January Wishes and Colorful Wonders

January is always thrilling and exciting as we cast our sites on new things ahead! Here’s a few art projects to keep your kids dreaming, wishing and motivated to continue new art projects through the end of January!

Wishing Wand
Supplies: Cardstock Contact paper, Scissors, Assorted Sequins and Glitter, Lours, Marker, Stick/Dowel, Pencil, Ribbon or Wired Garland

Cut out two stars with Cardstock Paper, then take the contact paper and cut it out two times. Make them the size of the star. ****Leave enough room so that the contact paper can be glued to the star later. Decorate one of the contact paper with assorted sequins and glitter lours. Then glue the edges of the contact paper together. Finally, glue the contact paper to the edges of the star. If you have any edges of the contact paper that extends outside of the star then just cut around and re-glue the edges. Last but not least, Set Goals and Resolutions: Write around the outside of the star goals and things to look forward to. 
For example:“FRONT: In 2021, I want to create, earn a new belt, go to the beach. BACK: Learn to read, illustrate, start eating dessert after breakfast.”
-New Years Centerpiece and Wishing Wand, Dancers4Life

Alcohol Ink Coasters  

  • 4 tile coasters (the non-porous and shiny kind :)  
  • Ranger Alcohol Inks ( several colors of choice)  
  • Rubbing Alcohol  
  • Felt  
  • Black Paint  
  • Mod Podge Glue ( or glue of choice)  
  • Paint brushes  
  • Wax paper or something to protect you work surface ( these inks stain…trust me – I learned the hard way !)   
  • Spray Sealer 

First, lay down wax paper on the table, then place the coasters on top. The wax paper will protect the table from spilled paint staining the table. Second, use a paint brush to rub the alcohol on the coasters. Third, place the colors in order of what you want to use first. Then start dropping the paint on the coasters. If you have any white spots then just add more color to it. Fourth, paint the sides black or any color of your choosing. Fifth, cut squares out of black felt. Leave it until you coat the bottom of the coaster with mod podge or glue. Then you can stick the felt to the bottom. Finally, use the spray seal over the paint side and allow it to dry overnight. Enjoy your finished colorful art project!  

-PC and Project: Instructables Living 

Fun Facts about Alcohol Ink!

Alcohol inks are an exciting new medium in the art world that allow a free flow of expression with a variety of techniques. Artists who specialize in alcohol inks have developed styles that range, from representational art that captures the natural world, to abstract art specializing in serene and gilded designs.

“The powerful punches of color, use of non-absorbent surfaces, and ability to maintain a clean seal with resin have allowed alcohol ink art to captivate a wide range of art enthusiasts. This artwork is a beautiful way to decorate your walls, as well as all manner of household objects. Alcohol ink artists are famous for their versatility in substrates, as they paint glass vases, jewelry and metals, and functional wooden pieces. No matter what substrate they drop their ink onto, the pieces always come out looking stunning.”

Louise Christian uses alcohol inks to paint natural scenes, such as forests, trees, flowers, and mushrooms. Her painting range from impressionistic to realistic. Her techniques make use of bold, bright colors and unique textures. To create her full desired vision, she mixes the media by drawing over her paintings with ink pens.”

-PC and Article: Artists Who are Famous for Using Alcohol Ink, Smart Art Box, 2019

Contact us about our art classes to keep your kids busy throughout the year!

Happy New Year! The Best has yet to come in 2021!

For those days when it’s too cold for kids to play outside, I’ve amassed a hyper-creative library of activities that will keep students entertained and educated Claire and CCA want to spend time with your children this winter in the arts & literacy series Story Adventures They’ll find a renewed sense of excitement for learning in 2021 through arts and crafts, imaginary travel and even physical activities that give that (seemingly endless) energy a place to go.  I’ll be sure to include some activities for parents to do as well – after all, we all need a creative and physical activity break!

Your child will be an active participant!   I’m sure it has been reassuring to you to know you were able to enjoy your own time while they were with me in class – doing what you need to do so you can come together as a family later.  Each week, a new Story Adventure will provide that time for you- by keeping your child interested, occupied and intrigued as the stories unfold.  In the first book, Claire will introduce your children to the Empire Penguins in the South Pole, where two very different friends, a penguin named Scarlett and a polar bear named Polie first meet.  

Literacy meets art in an interactive 3-D Art Adventure kids create and build themselves while reading along with (or being read to) stories of friendship, adventure and different cultures.   We journey along with 1 illustrated book per month, plus CCA’s fun-filled Art Kits providing everything for your child. 

With so many materials and choices provided, they can only be successful! Your child will be occupied and intrigued while spending up to 3 hours per week, learning new fine and gross body skills, memory exercises, languages and cultures while expanding important artistic horizons this year.  Older students become illustrators and inventive craftsmen, while younger students create willingly and freely whatever they choose to make.  

Work at your own pace and time of day convenient for your family. We have a suggested time schedule to help frame your week’s activities. All materials are mailed out to you prior to start. Virtual Fun is provided through Google Classroom and one optional 45 minute online live-stream session each week (recorded and uploaded for busy schedules.)  We even provide administrative assistance, so that your child’s experience is first class.

CCA will release these new live and online classes January 18th. Claire will engage and interact with your children both online and @ All Souls Church. Kids ages 3.5- 9 years will be stimulated by creative new ideas and achievements that they will be excited to share with their family and friends!

JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE YEAR; START YOUR 1ST WEEK TRIAL BEFORE JAN. 16TH AND SEE FOR YOURSELF:)

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