I’ve been so excited to share these mini art books I made with my art classes this week. The kids had so much fun with them. Last week I shared some ideas on using pastels with kids. We’ve been working with pastels almost daily in our home and with the kids in our art studio at work. I knew they’d be a great material to share with art class. Here’s what we did.
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Materials
soft pastels
First, I introduced the kids to pastels and how to use them. All of the kids couldn’t wait to get started after watching my demonstration. I had prepared piles of cut paper in four different colors that fit perfectly in the photo album sleeves. I demonstrated how to rub, smudge and blend the pastels, and then place them in the sleeve of their book after each art work was completed.
The kids LOVED being responsible for their own book. They worked diligently to create different pastel art works and then fill the pages of their album, one by one.
What I didn’t anticipate was that after the kids made about ten of their own masterpieces, they started making them for each other. They even made a bunch for me!
Kids began quietly filling other friends pages and then yelling “surprise!” when the friend opened their book. It was so sweet. The smiles and laughter was absolutely delicious!
In just about an hour kids filled about half their book and were begging to complete their books next week. The great thing is, this can be done with all different kinds of art. It doesn’t have to be just pastels. You can do drawings with markers, paintings, collages, whatever your child is into.
Soon each child will have a mini art book to share with their families, look at before bed, or keep on the family coffee table. I can’t wait to do this with my own girls. So much fun!
I love these! So pretty and they would make great gifts too!
Thanks Ana! Gifts are a great idea!
My littlest has developed a love of albums recently (my old family photo ones are flipped to tatters to prove it!) so these would be a home run for her!
So happy to hear that Jenny! Have fun with it and thanks for reading along!
Hello,
I’m normally too busy or lazy to comment but this idea is one of those “simply” brilliant ones. A “dang that’s a great idea”. Easy, inexpensive way to entertain and keep your child’s art. Love it. I’ve really enjoyed the latest bloggers books hope you have one in the works.
Thank yo uso much for taking the time to comment here. I’m so glad you like the idea. It’s been so much fun seeing kids enjoy these at all my art classes and just a few minutes ago I came home to both my daughter’s creating an art book for their dad’s birthday tomorrow. Thanks so much for your kind words! Meri
these are stunning!! such a brilliant idea, meri. i’m always looking for art projects that keep the 4-yr olds engaged for more than 20 minutes. i am so doing this!! xoxo bar
Bar, this is a mega home run and I can see it being used in so many ways. Have fun!
We have used sleeves before to put the more messy artwork in but I didn’t know these came in a little book form. How neat! I am going to get some for my son. Loved the article and how the kids were filling each other’s books. Sharing.
Hi Meri,
I LOVE your blog and do So many of your projects! Thank you for the constant inspiration. I was about to buy pastels, and noticed that most of them, including the Reeves pastels you have listed have a warning on the back of the box. The dust from the pastels can potentially cause cancer. I am on the lookout for non toxic, good quality pastels. In the meantime, I thought you should know about this incase you missed it (I had no idea until now!). Thanks again!
Oh no! I will have to go look. I definitely didn’t realize that. Yikes. Thanks for letting me know and thanks so much for your kind words! Let me know if you find any great ones that are non toxic!!
I love this idea!! I can’t possibly keep every art project my boys & I do, but I think I will start having them use an extra 4×6 piece of paper with whatever technique or medium we’re using that day for their album… they could even write about it too!
This is a great idea for something to do with the stacks process art painting from my two littles. Just cut them down to size and voila. Thanks!
Exactly. They make a great keepsake!
Hi Meri!! My daughters (3 and 1) and I have had the best summer thanks to you!! Thank you for all of the inspiration, process art theory info and encouragement. As a child I was paralyzed by fear when it came to art. I had whole sets of art supplies that I wouldn’t touch because I was afraid of messing up and wasting my materials. ….but now…my eyes have been opened!! I was stressed for no reason!! I’m so glad to know about process art for myself and for my children. If I hadn’t come across your website, I definitely would have passed along my art anxiety. My 3 year old wants to paint every day! “Mommy, will you art with me!” It’s the cutest and it’s so cool to see her so free and relaxed. I have so much fun painting along side her. We make really awesome art and it’s only ever fun!! Currently…I can hear the whir of a saw and a screw driver in our back yard. We are having an art hut/playhouse like the one you had built!! I’m inspired by you in more ways than one. You’re a life changer, lady!! With love, from Arkansas.
What a fantastic project! I plan on heading out to stock up on some mini photo albums to do this project with my daughter! I love how precious this is and it creates a sense of pride in sharing and protecting their art work! Simply brilliant! Thank you for sharing!
Heather! 🙂