Art Made Easy
Art Made Easy is a weekly podcast designed to help you teach art to kids. Host Patty Palmer interviews inspiring art teachers, authors, creative souls, and teaching experts. The show navigates the world of kids' art through stories, tips, and practical how-to's. It's a resource for both parents and educators looking to incorporate more art into children's lives.
Episodes
10 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Summer: AME 095
Which 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 you
Strategies for the First Day of Art Class: AME 063
Whether you are a brand new teacher preparing for your first art class or an experienced art teacher looking to change things up, knowing what to do on the first day of school can be challenging. We all have questions: Do you create art right away or do you establish a management plan? You may wonder what projects to do or what supplies to prep. This episode offers a few ideas to think about as yo
Clean Up Strategies & Routines for the Art Room: AME 132
It's 5 minutes before the end of art class, the room is a mess. Some kids are finishing up their projects, others are not. The clock is ticking and you know what comes next... clean up time.
What do you do next? That depends on you... today on Art Made Easy, I help you outline the best clean up routine for YOU.
That little phrase always puts me in panic mode. Why? Because I didn't have a
How to Cultivate Creative Thinkers at Home: AME 153
The 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 s
Your Communication Plan (and Why it’s Never Too Late to Create One): AME 152
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 addres
The Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days: AME 151
As 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
5 Unconventional Ways to Connect with your Students: AME 150
Do 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.
How to Embrace Your Role as a Non-Credentialed Art Teacher: AME 149
Are you a credentialed art teacher?
Or are you teaching art without an art related degree?
I'm curious because this topic has been a HOT one in our Facebook groups. And truthfully, if I get hate mail at all, it's usually because of two things: selling art lessons or saying you can teach art even if you're not an artist.
I do both because I believe in both. Especially the latter.
In this episode of
How to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148
Hosting 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.
Nailing Your Art Demo: AME 147
When 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, class
The Art of Slowing Things Down: AME 146
I 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 ca
The 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth: AME 145
When 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 in
How to Think Your Way to a Happy New Year: AME 144
My 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 im
What Do We Mean When We Talk About Cookie-Cutter Art: AME 143
In 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 abo
The 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving Their Job: AME 142
Being 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 occupati
The Secret Benefits of Reading Aloud to your Children: AME 141
Janey 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 Kind
How to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities: AME 140
Patty 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 transcend
How to Grow a Customer Base for Your Art Studio with Meri Cherry: AME 139
Do 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
How to Approach Teaching Art with a Calm Mind: AME 138
Kristin 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 som
How One Art Teacher Copes with Anxiety & Depression: AME 137
Felicia 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
Finding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens: AME 136
Cassie 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 L
Ways to Make Art a Priority in Your Family with Jean Van’t Hul: AME 135
Do you ever wonder how the art moms on social media actually get their kids to create art? The photos are beautiful, the kids are engaged, and the materials beg to be used. What’s their secret sauce?
Most likely, they’ve been inspired and nurtured by Jean Van’t Hul, the founder of The Artful Parent.
Jean started The Artful Parent partly to chronicle and share the experiences with her childre
Adopting a Growth Mindset as an Art Teacher: AME 134
Of the many daily challenges art teachers face, adopting a growth mindset may not be at the top of your list. Emily Gould, known as @sierramadres on Instagram, is a K-12 art teacher who has done it all.
Throughout her years teaching art, her one main focus is to never stop learning, always move forward, and do what’s best for the students.
Sounds like a good plan, right?
WHAT YOU’LL L
How to Engage Students with Limited English Through Community Connections: AME 133
Do 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 s
Becoming an Art Educator After Raising a Family: AME 131
Eva Marie Kirby from Tennessee dreamt of being an art educator since graduating college, but marriage and raising a family put her dreams on hold.
Fast forward twenty years, Eva Marie steps into the art room and finds herself in charge of 800 children ages four to seven.
Her story is absolutely delightful, and will inspire anyone who has waited before putting their career goals into action.
How the Enneagram Broke Me Wide Open: AME 130
I love listening to podcasts and over the past few years, mentions of the Enneagram personality test has popped up over and over again. Last Fall, I decided to explore it further and happened upon a podcast interviewing Ian Cron.
I was intrigued.
The podcast shared how valuable knowing your team’s personality profile and how it can help the team as they interact with each other.
Being the
How to Rock Your First Year Teaching Art: AME 129
The field of art education is often overlooked as a viable career in most school counseling offices. Many college students aren't even aware that the profession exists. Today's guest, Kelsi Quicksall declared Communications as her major until a quiet suggestion from a loved one opened up a world of possibilities.
Now into her second year teaching art, Kelsi has a passion for teaching, a love an
How to Use Mantras to Create Connection & Consistency with Your Students: AME 128
Do you have a mantra? Something you say out loud before every class?
I sort of did.
My mantra of every child is somebody's baby was something I thought about before the students poked their heads inside the art room. But it never occurred to me to pick something to say loud and proud.
Enter Sarah Krajewski, AKA Art Room Glitter Fairy. She created a mantra that is spoken before every one o
Budget Friendly Ways to Cover Art Tables: AME 127
One 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
4 Lessons I Learned About Classroom Management from Years of Subbing: AME 126
Are 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 y
What it Takes to Become Teacher of the Year: AME 125
Do 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
The Creative Habit: Our First Book Club Pick! AME 124
I’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
Creating a Community Connection in your Art Class: AME 123
How would you describe the vibe in your art room? What do you focus on? Art? Classroom management? Colorful decor? Today's guest, Rona Wilcox from New Zealand, claims that her focus is community. And she maintains that the strong community she has created is why she has a waitlist for her after school art classes.
Sounds intriguing right?
In this episode, Rona and I talk about the language t
Tips on Running an After-School Program: AME 122
Have 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
How One Art Teacher Overcame Debilitating Challenges to Achieve Her Dream: AME 121
Have 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 chall
My Mini Burnout and How I Plan to Recover: AME 120
It'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
The Surprising Benefits of Asking for Help: AME 119
Do 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 he
Dealing with Disrespectful Students: AME 118
Do 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 attaine
The Importance of Cultivating a Community: AME 117
Do 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
The 5 Step Framework That Will Transform Your Art Room: AME 116
Are 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. Sh
The Inside Scoop on Running a Full-Time Art Studio: AME 115
Many 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
Behind The Sparkly Curtain: AME 114
While 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 o
How One Art Teacher Raises Funds with Art Auctions: AME 113
Krista 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
The 6 Stages of the Creative Path with Nicholas Wilton: AME 112
Do 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
Turn Your Art Room into Your Dream Art Space: AME 111
Need 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
Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – Why I Don’t Use Pencils in the Art Room: AME 110
Today 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 Spa
From Dance Instructor to Art Teacher: AME 109
Are 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 teac
Do You Feel Like A Machine? AME 108
Do 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 t
Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home: AME 107
Today 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
Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – All About Directed Drawing: AME 106
Today 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, somet
How to Transition from an Unpaid Volunteer to a For-Profit Business: AME 105
You 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 progr
Cultivating a Management Mindset: AME 104
If 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 c
How to Get What You Really Want This School Year: AME 103
What 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 d
Morning Routines, Inspiration & Wellness AME 102
While 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 ca
How to Teach Art with Heart: AME 101
Connecting 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
Drawing with Children with Mona Brookes: AME 100
DRAWING 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 n
10 Rules for Art Teachers: AME 099
Do 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 expecte
Do You Want To Write A Book? AME: 098
Do 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 conside
Transitioning from Art Volunteer to Art Specialist: AME 097
After 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
Why Did You Become an Art Teacher? AME: 096
As 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
How to Use Flow Learning™ to Engage Students in Art Making: AME 094
Have 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 pr
Charge What You’re Worth: AME 093
Today 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
How To Cultivate Craftsmanship in Your Art Room: AME 092
Today 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 d
Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091
Today 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
Head, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managing Young Artists: AME 090
Sally 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
How a 20-Year Classroom Veteran Transitioned to Teaching Art: AME 089
Wonder 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 deta
Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088
CLASSROOM 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 exh
How One Classroom Teacher Went from Art Breakdown to Art Star: AME 087
Michelle 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 det
How to Know When It’s Time to Open Your Art Studio: AME 086
If 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. S
Manifesting Your Ultimate Goal: AME 085
Do 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 s
3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084
This 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
Teaching Kids to Paint: AME 083
Today 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
Teaching Kids How To Draw: AME 082
We'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 une
How to Demonstrate an Art Lesson: AME 081
The 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
Supporting & Appreciating Others (plus a few folks who are amazing): AME 080
In 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
How to Protect Your Content: AME 079
AME 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 dec
Art Meets Storytime: AME 078
Art 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 fami
Word of the Year: AME 077
What’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,
Classroom Teachers Guide for Teaching Art: AME 076
CLASSROOM 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 y
How To Love Your Job: AME 075
Have 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 product
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