Art by Debbie Saenz

One More Kid's Summer Art Class Left

Can you believe it? How can it be? Where has the summer gone? It seems like only yesterday since I was only contemplating offering these classes....and now I have only one class left to teach at Hobby Lobby and I taught my last class in my neighborhood clubhouse this past Tuesday. 

Sharing my love of art and watching the creativity of my beautiful new friends blossom, has been a real joy. 

It's been fun to hear that some of the moms have even been inspired to try some Mod Podge projects at home! 

 

Classes in my neighborhood were held in the Kid's Towne Hall Clubhouse. We gathered around the large island in the kitchen. I figured as long as we fit, it was better to stay off the carpet!

 

Their collages turned out so beautiful!  Fabulous job girls!

This was today's class at Hobby Lobby. 

We're in the classroom located in the back of the store.

 

As you can see, some of the girls got a little silly with the paint. 

 

More beautiful collages. They all did an awesome job!

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Our Next Project at Hobby Lobby:

 

 We'll make a "Back to School" project...a clipboard and pencil holder

I realize most of my projects are very girlie, but that's what comes natural to me and has worked out perfect since my classes have consisted of mainly girls. I've always planned an alternative boys project, but out of all of my classes I've only had one boy. 

Now I'm contemplating a series of "Santa's Workshop" classes where kids can make gift giving projects. Do you have any ideas for me? I'd love to hear them. 

Blessings XO,

Debbie

Mixed Media Collage for Kids Art Class

I can't believe the last Kid's Towne Hall summer art class is already next week! And only 3 more at Hobby Lobby. Where has the time gone? It has been a real joy for me to work with these adorable kids and watch their creativity blossom. It's truly a God given gift!

We'll be making a mixed media collage. We’ll create an interesting background with paints using various techniques then we’ll add charcoal, oil pastels, inks, printed text, stamps, glitter, and three dimensional embellishments. 

These are several samples I've made..

 

I used a piece of poplar wood and made this with some paint and things that are easily found around the house. Do you see where I used bubble wrap to imprint paint?

 

Similar techniques with different colors and elements produces a totally different look. And the boys can make one using stars and more rugged elements! 

I'll show the kids each step to create their very own mixed media collage. This project will really allow their creativity to shine...and they'll cherish it for years to come!

A GREAT IDEA...One of the moms suggested doing a "Santa's Workshop" class series at Christmas time where the kids can make special handmade gifts for their friends and family. I love the idea and have been really considering it. What do you think? Do you have any good ideas of any gift-giving things we could make? I'd love to hear your suggestions! I thought of making scented soaps. 

Blessings XO,

Debbie

Trinket Box for Kid's Art Class

My hands are still decorated with paint and peeling glue from today's art class! I had a full class today with 10 kids. At times it was a bit chaotic but we're having a blast playing and creating. I'm so thankful for those moms who jumped in to help toward the end. 

I wanted to get the next project posted asap. The kid's are going to love the next class; they'll be making a really cool trinket box! I"ll show them how to transform a simple wooden box into a work of art. Mod Podge here we go again...they're getting really good at this!

 

We'll get creative with some more paint, fun papers, inks, stamps, rhinestones, and beads to embellish and create this awesome box. 

 

I plan on having several options of different coordinating paper sets for the kid's to choose from.  Each box will be different but still have a very "distressed" look. 

 

 It's not complete without some bling!

 

 And a little message inside...

XOXO

I better go scrub my hands! 

4th of July Centerpiece & A Necklace with a Scrabble Tile Pendant for Kid's Art Class

Next week we'll be making a festive 4th of July centerpiece and a scrabble tile pendant necklace. 

 

We'll use enamel paint and Sparkle Mod Podge on glass to make this beautiful candle holder. Yes, it really sparkles...and it'll glow too! I've purchases those battery operated flickering tea lights to give each of the kids. I can just see them taking it into their rooms when the party is over and watching it flicker in the darkness of their rooms as they float off to sleep. Ahh to be a kid again!

 

I know the girls will be excited to make one of their very own scrabble tile pendants! Yes, this incredible pendant is made with an old scrabble tile, the letter is on the backside. I will provide various words like: Dream, Love, Fly, Hope, Joy, and even their names and initial to choose from - to add with their butterfly. I'm partial to scripture, so I used a scripture reference on mine. You can find a tutorial for making these in the Categories section on my sidebar under 'Tutorials'.  

And for the boys, I will provide something other than jewelry for them to create.

I hope I'm not being too ambitious, but I think in our 2 1/2 hour class the kids will have time to make 2 creations!

I am so thrilled to share my love of art with the children!

Blessings XO,

Debbie

Name Banners for Kid's Art Class

I am totally excited about what we will be making in our next class! I know the kids will enjoy their very own special name banners hanging in their rooms for years to come. 

I've asked them the colors of their rooms and want to give them several options of different papers they can choose from....and then, we'll break out the Paint and Mod Podge, and finally, we'll dress em up with lots of really cool embellishments!

Here are the samples I made: 

 

We'll use 4" wooden letters that I've predrilled holes in. This one is obviously for a girl with blue and brown room colors! Like my daughter Sarah's room!

I'll teach the kids a simple distressing technique...then, It all comes together with pretty ribbons, flowers, and rhinestones! FUN!!

  And this is the boys sample banner. 

 Jute instead of ribbon and stars with studs instead of all the girly stuff! Oh yes, I think their gonna love it :)

Depending on the paper and the embellishments the kids choose, each name banner will be personalized to match their own rooms! 

I think I'm going to make one that says, "Happy Birthday" to hang instead of those ugly paper ones..Hmmm, now I just need some time :)

BlessingsXO

Debbie

Kid's Art Classes and A Father's Day Frame

Wow! I am exhausted but also very excited. Today I taught my first Kid's Art Class! It makes me remember how much I loved creating art when I was a kid...

I have wonderful memories of going to painting classes when I was about 6 years old. An elderly lady in my neighborhood held painting classes in her sunny living room for the neighborhood kids.  I can still recall sitting in front of that big easel while she lovingly taught me how to paint flowers in a vase. I knew I was in my element, even at a very young age. 

Even if they think of me as "the older lady that teaches art", I feel privileged to share my love of art with the children in my own neighborhood...and I felt like a kid again today too!

I will be teaching 5 different art classes in our neighborhood clubhouse throughout the summer. I didn't realize however, just how much work it is to design projects, purchase supplies, prep and lug everything, set up and clean up. Not to mention making signs, fliers and all the book keeping involved. Whew! I will sleep good tonight. But Oh yes, it's worth every bit of it. I just hope the kids will have beautiful, lasting memories of our times together experiencing the joy of expressing our creativity! 

   

I designed this special Father's Day frame especially for this class. I brought a basket of rocks for them to choose their favorite. They poured so much love into their frames; I'm sure their dads will be touched when they receive their special gift!  

Next week, we will have fun with more paint, glue, pretty papers and embellishments to create personalized name banners with wooden letters.

I will also be teaching Kid's Art Classes at my local Hobby Lobby store. My first class will be in 2 days. We will be making this same frame. 

Blessings,

Debbie xo