Getting Inspired

Sketching & Watercolor

My kids are all in this wonderful drawing phase. Coloring is still a passion of theirs, but they all get inspired to draw, sketch, and paint if given some ideas here and there. Over the last couple of years I have found treasures on YouTube--wonderful art tutorial videos to follow, using minimal supplies. Normally I'm not overly keen on arts and crafts projects. They're up there with science experiments.... messy, sticky, tedious..... chaotic when many little ones are involved....Normally I hide science experiment equipment and chuckle identifying with my dear friend who explains to me that she even hides the books for science experiments, lest her girls get any ideas! :)  haha

However, coloring, cutting, and scotch tape have always been acceptable activities to me. We have an unlimited supply of computer paper, the kids have free access to the internet and can print off coloring pages to their hearts' content. A great read aloud activity.

Last week we found ourselves outside sketching plants and filling them in with watercolors. The results were so much fun. I found some inexpensive frames to hold their artwork, and my son proudly showcased his in his room on his Lego table.

As well, my older daughter helped her younger sister get started on a simple cross stitch pattern. Adorable! I love seeing older siblings teach a younger. My heart melts.

Links

Some tutorials that we've made use of over the years:

Shayda Campbell (fellow Canadian in P.E.I) - specializes in hand-lettering, watercolor, and illustrating  

Hodgepodge - Great chalk pastel tutorials that are simple and have fun results

Art Projects for Kids - really nice how-to-draw printables, and some nice age-appropriate projects