Valentine's 3D Hearts

Today is a snow day in London, Ontario. If snow is not your thing try these 3D valentines hearts.
A few days ago, I was on How About Orange blog and she had a picture of a wall with  3D hearts. I loved the simplicity. I quickly glanced on how to make them and set off to find some red paper. Instead I found my daughter's heart artwork she created last year. I asked her if we could cut out the hearts to make them into 3D hearts. Here they are...aren't they cute!
As soon as I find more pink paper, I will make larger hearts.

Drawing is Taking a Line for a Walk-Paul Klee

It amazes me how stressed kids get when it comes to an art project. The other day in a grade 5 classroom we were doing one line art drawings. I had one chiId crying because his work did not look like what he wanted. Others did not want to follow the simple rule of lines not drawn on top of another.

Maya, age 9

By the time kids get to the junior years, kids begin to feel that they have natural talent or they don't. Kids equate drawing realistically with being good at art. So many lose interest. This is a shame. We need kids to feel that thinking creatively is valuable. Our world is complex and we will need creative problem solvers to help us in the future.

This is why I like to do more abstract art projects in the junior years. I also emphasize that if they wanted to learn to draw realistically, that they must practice like any other skill they want to learn.

I really like Paul Klee. A Swiss artist who produced many diverse pieces of artwork. I like to show students some examples of artwork with simple lines and how colour is used to enhance a picture. Here is a more detailed biography.

I begin by asking student to draw something simple: flower, trees, house, cars etc.
Then I ask them to practice drawing a one line drawing.
The students trace over it with a sharpie.
Then they use watercolours to finish the paintings.

Art on a Limb Studio

Its with great pleasure I announce that I will be working with Kim Stark, former Principal of Sitting Tree School and Nancy Clarke, Acme Animal. We have decided to join forces and open a creative family arts studio by Westminster Ponds in London, Ontario. After months and months, we finally came up with a name. It is called Art on a Limb Studio.  We will be offering drama, improve, creative writing and visual arts programs. In the Fall 2013, we hope to offer nature programs to nearby schools.
Our website is under construction. You can find out more though my Budding Artists website.  For up to date information, like us on Facebook. In the meantime, I created this video to give you a taste of what we do.

The Great Christmas Disaster

We've all read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and probably seen Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” at least once or twice too. I am sure you are familiar with all the characters that run through these tales and more, like the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, Rudolph, the Grinch and even jolly old Santa Claus. Have you heard of "The Great Christmas Disaster" though? What about "Gabe Strikes Again"? They are one and the same and if you are still shaking your head, I'm not surprised. This Christmas drama is an original by Kim Stark, but it pulls on many already familiar Christmas themes. In fact, as the play unfolds, you will see one mixed-up angel having to set several Christmas stories straight with the help of a couple of angelic friends.

You haven't seen this play before, but you will want to catch it this year.

On Friday, December 21^st at 7 pm and Saturday, December 22^nd at 2 pm, 17 children will be performing their version of this Christmas play. Kim Stark has spent the last month or so teaching the kids tips, tricks and techniques for how to dazzle an audience with the help of the new Budding Artists space. With Kim directing these children, aged 5-15 years, they are finally ready for the curtain to go up. Now is their time to shine.

So without further ado, Budding Artists presents “The Great Christmas Disaster” to showcase London’s newest theatre troupe, at their new location at 944 Western Counties Rd, behind Parkwood Hospital. Please contact Budding Artists for tickets, as space is limited at the venue. Suggested donations are $8 per adult and $5 per child. These budding thespians would love your support, so please make a point to come out and cheer them on as they present “The Great Christmas Disaster (or Gabe Strikes Again)” to you.

Christmas Gift Ideas

Garden Stake

With two weeks to go, we are coming down to crunch time for Christmas shopping. Are you done yet? Would you like to personalize your gift giving this year? Why not give the gift of personalized artwork from your child! Perfect for Grandma and Grandpa, aunts, uncles, your child's teacher or whomever is on your list still.

Keepsake Box

Get us your children's artwork and Budding Artists can create garden stakes and keepsake boxes that anyone would be thrilled to receive. If you want to give the gift of art for your children, why not pick up one of our many artist supplies and craft kits? Our new fish pencil sharpeners make excellent stocking stuffers!


Perhaps the best way to show your children you appreciate their artistic skills is by displaying their creativity for all to see. The L'il Davinci Art Frame does just that! Store up to 50 pieces of artwork in a beautiful cabinet. All you have to do is rotate the art as it is created. Wouldn't that clean up your fridge door? I'm sure Santa has you on the nice list, so perhaps you can put in the good word with him for this under your Christmas tree.

Budding Artists Does Christmas Cards

There's 21 days til Christmas

and what's left to do?

How about everything and nothing,

and me come down with the flu.

Christmas baking is yet to begin

and presents still wait at the store,

but Budding Artists can help you

at least with one thing more.

Have you started your Christmas letter?

Are holiday cards in the mail?

Fear not my friends and neighbours,

as a scheme for you, we will regale

Pick out your favourite artwork

that your child has created and slaved over,

then get the design to Maria

by Friday, and see the changeover!

She'll set the picture for you,

two sets of 6 cards apiece,

the grandparents will be a'wonder

and don't forget to include one for your great niece!

So get your children drawing

and cross one item off the list

Budding Artists saves the day

with a Christmastime assist!

Time for a Workshop!

Thank you to everyone that stopped by our Budding Artists Open House and Christmas Sale this past weekend. The butter tarts and chai were scrumptious, for those of you who couldn't make it! The children's crafts were a hit with all the kids that came too. We are almost out of reindeer food! I suspect that a few stocking stuffers were picked up by clandestine parents as well, while their darling little ones dove into mask making and more.

Don't go feeling like you completely missed out though. Now that Budding Artists has a new home, we are offering workshops throughout the week.

NEW BUDDING ARTISTS PROGRAMS

Drama Workshops on Mondays

~ Are your children born to act? Do they turn every action into a performance? Budding Artists has the perfect answer to how to encourage your budding dramatists. Sign them up for our theatre workshops on Monday evenings with Kim Stark (formerly of Sitting Tree School). She will be teaching movement, script reading, character development, playwriting, improvisation tactics and more. Aside from having fun, these workshops also help to build self-awareness, social skills and confidence, while decreasing anxiety. Geared towards 8-16 year-olds.

Toonie Tuesdays

Toonie Tuesdays

~ If your craft budget is a little slim, then Budding Artists has a cheap solution for creativity for you - Toonie Tuesdays! For a mere $2, you can drop by the Bruce Pavilion at 944 Western Counties Rd from 4-5:30 pm every Tuesday afternoon and make art with the ladies of Budding Artists.

Eco-Tots

~ Do you need to get your little ones out of the house more often? Would they appreciate a little more time spent in nature, exploring all that it has to offer? Head down to our fabulous location on the edge of Westminster Ponds and discover the joy that only hands-on exploration can bring. Eco-Tots is held every Wednesday meeting at 944 Western Counties Rd, from 10-11:30 am. Dress appropriate for the weather and don't forget to bring your creativity along for some art activities as well. This program is designed for 2 1/2-4 year-olds.

Friday Craft Night

Friday Craft Night

~ If you are looking for an art project that is fun for the whole family, then look no further than Friday Craft Night! For $25, an adult and 1 child ($5 for additional child) can get crafting to help wind down after a long week. Hours are 7-8:30 pm. Register early so that you don't miss out on the creativity. 

Crafting the Masters

~ Why mess with a good thing? Budding Artists is bringing back our Crafting the Masters series on Saturdays, from 10-11:30 am. It is the same children's art workshops that you remember from our previous location at the London Farmer's market - a little art history, techniques, games and stories, with a focus on a master artist. Your children will even get to bring home their very own art project at the end of the day.

Budding Artists Birthday Parties

~ Are you looking for something a little different this year for your child's birthday party? Why not consider one of Budding Artists Budding Adventure Parties! You get two hours of indoor and outdoor fun at our Westminster Ponds location, including 45 minutes in our party room. You can choose between one of three fun-filled adventure parties, where you have a mystery to unravel, but regardless, a good time had by all is guaranteed.

PD Day Camps

~ While some parents are able to take time off work for the many PD Days that occur over the course of the school year, that luxury is not an option for all. What do you do with your children, when the teachers cut them loose for a day then? Budding Artists has a suggestion - drop them off to our PD Day Camps! Not only do we entertain children with art projects, movement and plenty of other activities, but we also feed them a pizza lunch, healthy snacks and juice. You get peace of mind knowing your children will be well taken care of, and your kids get to explore their creative side in an encouraging and supportive space. Perfect!