After a...

A Felted Christmas: DIY Christmas Garland

A Felted Christmas: DIY Christmas Garland

There is nothing I love more than a holiday craft project, and every year I look for a new craft project to add to my Christmas decor collection. After pulling out my hand me down fake greenery garland from the mid 1990's, I decided it was time for an upgrade. A do it...

Page 22: Charcoal Hand and Foot

Page 22: Charcoal Hand and Foot

Check out my charcoal hand and foot drawing. Read the story behind it, supply list, and how I created it. Details are in the post.

Elements of Art Worksheet Pack

Elements of Art Worksheet Pack

Check out my most popular education resource, my elements of art worksheet pack. Easy to print, implement, and engage your art students.

Craft Project: DIY Baby Sign

Craft Project: DIY Baby Sign

Check out this DIY baby sign for your monthly updates and beyond. Their name is on the front, chalkboard paint on the back.

DIY Craft: Baby Footprint Ornament

DIY Craft: Baby Footprint Ornament

Check out how I created this precious baby footprint ornament. It’s beautiful, personal, and you will treasure it. Details in the post.

Back to the Grind: My Summer Off

Back to the Grind: My Summer Off

So far, 2015 has proven to be a busy year. I feel like I've been on the go since the beginning, and a lot of changes and new beginnings have presented themselves in the past 7 months. As the school year wrapped up and summer began, I readied my summer to do list,...

Visual Journal Page 8: Books

Visual Journal Page 8: Books

A visual journal page about the endless pile of books that occupy my bedside table. Visual journal supplies, tips, and how tos are included.

Ceramics: Watermelon Tea Set

Ceramics: Watermelon Tea Set

A watermelon tea set for my niece. Includes a watermelon tea pot, tea cups, and creamer pitcher. Information about how it was made is included.

Visual Journal #3: Between the Lines, Year 2011-2012

Once upon a time I became inspired to share my visual journals with the world, via a blog. It was a bit overwhelming at first, learning how to design, post, and attract readers. However, here I am,still blogging, still sharing, and still creating. I can't believe...

Handmade Ceramics: Wood Grain Mugs and Vases

In the spring of last year a new, local shop reached out to me about including my pottery in their store. I was excited about a new opportunity to sell my artwork, but tentative about the required year-long commitment, and monthly rent. Despite my concerns, I decided...

Principles of Design Posters

Principles of Design Posters

Check out my set of principles of design posters, available on my TPT and my art education resources shop. Easy to print and hang.

Elements of Art Poster Set

Elements of Art Poster Set

Check out my elements of art poster set. Informative and fun designs for your classroom are available on TPT and my art education shop.

Visual Journal Page 64: Green Paint

Visual Journal Page 64: Green Paint

A visual journal page about trying to find the perfect shade of green for my kitchen. Visual journal tips, hows tos, and challenges included.

Crafted Westside

I am so excited to share about my new home for the next year, Crafted Westside. A few weeks ago I was approached by the owner, Shanna, about adding my artwork to her soon-to-be-open store. She discovered my pottery through my new Etsy shop, Sweet Celadon, and thought...

Spray Paint Murals: Chor Boogie

Spray Paint Murals: Chor Boogie

An interview with well-known mural and spray paint artist, Chor Boogie. Learn his process, purpose, and a little advice for working artists.

Art Lesson: Leather Mask Project

Art Lesson: Leather Mask Project

This leather mask project is fun, easy, fairly cheap, and create beautiful results. Read details, supplies, how-to, and more.

Visual Journal Page 51: AP Due Dates

I think it's hilarious when I hear students say they are taking AP Art because they think it will be an easy AP. As I smile and nod I think to myself, "Soon enough you will realize this is going to be one of the hardest classes you will ever take"... The thing about...

Baby Shower on a Budget

Baby Shower on a Budget

Tips on how to throw a baby shower on a budget! Learn how to create your own invitations, favors, good food recipes, and decorations!

Mixed Media Artwork: “Caged” and “Trapped” Interpreted

Last January I received an e-mail from a high school student in Birmingham, England asking if I could help them with an art assignment. As a high school art teacher myself, I was more than happy to help, after all my blog focuses on art tips and how tos. I was...

Visual Journal Page 42: Step Outside of the Box

This visual journal page is inspired by high school students. I currently am a high school art teacher and it was difficult returning to the halls of a high school, interacting with teenagers hyped up on hormons, and constantly being reminded of all the things I...

Mixed Media Art: Encaustic Letter Paintings

Recently I have churned out a lot of new artwork, partially to prepare for the Artist Market and partially because I am so excited about the new style I have begun to delve into. In addition to my 6x6 "snapshot" series I have also begun creating 6"x6" letter...

Visual Journal Page 41: Scratch, Scratch, Scratch…

This visual journal page, like many of my visual journal pages, is based off of a work of art. This began as an example for a scratchboard project, and turned into a mission and a failure. It was trying, exhausting, tedious, rewarding, therapeutic and in the end I...

Art: The 6×6 Series

Art: The 6×6 Series

Explanation of how my 6×6 series came to life. The series “Snapshots” is just that, single images the capture my life, thoughts, and memories.

Visual Journal Page 36: If I had a Bucket List…

This all began with my love for sushi. I could eat it every other day, filling in the off days with pizza and steak, never getting sick of it. However, the reality is I can't eat it every other day because on a good day it costs $25-$30 every time I go. Despite the...

Mixed Media Art: Encaustic Chair

I am very excited to share my most recent art series. I began experimenting with encaustic collage with my fork and spoon paintings (click here to see them) and recently tried out patterned paper collages, and fell in love! I have always enjoyed collaging, which is...

DIY Spice Rack: Reorganizing My Kitchen

I love my cute, unique, 1940's home. It has interesting doorways, built ins, beautiful hardwoods, and a lot of charm. It's the perfect first time home for Nick and me, but despite everything I love about it, it does have it's downsides. As soon as we moved into our...

Art: Ceramic Boxes

Art: Ceramic Boxes

A blog post about three ceramic boxes I made recently. I explain how they were constructed and glazed. Read more in the post.

Visual Journal Page 30: Postsecret Projects

As a teacher my goal is to create a sense of community in my classroom. Although the majority of the time my students work on individual projects, I still want them to respect, interact, and grow with each other. Often my projects focus on teaching and refining skills...

Craft Project: DIY Chalkboard

If you haven't heard of chalkboard paint yet, you must be living under a rock, or in another country that doesn't carry chalkboard paint in their hardware stores. I have known about chalkboard paint for awhile, but I finally mustered up the courage, and the time to...

Visual Journal Page 26: Night Sledding

Visual Journal Page 26: Night Sledding

A page made using tissue paper, India ink, white paint, and colored pencils to recreate a night of sledding I got to enjoy during snowmageddon in Atlanta.

Visual Journal Page 25: Snowmageddon

As I am sitting here at work, posting on my blog, when I really should be doing actual work, my mind wanders to this time two years ago... Snowmageddon. A term coined for the snow storm that hit Atlanta in January 2011. Snowmageddon meant the city of Atlanta was shut...

Art: Mixed Media Art Experiments

Art: Mixed Media Art Experiments

A look at my five most recent mixed media art pieces. I experimented with layering fabric, paper, leaves, and antique objects.

Craft Project: Scrap Fabric Wreath

Craft Project: Scrap Fabric Wreath

A single-day craft project! An easy-to-make scrap fabric wreath to use up old fabric and decorate your house. Supplies and how-to are included in the post.

Visual Journal Page 22: Happy Accidents

Accidents are an inevitable part of everyone's life. Whether the accident involves cars, glasses of milk, or mysterious moving tables, they are always waiting just around the corner. In my twenty-six years of life I have witnessed quite a few accidents and I have...

Visual Journal Page 21: Field Trips and Flying Cats

The High Museum of Art is an Atlanta staple for me. As a child it was a place I frequented with my family, which helped mold my artistic taste and encourage my artistic pursuits and obsessions. As this museum has watched me develop from a child into an adult, I too...

Art Lesson: Clay Whistles

While I was in college one of the ceramics teachers did a clay whistle project with their class. When I heard about it I was bummed I wasn't in his class, because it sounded like a fun project. However, after hearing all of the moaning and groaning from the students...

Visual Journal Page 20: Good Luck Lights

Have you ever had one of those days when it feels like everything just goes your way? Every now and then I will have one, I notice I feel a little better when I wake up in the morning, everyone seems a little happier, and the day goes a little smoother. I go to bed at...

Visual Journal Page 19: When the Winter Winds are Nipping

A fireplace was something required in the house Nick and I bought. I was willing to compromise on the front porch, kitchen size, and number of bathrooms... but the fireplace was a must. Fires soothe and warm me. They provide endless entertainment as I gaze into the...

Visual Journal Page 18: My Mom

When I look at this photograph I imagine a twenty-something-year-old wandering through an abandoned barn, enjoying a spontaneous afternoon outside. I visualize humid air weaving through the open doorways and cracks in the siding. I imagine a couple having a picnic,...

Visual Journal Page 17: POW! Right in the Kisser

Sometimes I wonder as Nick and I are walking through the grocery store, if people think we are crazy. We are a very goofy couple. We are constantly messing with each other, calling each other names, Nick fake hits me, I fake hit him, sometimes I wonder if people think...

Visual Journal Page 16: Fall

Fall is hands down my favorite season. I love the changing colors, the reds and yellow contrasting against the bright blue sky. The way the cool wind begins to seep into your skin and send a shiver down your spine. I love the transition from the long, sticky, sweaty,...

Visual Journal Page 15: We Are Scientists

It was my fall break, a whole week off from school, needless to say, I was loving my job at the moment. I decided to spend my break sitting on the sofa, watching TV, and being lazy in general. After surviving the first ten weeks of school I needed it.... Despite my...

Art Lessons: The Tape Person Project

Art Lessons: The Tape Person Project

Engage your sculpture students with this life size tape person project. Students work in groups to create tape sculptures of themselves, installation art is the focus.

Visual Journal Page 13: The Tie Dye Cry

This was a boiling point for me. The first few weeks of school were behind me, but the stress of the year had been piling up. It was my second year at my school, my second year as an art teacher, and the first year I felt I was fully on my own. My first year teaching...

Craft Project: Artistic Pumpkin Carving

Creating an artistic pumpkin is much easier than you may think. All you need are a few everyday items and some art supplies, and you can create a pumpkin masterpiece too! Read the instructions below, little to no artistic knowledge is required! SUPPLIES Pumpkin...

Visual Journal Page 10: Take Me Out to the Ball Game

  Being born and raised in the south also means that I was born and raised with the Braves. Growing up I remember rooting for Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez, and Tom Glavine. I still remember walking into the Braves stadium for the first time, amazed by the gargantuan size...

Visual Journal Page 6: New Inspiration from Old Places

I was thrilled when I finished my first visual journal cover to cover, and I couldn't wait to start my new book. When I first found my second book I was in love, as I flipped through the pages I could visualize all of the things I was going to create. But just four...

Mixed Media Art: Phone Lines and Birch Trees

This is my most recent mixed-media painting. I was commissioned to create something with blues, greens, and yellows, but other than that it was up to me. At first I was stumped. Whenever I take a break from painting sometimes it takes a minute to get my creative...

Visual Journal Page 69: Basic Crafts

I finally reached the end. I reached the end of my journey, the end of my first visual journal. I worked cover to cover until every page was filled with my life. This journal, this book, reflects one year of my life. It is a snippet of who I am, my struggles, gains,...

Visual Journal Page 68: I Will Always be a Daddy’s Girl

           I was married, a wife, had my own house, and my very own husband. I had grown up to be a big girl. My parents married me off and set me off on my own, to start my own life, and my own family. I was excited about that, but my life will always include my...

Visual Journal Page 65: You Take Me the Way I Am

THE STORY I wanted to capture multiple moments of my wedding in my journal, which meant multiple pages. I wanted to keep my favorite picture page simple, which meant a lot things were left out. Because of that, this page had to follow. I loved our reception space, and...

Visual Journal Page 64: I Mean I Think You Really Like Me

This journal page is tied with only one other page as my favorite in my book. I absolutely love it. Perhaps I love it because it took hours to make, or because it’s my favorite wedding photograph, or maybe it’s because it reminds me of my wedding day. The entire day...

Visual Journal Page 62: Soon to be Happily Ever After

  This visual journal page is very sentimental, it captures a piece of our wedding, a piece of the commitment we made to each other. By the time this page was created, I had spent the last five and a half months planning my dream wedding. I had carefully picked...

Visual Journal Page 60: School Year Wrap Up

                            I survived my first year as a teacher. It was stop and go for awhile, but I made it to the end. As you go through school, student teaching, talking with veteran teachers,...

Visual Journal Page 58: Our House

  I knew that eventually Nick and I would find our home... and we did. It took a couple of months of constant searching, disappointment, and frustration, but we found it. By the time we made our way to check this house out, I had mentally prepared myself to be...

Visual Journal Page 54: Wedding Registry

I knew the wedding registry was going to be a fun, stress free part of wedding planning. I couldn't wait to go out and pick out gifts for other people to give us. I was constantly keeping my eyes peeled when I was out shopping, always flipping through magazines, and...

Visual Journal Page 53: House Hunting

As I have said before... house hunting can be a bit of a roller coaster ride. When we first started looking for our house, I couldn't have been more excited. That excitement quickly wore off as I realized that things can look perfect on paper but in reality be nothing...

Artwork: Handmade Teapot and Teacups

In addition to my mixed media paintings and visual journal, I love using clay. I fell in love with it in high school, and had amazing professors in college who only pushed my love for it further. While in high school I tried for a month to use the pottery wheel... and...

Mixed Media: Trapped

This mixed media piece was made to go with my other mixed media piece, "Caged". They are meant to hang next to each other, and reference the upper and lower parts of a whole body. While they create one body, by hanging them next to each other it appears as though the...

Visual Journal Page 45: The Bridesmaid Dress

THE STORY Exactly one week after I got engaged, I bought my wedding dress. I went to one store, tried on a few dresses, got an idea for the style I wanted, and attended a bridal show the following weekend. I tried on a couple of dresses there, not finding much, until...

Mixed Media Painting: Caged

Mixed Media Painting: Caged

This is a painting I recently finished using oil paint, modeling impasto wax, image transfers, and fabric. If you are interested in learning how to make a mixed media work of art I would start with the materials you are most comfortable with and slowly add new...