When most people think about art they associate it with painting a picture of something. Painting can be intimidating to someone who has little experience. Painted collage allows you to experiment with various painting effects to create textured painted surfaces, without the worry of completing a large canvas.

When talking to people about making art as children and what they liked about it, most say they remember a papier mache project that they made and how much fun it was; many of them (or their parents) still have the project they created.

Weaving is a fun and relaxing way to pass time on a car trip, when waiting for your Mom during an appointment, or just when you are bored with summer activities.

Summer is a time to explore and embark on new experiences. In 1949 an American painter named Jackson Pollock began exploring a new form of painting.

You can make a relief image to produce multiple images by reusing an item to create art that would otherwise be tossed away. Styrofoam trays hold everything from produce to vegetables and baked goods—recycle them by making relief prints that can be given to your mom for Mother’s Day (or to anyone you choose).

Historically, artists’ works have been reactions to the times and events taking place in their world. Gustav Klimt, an artist from Vienna, Austria, is one of the founders of an art movement that started with the turn of the 20th century. The Austrian Art Nuevo movement was a reaction to technology.

This project was developed to enhance my 6th grade art students’ reading of Elephant Tears: Mask of the Elephant, a novel written by Oklahoma author Richard Trout. Trout is an environmental biologist and a professor at Oklahoma City Community College. His story focuses on the illegal killing of animals in Africa and on the importance of preventing their extinction.

There is nothing more satisfying and enjoyable than imagining an idea and then figuring out how to make it come to life visually so someone else can respond to it. Art education makes learning an investigation and promotes creative problem solving—a useful life skill.

January promises new experiences to discover. Start the year by exploring a complementary colored world. Complementary colors are located directly across from each other on the color wheel.

This December, create a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. This origami ornament incorporates a potato stamp design. With a few simple materials, time, patience, and a little creative inspiration, you can create a memory to revisit every year.

One of my family's favorite Thanksgiving desserts is pumpkin pie. This year, make your pie using a fresh pumpkin. It will result in an added bonus: you can save the seeds to string a beautiful, natural necklace.

Create your own work similar to the work of Henri Matisse, an influential artist of the early 20th century.

This month we honor the moms and mother figures in our lives. A heartfelt way to demonstrate your love is to hand-craft a Mother’s Day card. Handmade cards will be cherished for years because they come from the heart. Cards may be made for many occasions and offer a crafty excuse to host a party.

Wonderful Oklahoma surrounds us with the grace and beauty of nature, from the wooded forests of the east to the rolling prairies of the west. The leaves, flowers, branches, and rocks all have individual patterns which join together to form a larger design in nature.

Navajo rugs are the inspiration for this art project. As the twentieth century approached, a new commercial yarn called Germantown was introduced to weavers as a trade item. The new yarn widened the range of colors and patterns available to weavers. Some of the rug designs used squares containing individual design motifs.

Create original characters that represent your hobbies, heritage, or personal interests. All you need are a few simple supplies and an unlimited imagination to build your own league of artistic action figures.

Every student wants to carry a new book bag to school. Help your child show off his or her creative side by making an original batik book bag.