Summer Shell Crabs Craft for Kids

School’s out for summer! Now what?!? While we are super excited to be outside and not be on a strict schedule, we still need some indoor activities for when it rains, or for the older kids while the littles nap, or while mom works… It’s going to be a long (but fun!) summer. These adorable […]

Father’s Day Clay Change Tray

Father’s Day is coming! What do you get that dad, grandpa, and/or father figure in your life? These clay change trays are the perfect handmade gift for any guy’s desk, dresser, or nightstand.  

Mother’s Day Painted Coasters

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! What do you give that special lady in your life (besides wine)? Something handmade from the kids, of course! These Mother’s Day Painted Coasters are not only cute and guaranteed to make mom cry, they are actually useful, and best of all, a rainy day afternoon time-filler!  

Paint Splatter Easter Eggs – Mess Free Craft for Kids

It’s been a long, cold winter…. While we wait for spring to come, here’s an egg-cellent Easter activity for the kids. These Paint Splatter Easter Eggs are fun, festive, and best of all – mess-free! 🙌  

Halloween Painted Rock Faces Craft for Kids

Ghosts 👻, Goblins 👺, and Ghouls 👹! OH MY 😱! Halloween is a BIG deal in our house. We go all out with costumes, parties, treats, and decorations! These painted rock faces are the perfect front porch pumpkin companion or non-candy treat for your little tricksters.

Mermaid Necklace Summer Craft for Kids

Summer is in full swing! We hope you are enjoying the heat and spending time in the water, whether at home in the kiddie pool or with your toes in the sand at the ocean! Either way, these magical mermaid necklaces are a fun way to display your beach found or store bought seashells.  

Dad Rocks! Father’s Day Hand Lettered & Painted Rocks

Father’s Day is right around the corner, how do you show extra appreciation to those special men in your life? Tell them they “Rock” by giving them hand lettered and painted rocks! This fun Mommy & Me craft is the perfect gift for Dad, Papa, Uncle or whoever is that stable rock in your life.

Mother’s Day Painted Wood Wall Art

What do you give that special Mom or Grandma in your life? Chocolate, jewelry, and especially wine, are good ideas. But a homemade gift on top of that is always appreciated. These Mother’s Day painted wood wall art pieces are sure to remind Mom just how much you care. <3  

Earth Day Recycled Bird Feeder Craft for Kids

Spring is in the air and if you’re anything like me, you’re trying to get excited about spring cleaning (yay). While you’re pitching and purging, save a few empty milk cartons and don’t toss those take-out forks just yet! Grab a few twigs from the front yard and let’s celebrate Earth Day by crafting up […]

Valentine’s Day Eraser-Stamped Tote Bag Craft for Kids

Now that the holidays are behind us and packed away in the basement, it’s time to think about the next holiday – the holiday of love. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays for not only my husband and I to celebrate our love, but also to show the kids a little extra love […]

Behind the Creativity with Franz, Artist Extraordinaire

An interview with Franz Spohn, artist extraordinaire: 1. You are the “Artist Extraordinaire” at Faber-Castell.  What is the best part about being the Artist Extraordinaire?   To begin, I consider it quite an honor. To have the opportunity to work with lots of kids, families, educators and of course, the many wonderful folks at Faber–Castell. This […]

The Art of Shapes – Art & Literature Series

Kids will LOVE this Art of Shapes Lesson plan for Valentine’s Day! In this project, students are introduced to several works of contemporary art associated with shapes, and make a piece of their own art inspired by Jim Dine’s famous heart motif. Grade Level: 1st – 4th grade Objective: Time Required: 2 45-min. class periods […]

10 Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

    Summer is upon us so the Creativity Connection team compiled a list of fun boredom busters for you and your kids!   Frozen Pops Bright colors and quick to dry, these tempera paints will brighten your day in a snap! Tempera paint can be used for just about everything from creating signs to […]

Found Object Assemblage Inspired By Louise Nevelson

“When you put together things that people have thrown out, you’re really bringing them to life – a spiritual life that surpasses the life for which they were originally created.” -Louise Nevelson 1899-1988 By Janis Doukakis   Vocabulary: Found objects – objects that originally had a different purpose, which the artist collected and used in […]

60 ft of Amazing Artwork!

Thanks to Jim Bessman at examiner.com for this great article showcasing why artist extraordinaire and friend, Franz Spohn, loves Faber-Castell® Premium Children’s Art Products.   During the 4-day Toy Fair event, Franz demonstrated the new Gluten-Free Tempera Paints and Gel Crayons. Take a look at this amazing video:  

Rousseau’s Rain Forest

By Janis Doukakis   “Nothing makes me so happy as to observe nature and to paint what I see.” —Henri Rousseau 1844-1910   Grade Level: 2nd – 6th grade   Time Required: three 45-min. class periods   Objective: Students become acquainted with Henri Rousseau’s life and art, and then create their own fantasy rain forest […]