Sunflower Stamped Apples

 Kids are going to love this hands on art project that incorporates nature to make a fun print that looks great when displayed! It is easy, needs the most basic supplies and turns out to be so cute!  Make this apple stamping art project after a visit to the orchard, or just as a fun craft to do together.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Aren't these apples the cutest thing for little hands? All you need is a few colors of paint, a sheet of paper and a dried up sunflower head to make these with your kids. This is great for younger kids.

We visited the farmers market and purchased some sunflowers a few weeks earlier. After they had started to dry out, we plucked the petals off and were left with the heads.

Harp and I thought it would be fun to paint with them, so I grabbed a few bottles of cheap paint and some paper. This is what we came up with.

Supplies:

Paint in red, green and yellow

Paper Plate

Sunflower

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Pour  paint onto a paper plate. You need about a quarter sized drop.

Press your sunflower head into the paint and press it onto the paper.

Repeat as desired.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Find more fun kids art projects here:
Pineapple Process Art
Christmas Tree Art
Cork and Button Apple Tree Art

Art for All Ages: Encouraging Creativity in Children and Adults

 Art is a powerful tool that can unlock creativity and foster personal growth in individuals of all ages. Whether you're a child exploring colors for the first time or an adult seeking a creative outlet, engaging in artistic activities can have profound benefits. 

If you're looking to encourage creativity in children and adults, here are some effective strategies to consider.

1. Provide a Stimulating Environment

When providing a stimulating environment for art activities, showcasing the works of accomplished artists can be beneficial to inspire individuals of all ages. Christopher Anderson, a highly acclaimed photographer known for his evocative imagery and distinctive storytelling, can serve as an exceptional source of inspiration. 

Displaying captivating works by Christopher Anderson photographer, can spark curiosity and ignite the creative spirit in children and adults. His masterful use of composition, light, and subject matter can inspire individuals to explore different artistic mediums and experiment with their visual storytelling. 

By incorporating the works of renowned photographers like Christopher Anderson, we not only provide a visual feast but also expose individuals to diverse artistic styles and perspectives, fostering a rich and stimulating artistic environment.

2. Embrace Open-Ended Activities

Embracing open-ended activities is a key strategy for encouraging creativity in individuals of all ages. By providing opportunities for self-expression and interpretation, open-ended activities allow children and adults to explore their imagination freely. 

Whether it's painting, drawing, sculpting, or engaging in mixed media, open-ended activities foster a sense of curiosity, experimentation, and innovation. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, take risks, and create without limitations or preconceived outcomes. 

This freedom nurtures creativity, as individuals are empowered to express their unique ideas and perspectives, leading to a rich and diverse artistic experience for all.

3. Provide Opportunities for Reflection and Feedback

Providing opportunities for reflection and feedback is crucial in nurturing creativity in individuals of all ages. Encouraging children and adults to reflect on their artwork allows them to gain insights into their creative process, explore their choices, and identify areas for growth. 

By asking open-ended questions and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can delve deeper into their artistic journey, gaining a better understanding of their artistic voice and style. Furthermore, offering constructive feedback helps individuals refine their skills, gain new perspectives, and build their confidence. 

Reflection and feedback foster continuous learning and growth, creating a dynamic and enriching artistic experience for all.

4. Provide Guidance and Resources

Providing guidance and resources is vital for nurturing creativity in individuals of all ages. Offering access to art classes, workshops, and online tutorials allows children and adults to further develop their artistic skills and techniques. 

Connecting individuals with mentors or local artists provides valuable guidance, inspiration, and mentorship. Additionally, sharing books, videos, and other educational resources related to various art forms expands their knowledge and opens doors to new artistic possibilities. 

By providing a supportive framework and a wealth of resources, we empower individuals to explore, experiment, and refine their artistic talents, fostering a lifelong love for art and continuous growth in their creative journey.

That's A Wrap 

Encouraging creativity in children and adults is a rewarding endeavor with long-lasting benefits. By providing a stimulating environment, embracing open-ended activities, and fostering a supportive community, we can nurture artistic talents in individuals of all ages. 

Let us create an atmosphere that values imagination, self-expression, and exploration, empowering everyone to unlock their creative potential and embrace the transformative power of art.

Play Doh Snakes

Looking for a simple way to engage the kids with supplies you probably already have on hand? This easy play doh snakes idea is the way to go. Kids of all ages will love this sensory play idea that combines fine motor work and creativity for an all around fun time!

Now that my kids are enrolled in virtual school for the semester, I have been finding ways to keep them engaged. They finish their work early in the day and have a few hours to fill in the afternoon. I bought a bunch of blank books, small canvases, coloring books, wooden plaques and so onto keep them creating. But, to keep things entertaining, I give them a daily challenge.

Some days, I challenge them to build something specific with legos. another day, I might challenge them to find pine cones, leaves, or sticks of a certain size. My favorite challenges involve play doh. On this particular day I gave them a pile of buttons and a can of play doh and asked them to make an animal. They put their heads together asked for a touch of red doh and 2 little eyes. This is what they came up with. It is so cute, I knew I wanted to share this idea with you.

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Supplies:

Play Doh, offer 2 colors

Buttons

Googly Eyes

Directions:

Encourage your child to roll a play doh snake and  decorate it with buttons.

Give the snake eyes and carefully give him a tongue.

If you liked this easy play doh idea check out these reader favorites.

Button Tower Stem Activity

Apple Tree Math

The Topiary Park of Columbus

Columbus Ohio is one of our go-to places for family fun. The city has so much to offer to families. From the Columbus Museum of Art to the awesome playgrounds for kids, there is always something to do in Columbus!

A few weeks ago we attended Brick Universe, to the delight of my Lego loving kids. After we had taken the time to play with all kinds of legos and browse the vendors, we decided to take in the Topiary Park of Columbus on Town Street. This is such a lovely little spot in the city. If you have never been, you are really missing out on something amazing.

Giving my kids exposure to art is important to me. Both kids love to sculpt with playdough and they both love to draw. Encouraging their love of the arts keeps them interested in creating! A little-known fact is that as a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I often wonder what might have been if only someone told me to keep sketching or had taken me to a fashion week kind of thing...

So, as we arrived at the Park, and found ample parking opportunities, we entered an almost empty park. An elderly man sat reading on a bench. At the other end of the park, a father-son duo conversed quietly. It was nice to be able to allow the kids a little freedom to stretch their legs and observe this living art in their own ways.


The park is one of a kind. It is a gorgeous, green and lush atmosphere with breathtaking flowers, a pristine pond, and these amazing topiaries. It is an interpretation of the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte by Georges Seurat.

The experience is delightful. It offers one the chance to walk amongst the art, a rare occasion in this digital day we live in. The stroll was nothing short of magical for my kids. They have been several times and they never tire of a trip to The Topiary Park of Columbus.

I loved how serene the park was, despite the location in the city. If I were frequently in the downtown area, I could see myself slipping away to the Topiary Park for coffee and contemplation or a dreamy place to pass time with a good book in hand.