Shows
Art Made Easy10 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Summer: AME 095Which statement rings true for you: summer is too short OR summer is long enough?
If you're like most of us, you probably feel as though it is way too short.
By the time you’re back in the classroom in August or September it can feel as those past two months was just enough time to catch your breath, but not enough to fully recharged and get aligned.
So how do you make the most out of your time?
Do you tackle all the stuff on your to-do list early on so you can relax later? Do you completely ve...2022-06-1438 minArt Made EasyHow to Cultivate Creative Thinkers at Home: AME 153The Coronavirus is certainly shaking things up. It's early on in the cycle of school closures, social distancing and home-based learning and people are just plain confused.
Folks deal with these types of events differently. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to stay put, not travel, hoard toilet paper and stock up on Chardonnay. So I thought it might be helpful to offer you a permission slip to slow down, calm down and take this pandemic day by day.
There are so many opportunities lurking behind every bored moment, teaching challenge and frustrations. You never really know when you'll...2020-03-1823 minArt Made EasyYour Communication Plan (and Why it’s Never Too Late to Create One): AME 152Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you're grading children in art class, or why your art looks the way it does?
You're not alone.
One of the biggest challenges for many art teachers, classroom teachers, and art volunteers is setting expectations for your art program. This is an often overlooked part of your program and if not addressed early on, can lead to some very uncomfortable conversations.
And believe me, I've had a few.
If you struggle with any of the above, then I'm happy to say that the solution...2020-03-1139 min
Art Made EasyYour Communication Plan ( and why it’s never too late to create one)Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you’re grading children in art class, or why your art looks the way it does. You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges for many art teachers, classroom teachers, and art volunteers is setting expectations for your art program. This is an often overlooked part of your program and if not addressed early on, can lead to some very uncomfortable conversations. And believe me, I’ve had a few. If you struggle with any of...2020-03-1139 minArt Made EasyThe Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days: AME 151As art teachers we have BIG goals for our art programs. Extensive year-long themes and curriculums require many class sessions to complete. And the more classes a project requires, the more likely it is that kids will fall behind. And that means a portfolio of unfinished work.
One of the most effective ways to tackle unfinished work is to schedule a make-up art day for your students. Not only are they helpful in building the confidence level of your young artists but they’ll have more finished art to choose from for your annual art show. It’s a win-win!
Why...2020-03-0421 minArt Made Easy5 Unconventional Ways to Connect with your Students: AME 150Do you sometimes feel that there is a spark missing from your art room? Maybe your students are acting bored, apathetic or disruptive?
Don't throw out your behavior management plan just yet. All you might need is a change in how you engage with your students.
Here are my favorite - and slightly unconventional ways - to connect with your students so your art room is engaging, happy and fun.
1. Get to know your students
There is always a story behind the struggle and sometimes the most gentle way to show a child you care is to sit and ask...2020-02-2641 minArt Made EasyHow to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148Hosting an art show is undeniably the best way to celebrate your student's year long efforts in art education. But the logistics of an art show can be overwhelming.
Whether you're excited to put this together (or expected to) it's always a good idea to plan ahead.
In this episode, I'll take you through each step to prepare yourself and what you can do to make sure your art show is a success.
Download my Art Show Checklist below and follow along with me in today's podcast.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to select the right projects for display
...2020-02-1241 minArt Made EasyNailing Your Art Demo: AME 147When you demonstrate a project, your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students. A demo lays out the steps, so each student can fully understand the steps and complete the lesson.
The question is how do you do that?
In this episode, I'll go over my experiences with different tools and technology that I've tried for art demos (what worked and didn't work.) Plus, classroom management tips that will really help you nail your art demo.
Need some more art lesson inspiration? Click below to check out more lesson posts on my blog:
...2020-02-0539 minArt Made EasyThe Art of Slowing Things Down: AME 146I read so many comments from teachers in our Facebook Groups expressing how their students behavior has changed. Some teachers feel like kids aren’t able to work on the same project for extended periods of time — even as little as 30 minutes. They get bored or anxious, so they rush through the project in a haphazard way just to get to the next activity.
If this is the reality then perhaps we can reconsider how we engage with our students. To hold a child’s attention, a new strategy might be the best way to get them excited to participate in the...2020-01-2928 minArt Made EasyThe 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth: AME 145When I was getting started as an art teacher, I was excited. But, I didn't really know what I was doing. I had little to no experience - a few sessions in my kid's classroom crafting quilt squares, but no elaborate art projects. I felt like I jumped into the deep end without any preparation...
But what I did have was a vision for what I wanted to accomplish. I knew I had a unique opportunity to inspire these kids. I knew it could be fun, exciting, and I knew I could make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself...2020-01-2238 minArt Made EasyHow to Think Your Way to a Happy New Year: AME 144My word of the year for 2020 is: clarity.
For most of us, January is all about change: being a healthier, happier version of yourself. But that isn't always the case. We don't have to radically reinvent ourselves in order to find happiness.
To quote one of my favorite authors, "the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it." - Eckhart Tolle
The most important thing that you can do for yourself, to live a happy life is to be present. Don't worry too much on what will be in the future. Don't dwell on what...2020-01-1526 minArt Made EasyWhat Do We Mean When We Talk About Cookie-Cutter Art: AME 143In all of my years of teaching, there is one thing that has lead me to scratch my head literally every single time I hear this phrase... and that's "cookie-cutter art".
It really drives me nuts.
It used to send me into a tail spin of feeling upset and discouraged about myself as an art teacher.
But today I see it as judgemental and feel that it's time we have a very frank conversation about what it means when we say "cookie-cutter art" and what do we really mean to say.
This episode is for all the newly hired art...2019-12-1827 minArt Made EasyThe 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving Their Job: AME 142Being successful as an art teacher means more than teaching kids how to draw or paint. It means getting kids to listen and sit and follow directions so that they have the capacity to learn to draw and paint.
It isn't easy.
If you've been feeling a bit discouraged with how your students are behaving in your art room - especially if their behavior is really causing you to rethink your occupation-- then it might mean it's time to take a step back and give yourself a little check up.
Even if everyone tell you that you're doing fine or...2019-12-1131 min
Art Made EasyThe 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving their JobWelcome to the Art Made Easy Show where we talk about everything art—from techniques, project tips, management strategies but most of all what’s going on beneath the glitter and paint to reveal the true canvas of who you are as an art teacher. I’m your host, Patty Palmer, a former K-6 art teacher form Santa Barbara, CA and I help art teachers with the three magic actions of creating your dream art program: Reflect, Gather and Plan. In this episode I reveal the 3 things that hold teachers back from loving their job, and you’ll hear why it r...2019-12-1131 minArt Made EasyThe Secret Benefits of Reading Aloud to your Children: AME 141Janey Strong is the photographer, writer, mother and early literacy advocate behind Darling Readers. Her passion is finding unique ways to encourage parents read to their children - and children are never too young or old!
Janey shares strategies on what to read, when to read, and how to manage reluctant readers.
Make sure to download Janey’s Freebie on her favorite books to read before Kindergarten.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- When Janey started reading to her own children and why she says it’s something you should never stop doing
- What parallels exist between teaching art to childr...2019-08-0730 minArt Made EasyHow to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities: AME 140Patty chats with Gold Star Sparkler, Jennifer Ford Pace, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in her community of Henrico, Virginia.
It’s a dive deep conversation on how Jennifer engages with her emotionally disabled students.
If low attention spans, below grade level art skills, or technology hungry kids are part of your classroom landscape, listen in to hear how Jennifers transcends these issues by creating connection.
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear how it impacted you. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to...2019-07-3146 minArt Made EasyHow to Grow a Customer Base for Your Art Studio with Meri Cherry: AME 139Do you have a studio based art business? If so, my conversation with Meri Cherry will be a game-changer for you. She doesn’t just offer strategies on filling your classes or how to decide what art to create--she goes much, much deeper.
We chat about how to know if you’re ready to expand, and at the same time, how to slow down.
We talk about the bigger issues of running a studio program for students: intention, environment, energy…all the good stuff!
And of course, we talk about her new book, Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook.
WHAT YOU’LL...2019-07-2448 minArt Made EasyHow to Approach Teaching Art with a Calm Mind: AME 138Kristin is a full-time public school art teacher who is passionate about living a balanced and mindful life. She’s been practicing yoga, mindfulness, and meditation since 2007, and has been teaching it since 2014.
Growing up and moving around a lot in the public school system, she experienced 23 different classroom settings by the time she was 28. She noticed the tense or chaotic nature of some classrooms vs. the calming and nurturing feel of others. It wasn’t until recently, at her own school, she noticed just how much support teachers needed when it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety, and how...2019-07-1735 minArt Made EasyHow One Art Teacher Copes with Anxiety & Depression: AME 137Felicia Merrick is a veteran classroom teacher of 22 years before becoming an art teacher. It’s a position she feels embodies all that she loves: creativity and children.
But a series of devastating losses lead to a debilitating battle with anxiety and depression. Through daily calming practices, the right medication, and a full self-help toolbox, Felicia is determined to manage anxiety.
She hopes that by sharing her story, other art teachers will earn to identify the trigger points and to find the necessary help.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- Felicia’s journey to become an art teacher
- How she deals w...2019-07-1046 minArt Made EasyFinding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens: AME 136Cassie Stephens joins Patty for the second time on Art Made Easy. And this time, we’re pulling back the colorful curtain and diving into why she wanted to write a second book, why starting a podcast feels right, and why it’s important to put social media in its place. And, just for the fun of it, a behind-the-scenes peek at what it was like to be a contestant on Nailed It.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
-- What’s happened in Cassie’s life since she was last on this podcast
- How she’s learned to overcome her fears and st...2019-07-0343 minArt Made EasyHow to Engage Students with Limited English Through Community Connections: AME 133Do you have students who speak limited English? Teaching art in a community with language barriers is a ripe opportunity for engagement and connection.
You might just need to approach teaching differently.
Today's guest, classroom teacher Hannah Coggins, teaches 1st and 2nd grade in Africa. She shares her strategies for engaging and slowing children down long enough to reflect on their art so they can truly be the best version of themselves.
Hannah is a member of The Sparkler's Club and was featured as our spotlight teacher for May. Like all Spotlight guests, Hannah turns the interview around and asks...2019-06-1235 minArt Made EasyBudget Friendly Ways to Cover Art Tables: AME 127One of the small details that often gets overlooked in the art room is whether or not to cover your art tables during art class. You might be wondering:
What type of placemats work best?
Should the whole table be covered in paper? Fabric?
It took me a few years to figure out this placemat thing but when I did, it streamlined my prep and clean up substantially. Today's episode answers a question from Katie inside the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Group.
I thought it was such a great question, I decided to go a bit deeper, answering the WHY be...2019-03-2029 minArt Made Easy4 Lessons I Learned About Classroom Management from Years of Subbing: AME 126Are your students coming to class attentive, respectful and ready to learn? Or do you spend most of your time battling challenging students?
No one wants to admit that there are days - maybe weeks - when the students wear you down so badly that you sink to a low point of frustration.
I know I've been there. And believe me, there's no worse feeling than knowing you let down the students and yourself.
Today's guest, Team Sparkle's own Amy Clay shares 4 powerful management strategies that will help you get your class back on track. Her years of being a...2019-03-1341 minArt Made EasyWhat it Takes to Become Teacher of the Year: AME 125Do you ever wonder what it takes to become teacher of the year? According to today’s guest, Barbara Hua, it wasn’t about having amazing art skills or years of experience — she had little of both. Instead it was something she didn’t realize was noticed — and her answer may surprise you.
Barbara Hua, an art teacher from Conroe, Texas is a member in our Sparklers Club and is our featured Sparkler of the Month. What we love about Barbara is her fresh approach to learning, staying curious and celebrating children’s creative expression.
Her road to becoming an art teacher st...2019-03-061h 01Art Made EasyThe Creative Habit: Our First Book Club Pick! AME 124I’m diving deep into how to cultivate your creativity with daily practice and awareness by following the exercise in Twyla Tharp’s book The Creative Habit…our first book in the DSS book club!
This book isn’t what you think it is.
It’s not a quick checklist of creative activities to do so you feel like you accomplished something. This book goes deep into the psyche of how creatives think. Not just visual artists but musicians, writers and dancers. It stabs you with truths and realizations that really make you think. So much that reading this book didn’t hap...2019-02-2749 minArt Made EasyTips on Running an After-School Program: AME 122Have you ever wanted to start an after school program? Today's guest, Pamela Saunders from Washington, D.C. was motivated to teach art when her children entered elementary school. Like many school districts, art was not offered, so Pamela took it upon herself to begin an after-school art program.
Pamela shares how she began her after-school art classes, what challenges she experienced and what motivates her to keep her vision alive.
Take a peak inside her art room and see what two projects were a home-run for her K-4th grade students.
As with all interviews with members of The...2019-02-1338 minArt Made EasyHow One Art Teacher Overcame Debilitating Challenges to Achieve Her Dream: AME 121Have you ever considered what it must feel like to be overweight? Most of us can understand how it feels to be 20 pounds over-weight and even underweight, but weight on a grander scale - like 100 lbs. might be more challenging to understand.
Today's guest, fellow art teacher and friend Cindy Ingram, bravely opens up to share her story of what it was like to move through the world with the challenges she carried around: not just her weight but suffocating debt. Her story is inspiring and uplifting and shows that with the right mindset, you can accomplish anything.
WHAT YOU'LL...2019-02-0636 min
Art Made EasyTips on Running an After-School Art ProgramHave you ever wanted to start an after school art program? Today’s guest, Pamela Saunders from Washington, DC, was motivated to teach art when her children entered elementary school. Like many school districts, art was not offered, so Pamela took it upon herself to begin an after-school art program. Pamela shares how she began her after-school art classes, what challenges she experienced and what motivate she to keep her vision alive. Visit https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/ame-122/ to learn more about Pamela, take a peak inside her art room and see what two projects were a hom...2019-02-0638 minArt Made EasyMy Mini Burnout and How I Plan to Recover: AME 120It's the end of January and while many of you are well on your way to integrating new year's resolutions into your life, I feel like I'm lagging. Two months of family, work and holiday bustle has left me worn out and uninspired.
But today is a new day and it's because I realized one important thing: the cause of my depletion was actually depletion. The lack of creativity (or not enough of) had a profound effect on me: weight gain, lack of tolerance and the feeling that I just wasn't myself.
I started to spend more time on social...2019-01-3022 minArt Made EasyThe Surprising Benefits of Asking for Help: AME 119Do you suffer from chronic overwhelm syndrome? Or as I like to say, do you know how to ask for help?
If you’re like most women, the thought of placing a burden on someone else is downright unthinkable. Or, you may be of the belief that its far easier to do the task yourself rather than take the time to explain it to someone else.
This episode shares the secret benefits of reaching out for help, ways to ask for help that benefit everyone and insights on how asking and receiving help has helped me become a happier teacher an...2018-12-1236 minArt Made EasyDealing with Disrespectful Students: AME 118Do you deal with disrespectful students and general low engagement in the art room? If you just raised your hand, you are not alone. There has been a flurry of advice-seekers in our Facebook group recently that are struggling with this very problem. So what's an art teacher to do?
An effective classroom management plan is necessary yet sometimes our plan is not clearly defined or easily attained. In fact, we may start the year with a great plan only to have it waver. Students test the system and soon you find yourself immersed in a situation that isn't benefiting...2018-12-0525 minArt Made EasyThe Importance of Cultivating a Community: AME 117Do you have an art degree? What about a teaching credential? I'm always surprised at how many of us have found our dream job of teaching art to kids by tapping into our creativity and allowing our intuition to lead us to the perfect job.
Today's guest is Sparkler Jackie May Hiller who after a career as an occupational therapist, followed her bliss and began teaching art in her children's school.
Jackie and I talk about where we get our energy, the value of online classes, the importance of community and how to cultivate online friendships in the art teaching...2018-11-2841 minArt Made EasyThe 5 Step Framework That Will Transform Your Art Room: AME 116Are you looking for ways to cultivate creativity, choice and personal expression in your art room? Today's guest, Kat Clarke shares the five questions she asks her students as they work through an art project. If you need an injection of inspiration or an alternative way to approach teaching art, I invite you to listen to today's episode.
Kat's journey to becoming an art teacher wasn't easy. She didn't have a curriculum or guideline in which to develop her program. Perhaps like many of you, she had to come up with her own lessons and teaching style. Her philosophy of "...2018-11-2147 minArt Made EasyThe Inside Scoop on Running a Full-Time Art Studio: AME 115Many art teachers dream of running their own art studio. The freedom, the creativity and the chance to impact children on a deeper level appeals to many of us. Maureen Marks, a member of our Sparklers Club, shares how she went from teaching art in a public school to running a successful art business in her home town of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Maureen shares what made her decide to move out of her home and into a rented space, what she charges for her classes, what her biggest challenges are and her own special take on paint parties.
If you’re an...2018-11-1423 minArt Made EasyBehind The Sparkly Curtain: AME 114While I've been asked a hundred times, I rarely go out of my way to talk about it. Mostly, I'm afraid of the unwanted attention it would create. Or the feeling that I was abandoning my art teacher identity or that somehow my intentions were misguided. The it I'm talking about is how I transformed an art teacher's side hustle into a thriving business that employs nine people and impacts thousands of teachers worldwide.
The it is Deep Space Sparkle.
Today, I'm taking you behind the Sparkly curtain to share with you how I run DSS. From sharing how my...2018-11-0751 minArt Made EasyHow One Art Teacher Raises Funds with Art Auctions: AME 113Krista Hilmen is a former high school English teacher turned art teacher at her children's charter school. Learn how Krista raises funds for her art program through a successful art auction. She shares what the most popular projects are, how her auction committee manages the tasks and how she decorates the venues. If you are considering doing an art fundraiser, this episode will leave you inspired!
We selected Krista for November's Sparkler Spotlight and as a result, she gets to interview me! Krista asked these questions:
- Is there a medium you really dislike using? If so, how do you...2018-10-3143 minArt Made EasyThe 6 Stages of the Creative Path with Nicholas Wilton: AME 112Do you dream of the day when you can spend all your time sipping tea and working on your art? For most of us, it’s a long-term goal and one in which Nicholas Wilton is far to familiar with. Nicholas calls this the Hibernation Stage, which according to his 6 Stages of the Creative Path is the stage practically everyone is in: those who wanted to make art but can’t seem to find the time.
Can you relate?
Nicholas offers a strategy that helps us understand the natural flow of creativity and how to move from one stage to the...2018-10-2448 minArt Made EasyTurn Your Art Room into Your Dream Art Space: AME 111Need a little art room make-over? Yvette Ackerman is passionate about making her art room feel like home. By using warm, textural elements and a strategy for student inspiration, Yvette's art room is a dreamy example of what's possible. Yvette is a former classroom teacher turned art teacher for her local Charter School in Northern California. Yvette is also a brand new Sparkler having joined the membership last August and turns the interview to ask Patty questions about work-life balance, what's in the future for Deep Space Sparkle (BIG reveal here) and strategies for art assessment.
Check out Yvette's Bulletin...2018-10-1743 minArt Made EasyDraw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – Why I Don’t Use Pencils in the Art Room: AME 110Today on AME, I’m continuing with my series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the reason behind one of my biggest art preference …why don’t I use pencils in the art room.
As Deep Space Sparkle reaches more and more teachers from around the world, I get asked a few questions a lot and one of them is why I d...2018-10-1025 minArt Made EasyFrom Dance Instructor to Art Teacher: AME 109Are you a relatively new art teacher who’s trying to figure it all out? Guest teacher, Tamara Evans shares her how she gets her students to help with prep and clean up. And it’s pretty easy!
Tamara Thomas Evans, teaches K-8th art in Hendersonville, North Carolina after a long career as a dance instructor. Tamara is a Sparkler and was invited to share her experiences as a relatively new art teacher.
In the first half on the show, Tamara shares her systems for keeping her classroom calm and her students engaged as learners and helpers.
Then, we swit...2018-10-0340 minArt Made EasyDo You Feel Like A Machine? AME 108Do you have enough time to prep?
Are you able to enjoy your job?
When do you sit and breathe?
I teach over 850 students at my school. There is little time built into my day to lesson plan, grade, hang/take down work, clean the room, and what ever the next thing is that admin assigns to me.
This was a question posted last week in the private Sparkler Facebook group. Perhaps you feel the same way? I know that at one point in my career, I had similar thoughts. And I suspect most art teachers would say this would...2018-09-2643 minArt Made EasyDraw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home: AME 107Today on AME, I'm continuing with my new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids.
I taught in an elementary art room for 13 years before going full time with Deep Space Sparkle. And over the past few years of writing this book and helping parents in my membership program, the Sparklers Club, I realized that teaching or facilitating art at home is different than teaching large...2018-09-1227 minArt Made EasyDraw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – All About Directed Drawing: AME 106Today on AME, I starting a brand new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids.
Today’s episode talks all about Directed Drawing. While directed drawing, or guided drawings, are a gateway of possibilities for a child, sometimes a child or a parent is resistant to the idea.
I share my experiences working with directed drawings at home, help you navigate the often murky waters of creating ar...2018-09-0526 min
Art Made EasyDraw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat- All About Directed DrawingsToday on AME, I starting a brand new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids. Today’s episode talks all about Directed Drawing. While directed drawing, or guided drawings, are a gateway of possibilities for a child, sometimes a child or a parent is resistant to the idea. I share my experiences working with directed drawings at home, help you navigate the of...2018-09-0526 minArt Made EasyHow to Transition from an Unpaid Volunteer to a For-Profit Business: AME 105You probably know someone just like today's guest. Someone who is passionate, dedicated, creative, and organized. She's the gale that takes on everything and does it so well. You may even find that she reminds you of YOU.
Ashley Bruce is our Sparkler Spotlight for September. Ashley started her own art business in San Diego, California and visits local schools to help start and support art programs.
We chat about how her business started and how it impacted her life then and now. And because she is a featured Sparkler, Ashley turns the table on a typical episode to ask...2018-08-2946 minArt Made EasyCultivating a Management Mindset: AME 104If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that you can't teach art unless you have some sort of management plan in place. Art is really exciting for kids and often you'll have eager students ready to create art, but it's also very common to experience predictable issues like these:
- Talkative students
- Disruptive or disrespectful students
- Students who refuse to work
- Absent or continually tardy students
- Loud of out-of-control behaviors
Doesn't matter what type of teacher you are: one who values organization and control or one who values connection, fun and chaos. Everyone...2018-08-1548 minArt Made EasyHow to Get What You Really Want This School Year: AME 103What is the ONE thing you want most this school year?
A healthier lifestyle? More money? A more organized classroom? While I can't claim to hold the secret to achieving these things, I can share the one secret that I know will transform your school year...if only you stay open to it.
The biggest impact for me, in both my personal and business life, has been asking for help. Knowing when my desires were too big to do alone or that my obsession with doing it all wasn't working anymore, wasn't all that easy to figure out.
Asking and...2018-08-0836 minArt Made EasyMorning Routines, Inspiration & Wellness AME 102While on vacation this month in Canada, I have had lots of time to reflect on what is working in my life and what needs adjusting.
I identified a few things that are an absolute must for living a healthy, inspiring and productive life.
This podcast takes a deep dive into morning routines, the essentials of inspiration (including how I cultivate mine) and the hard facts of aging well.
I can’t wait to hear how and where you find inspiration, if you have a morning routine and how you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
THINGS YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why a morni...2018-07-2535 minArt Made EasyHow to Teach Art with Heart: AME 101Connecting with children through art is an essential ingredient in the success and longevity of artist, Jill Hatcher. Jill teaches children ages 4-12 in a public school, does after school art classes and hosts private classes in her home. And she doesn't hold a teaching degree! It's hard to imagine where she finds the energy until you meet her. Jill is enthusiastic, warm and loves connecting with both her students and fellow teachers.
We spotlight Jill in our Sparkle magazine and asked her to share her story on Art Made Easy.
This episode is for anyone who is not a...2018-07-1839 minArt Made EasyDrawing with Children with Mona Brookes: AME 100DRAWING WITH CHILDREN WITH MONA BROOKES: AME 100
I wondered how to make this milestone episode special. When I thought back to all the episodes, there is one thread that runs through them. And that is that no matter where you teach art, how you teach art, or what stage you are at in your teaching journey...you are not alone.
We're here for you.
When I began teaching art in 2004, and had no idea how to teach kids, there was someone there for me, too. An hour after I was offered the job, I went to borders and bought Drawing...2018-07-1150 minArt Made Easy10 Rules for Art Teachers: AME 099Do you have a mantra that you live by each day?
As creatives, we often gravitate towards specific sayings or guideposts. And in Mary’s case, she adopts her own.
Mary Crowlie taught in a classroom for 20 years before changing paths and becoming the art teacher for 800 children in grades 1st-5th.
This was her realization of nabbing her dream job. But it was more challenging than she expected. To keep her spirits and energy up, Mary adopted a mantra that she uses to both inspire, humor and keep her radiant outlook.
I love this episode because it shines a li...2018-07-0444 minArt Made EasyDo You Want To Write A Book? AME: 098Do you want to write a book? Chances are, you do. It's a dream many of us share until you sit down and stare at an empty screen. Perhaps you wonder if you have it in you. The endurance to see it through to the end. Maybe you do and maybe you don't. This episode will share 5 action steps that I think are critical to you success as a writer.
A few years ago, I was asked to write a book. I considered the invitation, said yes and went through a process of writing a book proposal, waffling between self-publishing...2018-06-2740 minArt Made EasyTransitioning from Art Volunteer to Art Specialist: AME 097After volunteering in her children's classrooms teaching art, June Wood decided to take a stab at pursuing a paid position. After approaching a few schools in her district, June was offered the job as an art specialist.
If you ever wondered what opportunities are available for those who do not have a teaching credential, this episode is for you.
June and I chat about her unusual approach to managing her schedule, what projects she uses as a cornerstone for her skills and what advice she would give others looking to move into teaching art.
As a Sparkler Spotlight recipient in...2018-06-2048 min
Art Made EasyTransitioning from Art Volunteer to Art SpecialistAfter volunteering in her children’s classrooms teaching art, June Wood decided to take a stab of pursuing a paid position. After approaching a few schools in her distort, June was offered the job as an art specialist. If you ever wondered what opportunities are available for those who do not have a teaching credential, this episode is for you. June and I chat about her unusual approach to managing her schedule, what projects she uses as a cornerstone for her skills and what advice she would give others looking to move into teaching art. As...2018-06-2048 minArt Made EasyWhy Did You Become an Art Teacher? AME: 096As an artist and a teacher you have the unique ability to inspire kids...to help THEM become artists, critical thinkers, decision makers and creators.
As art teachers, we strive to be completely original, to inspire passion through process and pattern, and hopefully our students will appreciate our efforts.
But if it's our goal to generate original ideas and projects that lure children away from their iPhone's and back to their sketchbooks, we have to work hard.
It's hard to develop a program that addresses the emotional, creative and academic needs of all kids. Not to mention the requirement to...2018-06-1330 minArt Made EasyHow to Use Flow Learning™ to Engage Students in Art Making: AME 094Have you ever heard of Flow Learning™?
It’s a technique that Joseph Cornell from the Sharing Nature Foundation developed to help children channel their natural tendencies and curiosities into focused learning.
A fellow Sparkler, Chandi Holliman, shared this approach with me and I was immediately intrigued. In this episode of Art Made Easy, Chandi shares how she used this approach with her pre-school and young Kinders in the art room.
Chandi is a brand new Sparkler and is our featured Sparkler Spotlight for May. What I love about Chandi is her calm, intentional approach to children’s art making and he...2018-05-2350 minArt Made EasyCharge What You’re Worth: AME 093Today on AME, I'm talking all about money...specifically how it applies to art teachers who run classes or workshops or have a product to sell. I'm revealing my strategies for determining how to set the right price for your product service.
After 10 years of running an online business, I've learned a thing or two about what price to charge for products. And although I didn't always get it right, I did learn that business - any business - has 3 main components:
1. Business strategies are the easiest to implement as they are things you can learn: management systems, email list...2018-05-1632 minArt Made EasyHow To Cultivate Craftsmanship in Your Art Room: AME 092Today I'm talking to an art teacher who confesses to being focused on the end result.
Before you judge, listen to how Britt Curley, from the blog, Art Room Britt, sets her intention with her students as they work through mediums, learn techniques and create a beautiful piece of art in the process.
Britt puts a lot of attention on a finely tuned finished product. Craftsmanship, neatness and detail are integrated into her art classes and children respond with enthusiasm and confidence.
Britt shares how she came to teach children in her home, growing from one class with only a...2018-05-0947 minArt Made EasyBest Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091Today I'm talking to acrylic artist Anna Bartlett about all things acrylic paints, art studios, paint parties and how to make the easiest sketch books ever. Anna is an artist from Queensland, Australia and the owner of Shiny Happy Art. We met through Instagram and instantly connected over our shared love of bright colors and happy art.
Anna shares her journey of transitioning from an accountant to art studio owner and how she positions her business as a premium service. For anyone who struggles with charging enough to run a profitable business, Anna's thought process just might convince you to...2018-05-0259 minArt Made EasyHead, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managing Young Artists: AME 090Sally Haughey Fowler brings absolute wonder to her students through the Waldorf environment. She walks into an art room with intention, passion and enough drama to rival a Disney production. In this episode, Sally discusses her 10 tips for teaching art to kids with emphasis on the Waldorf approach to art. She shares her three art teacher superpowers that reveal exactly how children think.
Sally was a featured presenter at the Deep Space Sparkle 2017 Art Workshop in Santa Barbara. I loved her workshop presentation so much that I wanted to share it with you and the Art Made Easy audience. Click...2018-04-2550 minArt Made EasyHow a 20-Year Classroom Veteran Transitioned to Teaching Art: AME 089Wonder what it's like to step into the art room serving 500 kids a week after being in a classroom for 20 years? I was curious too, so I asked Crissy Harvey if she would share what that experience was like for her.
Crissy is a Sparkler in The Sparklers Club. What she was sharing in our private Facebook group was blowing me away. As a first-time art teacher, I was amazed at the attention to detail, the variety of lessons and the courage to tackle painted paper for the first time.
Deep Space Sparkle selected Crissy for our Sparkle Spotlight in...2018-04-1847 minArt Made EasyClassroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WORK FOR YOU: AME 088
Wouldn't it be nice if we could step into our art rooms and spend the entire session creating art? Not likely, right? Managing behavior, creating management plans, enforcing rules and asking children to stop talking consumes most of our energy.
And when our classroom management plan is no longer effective, any effort is literally exhausting. It's easy to say, do this or do that and your problem will be solved. Managing the behavior of your students, your art room, your community requires a highly individualized effort.
Kaitlyn Edington knows this feeling well.
...2018-04-0455 minArt Made EasyHow One Classroom Teacher Went from Art Breakdown to Art Star: AME 087Michelle Gifford, a second-grade teacher from Thousand Oaks California, confessed to failing miserably with her first attempt at teaching art. She had followed her school's purchased art program but never felt confident that she was giving her students the best art experience.
After a miserable open house, where parents expressed disappointment with her art attempts, Michelle plucked up the determination to learn how to teach art. After learning all she could, Michelle went all in with her art education and is now known as the teacher who does "all the art".
This episode is for anyone who doesn't consider themselves...2018-03-2849 minArt Made EasyHow to Know When It’s Time to Open Your Art Studio: AME 086If you've ever wondered if opening your own art studio is the right path for you, today's guest, Arielle Goddard from Art Camp, will share what factors played a significant role in her decision to transition from an art teacher to creative entrepreneur...
Arielle will share how she transitioned from a program director and teacher of an art academy to a sole entrepreneur of her own art studio. She will share how she transformed her home to an inviting creative space, how she determines her fees and what triggered her decision to step out of what was comfortable to the...2018-03-2159 minArt Made EasyManifesting Your Ultimate Goal: AME 085Do you have a dream that you've been working towards? The goal that when accomplished, will fill your bucket list and give you permission to say, I did it?
What if, after working tirelessly for years on this one dream, you decide to abandon it...give up.
What would that say about you?
Are you a quitter?
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I'm sharing my book publishing journey...how it started, what I learned and ultimately, how different my dream looked in the end.
This episode is for anyone who wants to pursue writing a book and how...2018-03-1439 minArt Made Easy3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084This is a special bonus episode in response to a beautiful outpouring from a Sparkler inside our private Facebook Group. Her anticipated art show generated only a few attendees and as we can all imagine, low attendance just doesn’t feel great.
I know I’ve coordinated many art shows that ranged from just a few parents here and there to shoulder to shoulder crowds.
This episode shares 3 simple steps to ensure that your definition of success doesn’t start at the opening of the show.
3 Steps to a Successful Art Show:1. Keep it simple2. Get help from unlikely sources3. Releas...2018-03-1013 minArt Made EasyTeaching Kids to Paint: AME 083Today I'm answering the most asked questions I receive about teaching kids to paint. This is the second episode in our series, Questions You Were Afraid To Ask.
If you want to know how to prevent your paper from curling, wonder why the salting technique doesn't work for you or whether you should buy acrylic or tempera paint, this episode is perfect for you.
Make sure to download the free PDF that lists each question and answer plus offers bonus videos for you to view on Deep Space Sparkle.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- Why I feel it is...2018-03-0736 minArt Made EasyTeaching Kids How To Draw: AME 082We're going back to basics today to answer 5 questions that you may have been afraid to ask about teaching kids to draw.
I've been sharing how to teach drawing to kids for a long time but what I noticed was the same 5 questions were asked over and over again by my audience. These questions are the direct results of diving into an art project but experiencing a reaction from a child that was unexpected. Situations like being frustrated, drawing too small and experiencing perfectionism can leave even the most experienced teacher bewildered.
Make sure to download the complete Q & A...2018-02-2139 minArt Made EasyHow to Demonstrate an Art Lesson: AME 081The fine art of art demonstrations is not something we learn at school. Often, teachers are plunked in front of a class without knowing exactly what to do. Do you show a finished project? Where do kids sit? Do you have supplies on the table or do you offer a self-serve approach?
Believe me, I've been there!
This episode is in response to a question posed in our Sparkler Facebook group:
I'm curious, how do you all demonstrate a lesson? I'm on a cart and don't have access to a document camera. The flow of my lessons feels a little...2018-02-1436 minArt Made EasySupporting & Appreciating Others (plus a few folks who are amazing): AME 080In this episode, I share why I feel so strongly about supporting and sharing with others. Why it's good for me and how sharing, collaborating and being positive shapes my life. I call it living with abundance but it can also be called The Golden Rule: Do to others what you would want them to do for you.
This episode shares a few stories about how giving and sharing has made a huge difference in my happiness, prosperity and job satisfaction and ways it can work for you, too.
I'll talk about...
• What “abundance” means to me
• How living with abundanc...2018-02-0734 minArt Made EasyHow to Protect Your Content: AME 079AME 079: How to Protect Your Creative Content
Do you offer tutorials, projects or handouts on social media, but get uneasy when someone swipes your idea? Protecting your creative content, from your Insta-Stories to your blog posts takes consideration. I know exactly how it feels when someone posts your content as their own and it’s not great.Today’s episode shares 3 options to consider when deciding HOW to share your content without feeling like you got ripped off.
Also, a few updates on a Sparklers meet-up in Seattle, our upcoming Art workshop this summer and what I took from hearing Cond...2018-01-3138 minArt Made EasyArt Meets Storytime: AME 078Art Meets Storytime
My favorite way to transition a classroom full of kids to an art class is to read a picture book. I've been a longtime fan of children's literature and art so when you put the two together, you have a enraptured audience.
Today's guest is Julia Linsteadt, the co-founder of KidArtLit, a subscription box company that delivers storytime and art kits every month to young families. It's really two of my favorite things. Julia shares her story of how she began her business and why she thinks it's so successful.
Make sure to click over to the...2018-01-2438 minArt Made EasyWord of the Year: AME 077What’s Your Word of the Year?
In today’s episode, I’ll share how I use mine and how you can incorporate a Word of the Year into your life. There are parts of this conversation that move past picking a word to represent how you want to feel or what action you want to take in the new year.
My word evolved because of a bad situation in one of my past art classes. In order not to repeat the scenario, I created an intention that I still follow today.
I’d love to hear what your Word of the Ye...2018-01-1724 minArt Made EasyClassroom Teachers Guide for Teaching Art: AME 076CLASSROOM TEACHERS GUIDE FOR TEACHING ART
You may wonder how you can teach art to your students if you don’t consider yourself an artist. Here’s the thing…I don’t believe you need to be a great artist to teach art to kids. You just need a little bit of help.
This episode of Art Made Easy offers you the tips and tricks (and the toolkit) to help classroom teachers teach art effectively when you don’t have an art room, lots of ideas or supplies.
Be sure sure to download the Classroom Teachers Guide Toolkit through the blog for lin...2017-12-2027 minArt Made EasyHow To Love Your Job: AME 075Have you ever felt frustrated or flustered at work? Perhaps a bit anxious or uncertain? Creating art lessons, prepping supplies, managing behaviors and dealing with uncertainty can challenge even the best of us.
Today’s episode of Art Made Easy takes a look at how one book, Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield changed the way I approached my day. As a writer, it made a huge difference in my productivity and as a teacher it allowed me to look at my job with more focus and less distraction.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
• How having a professional mindset can help you...2017-12-1334 minArt Made Easy5 Ways You Are Making A Difference: AME 074Occasionally, our efforts to make an impact show up in sweet love notes from a first-grader or a required essay to a favorite teacher. Sometimes it’s larger and grander in scale like your annual art show. Other days, the monotony of daily routines, sassy kids and challenging schedules make it hard to tell if what we are doing is having any impact at all.
On this episode of Art Made Easy, Patty shares 5 likely ways you are making an impact without even being aware of it.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
• How many children our members are impacting worldwide
• Why you...2017-12-0628 min
Art Made EasyThe 5 Ways You Are Making a DifferenceOccasionally, our efforts to make an impact show up in sweet love notes from a first-grader or a required essay to a favorite teacher. Sometimes it’s larger and grander in scale like your annual art show. Other days, the monotony of daily routines, sassy kids and challenging schedules make it hard to tell if what we are doing is having any impact at all. On this episode of Art Made Easy, Patty shares 5 likely ways you are making an impact without even being aware of it. You can visit Patty through Deep Spa...2017-12-0628 minArt Made EasyArt at Home Toolkit & Guide: AME 068Teaching art at home to a few children is quite different than teaching 30 children in a classroom. It means you have more flexibility and freedom to create art when and how you want.
I’ve taught in classrooms, art rooms and around my dining room table and love the nuances that each setting brings.
This podcasts shares some of my best tips for teaching art at home. Make sure to download the Art at Home Toolkit and follow along!
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How you don’t need to know everything about art when embarking on creating art with y...2017-10-0433 minArt Made EasyHow to Start an Art Rotation & Seek Funding: AME 067Are you a classroom teacher who is required to teach art but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you want to collaborate with your grade level peers and start an art rotation? Lynda Gordon, a third grade teacher from Lompoc, California can relate.
When her school’s art teacher left, Lynda took on the role of finding the replacement. With no prospects on the horizon, Lynda resurrected the art program, managed the fundraising campaign, plus signed on as the new grade level art teacher.
How did she do it? This week’s episode shares how.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEA...2017-09-2752 minArt Made EasyDrawing Tips & Teaching Art to All Ages: AME 060Discover how Louise McKeon turned her career as an illustrator and graphic artist to a full time career as an art teacher for all ages. Using the stunning natural surroundings of Cork, Ireland to inspire her lessons, Louise believes in teaching the fundamentals of how to use different mediums as a base for many projects.
Louise shares the history of the Skellig Island as the inspiration for two art project ideas that she plans to use during her summer art camps in her small town.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:•How Louise’s teaching curriculum changes for primary school aged children...2017-07-0743 minArt Made EasyA Conversation with a First Year Art Teacher: AME 054Teaching art to kids in your home or at school for the very first time is exciting, but challenging. Developing your teaching style, understanding how children create, and determining what style of lessons to teach can be a slow process.
Today’s show features Deep Space Sparkle member, Lesly Chamate from Florida. As a first time art teacher, Lesly joined our Sparkler community to learn how to teach art to kids. Over the past year she has grown from a mom unsure how to teach art to kids, to dreaming of how to expand her small studio to reach even mo...2017-05-1756 min
Art Made EasyRetirement Dreams & Children's Books with Sparkler Gloria MatthewsToday’s episode is special. Deep Space Sparkle member, Gloria Matthews is the quintessential Sparkler: creative, sharing, and kind. She is always the first one to comment, cheer on and celebrate other’s success in their journey as an art teacher. Gloria is a retired classroom teacher who transitioned to teaching art a couple of days per week to her group of students in grades K-2. Hear how she designed an art program that suited her lifestyle and goals and how you can do it, too. Gloria and Patty also chat about what makes a children’s book successful and ho...2017-04-1954 minArt Made EasyA Chat with Team Sparkle Marisa Gebert: AME 048Marisa is a former K-8 art teacher from Georgia who was one of over 500 people who applied for a job as a standards writer for Deep Space Sparkle last Spring. Marisa helps teachers all over the world by providing documentation for all of the DSS lessons inside The Sparklers Members Club.
Life has changed a lot for Marisa, who went from working as an art teacher to staying home with her newborn so she could work from home. It’s not always an easy transition but she moved through it beautifully. Her positive approach to life has allowed her to ma...2017-04-0549 minArt Made EasyAvoiding the Comparison Trap: AME 044Have you ever felt defeated when teachers receive more recognition than you? Do you wonder how others get more followers on social media or why some speaker's sessions are packed?
If you ever felt that awful feeling of comparing yourself to others, this episode is for you. I share my business journey from when I started my blog to how I ended up in a mastermind that launched my full-time business. And believe me, I fell into the comparison trap plenty of times!
It’s not always easy to avoid comparing yourself to others, especially in this online world, but my three ti...2017-03-0842 min
Art Made EasyAvoiding the Comparison TrapHave you ever felt defeated that other teachers are getting more recognition than you? Do you wonder how others get more followers on social media or why some speakers sessions are packed? If you ever felt that awful feeling of comparing yourself to others, this episode is for you. Patty shares her business journey from how she start her blog to how she ended up in a mastermind that launched her full-time business while focusing on what she did best. It’s not always easy to avoid comparing yourself to others, especially in this online world, but Patty’s 3 tips...2017-03-0842 minArt Made EasyHow to Talk to Administrators & Parents About Your Art Program: AME 041One of the hardest parts about being an art teacher is advocating for your art program. Feeling vulnerable to budget cuts, constantly aligning with new standards, accommodating everyone’s perception and expectation of what art should be can be very challenging.
Recently I asked the Sparklers to share what their biggest struggles are right now in the art room…I love questions like this because it really gives you insight on how people are feeling and what their current struggles are. And the most fascinating thing for me is that everyone can relate.
Today’s episode addresses three very common strugg...2017-02-1532 minArt Made EasyThe Organized Art Teacher: Art Made Easy 037Do you feel overwhelmed when you look at your stacks of lesson plans and project ideas? Ever wondered how other art teachers store their lesson plans and samples? And what is the best way to store artwork?
Start the year off with an organized mindset by hearing how Patty organized her hundreds of lesson plans and stacks of student art.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Why it’s never too late to organize, regardless of what point in the year it is
How mindset plays a key role in successful organization
Why listening to how other art teachers do thing...2017-01-1138 minArt Made EasyHow to Handle the Holiday Crush – AME 034The holidays don’t need to be a time for stressful schedules and hectic classes. Make this season your best ever by determining what your holiday intentions are, how to navigate your school’s holiday celebration parameters and what projects to do with your students that will deliver smiles for all.
In this episode, Patty addresses the big issues art teachers face every December:
What should you do when your school doesn’t celebrate the Holidays?
How to handle children who can’t participate in anything remotely seasonal.
How to set your intentions so you can enjoy the season and bring fo...2016-11-2344 min
Art Made EasyTop Tips for Art Room VolunteersIn today’s episode, Patty answers a question from a member of the Deep Space Sparkle Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability? Patty looks at both sides of the equation: the art teacher and the parent volunteer and offers 5 tips to making volunteering easy and enjoyable.2016-11-0939 minArt Made EasyPerfect Timing: Solutions for Early Finishers – Art Made Easy 029Do you get frustrated when your students rush to finish a project to work on free drawing or a coloring sheet?
Do you find you are constantly being challenge to find solutions for early finishers?
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I walk you through strategies to help your students finish an art project during the scheduled time plus tips to help you assess your lesson timelines, free choice activities and grade-level projects.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Why you really need to step back and look at the reasons why timing is problematic in the first place
What...2016-10-1242 min
Art Made EasyLife After Teaching - Part IIHave you ever wondered whether you could run your own creative business? In this episode, Patty walks listeners through what it’s like owning a business, qualities you need to possess to be an entrepreneur and what to look for when deciding what type of business you would like to run. Visit www.deepspacesparkle.com for links to the creative businesses Patty talks about and be inspired by what’s possible.2016-10-0550 minArt Made EasyAbout Guided Drawings: AME 025To start off Season Two of Art Made Easy, I'm answering a member's question about Guided Drawings.
Gloria asks:
"Sometimes when I am doing a directed drawing lesson, like the Matisse fish bowl, rabbits, pumpkins or really, whatever …. I'll always get the question from my students Do I have to do it that way? or Can I just do anyway I want?
And, frankly I'm torn. I don't want to squash their creativity, but I do want them to stretch themselves and try something new. My teacher friend, who is an artist, says I shouldn't even attempt to do directed dr...2016-09-1430 min
Art Made EasyAME 025: About Guided Drawings with Patty PalmerTo start off Season Two of Art Made Easy, Patty talks about guided drawings, a popular technique teachers use to teach kids how to draw. Also known as directed-line drawings, many art teachers receive conflicting messages about the value of guided drawings. Are they beneficial to kids? Do they restrict creativity? You decide as Patty discusses the pros and cons of guided drawings and what ages they work best for. Like Art Made Easy? Listen to Season One at http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/ and see the show notes for this episode.2016-09-1430 min
Art Made EasyCreative Books to Read This Summer with Patty PalmerIn the last episode of Season One, I talk about my second favorite subject (next to art!), which is books. I share the top three books that inspire me and my hope is they will do the same for you. Visit www.DeepSpaceSparkle.com for full show notes for this episode and see you September 1st for a brand new season of Art Made Easy!2016-06-1529 min
Art Made EasyYour School Year In Review with Patty PalmerAs the school year draws to a close, now is the perfect time to reflect on your year, celebrate your achievements, review what you want to improve on and get clear on how you want the 2016-17 year to look and feel. Reflecting upon your successes, failures (yes, we all had them) and bright spots in your year may feel unnecessary but I PROMISE YOU, it’s the BEST thing you can do for yourself. Creating a positive space for self-reflection in your life is the fastest way to become happier and more content. ...2016-06-0843 min
Art Made EasyWhat to Buy & Not Buy with Patty PalmerReady to order your first shipment of art supplies and don’t know what to order? Want to know why some art supplies are better than others? Today’s episode of Art Made Easy helps identify why some paints, paper and brushes deserve a place on your art supply shelf. Download an art supply ordering checklist and buying guide to help you get started on creating the best art projects.2016-05-1841 min
Art Made EasyHost Your Own Art Workshop with Patty PalmerHave you ever gone to an art workshop or conference and thoughtthat you could do better? Don't be stuck ever again in a windowlessroom listening to a presenter talk about something you aren'tinterested in and instead host your own workshop.Learn my tips for hosting a sold-out workshop. I'll share how Iwent from thinking it was a bad idea to organizing, creating andexecuting a workshop that netted a 5 figure income.You can do the same. Listen to the show then download the formsI used to promote the event and checklists that helped me stay ontrack.2016-05-0448 minArt Made EasyThe Scoping & Sequencing of Portrait Making: AME 013Creating a portrait in elementary school is a natural part of any art curriculum. Over my 13 years as an art teacher, I taught thousands of kids how to draw portraits--whether of themselves, a friend or an imaginary person.
It may surprise you that teaching a child how to draw a portrait is not just about eye-placement or looking into a mirror, it's also about how to create a piece of art that captures the likeness not just through drawing but with texture and color.
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I identify key learning objectives for each grade level, de...2016-03-3050 min
Art Made EasyThe Scoping & Sequencing of Portrait Making with Patty PalmerCreating a portrait in elementary school is a natural part of any art curriculum. I have developed key learning objectives for each grade level, detail what art supplies I love best plus how to select just the right portrait project that engages students at every grade.2016-03-3050 min
Art Made EasyWorking Through Mistakes with Patty PalmerIf you teach art to children, no doubt that you’ve come across a child who is unhappy with their work. Some children become rattled by a torn piece of paper or even a color choice. What can you do to help these children work through the sticky points of art-making? There is plenty of advice out there but sometimes the best way to help a child is to put yourself in their shoes. In today’s show, I share my philosophy and how I approach frustrated artists, what I say and how I help children enjoy the creative proce...2016-03-1630 min