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 system... at least, not one in which I identified as sound. I've always been honest about this failing of mine. I like to create not clean! This use to worry me and make me feel like a fraud. Real art teachers know what to do! They have their classroom procedures used control. What I know now that I didn't know then... But lucky for you, I have a few strategies that will help YOU identify the best clean-up routine for your art room. There are three phases of clean up: 1. Getting Attention: How do you transition from actively working on projects to stopping? Do you ring a bell? Play a clean up song? Yell? Dim the lights? 2. Cleaning Up: What do you want the kids to do? Why? What will help you the most? 3. Exiting: Do you need time to offer rewards or calculate class points after the clean up? Exit games? Or do you just need them to get out. All three parts are unique to you. YOU get to decide how each phase looks for your classroom. The kids will respond to whatever YOU decide. The real trick is to do it consistently. I've found that there are 4 different styles of teaching art. Figuring out which style fits your personality can help you decide on a way to get your students' attention, and that style will flow into the rest of your clean up routine. It’s all about knowing what is best for YOU and sticking to it. The Manager: This is the art teacher who manages every minute of an art session: entering, transitioning, demonstration, creating, etc. They often use repetition as their classroom management tool—few bells and whistles. This is the teacher who thrives on managing expectations by never deviating from the plan. Clean up for the Manager often looks controlled, orderly and efficient. In fact, a good allotment of time is spent on transitions. The Manager does this systematically, so notes or complex charts are often not needed. The  Minimalist: This is the art teacher who likes to keep things very simple: as few steps as possible. 1. Art on Rack 2. Brushes & Paint on Sink Counter 3. Tools in Tray 4. Recycle paper The Minimalist gives the students simple tasks and oversees the execution. The Counter: This is the teacher who incorporates countdowns into every facet of the art sessions. Counting how many paper scraps children pick up or counting down to get kids to pay attention. There may be overlaps between the Manager and the Counter personalities, however the counter uses numerically based tactics. The Performer: This is the teacher who relies on fun antics and high engagement to get their kids excited about clean-up. There may be a song, dance moves, hand drawn clean-up posters, and/or props to get the party started. There’s often a reward system to motivate the students. This takes a lot of brain power and work if you aren’t naturally gifted in this area. I have included a helpful poster that may work for you and your class room. You can find the poster at the end of this blog post as a free PDF download.     THINGS YOU’LL LEARN:  - How different clean up methods work for others in their classroom - The three phases of a clean up routine - Four teaching styles and different strategies that work for them - The importance of finding your style and fitting it into every aspect of your teaching method LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Download your free cleanup checklist poster by clicking the button below. Add your name and email and we’ll email it straight to you!

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 you start to plan for your big day back. Download the First Day of Art Class Freebie and Back to School Guide, and start planning your awesome week! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How deciding what you want your students to experience when they step into your art room is a great way to begin your year What painted paper is and how children can have fun with it. Why I created student portfolios and the best system on how to do this. How line drawings can be used as a project technique (and may be the most effective one) How self-portraits can be a great option for demonstrating student improvement in art throughout the year LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THE FIRST DAY OF ART CLASS FREEBIE Download our back to School Guide | Resources to help kickstart your art program.It’s a 3-part strategy on how to use the Elements of Arts when planning your art curriculum including ordering supplies, a grade level checklist for the scope and sequence of K-7 Elements of Art and What I’ll Learn in Art Class posters. SHOW NOTES PDF – First Day of Art, with lessons and resources How to Make Painted Paper Dot Day on Sept. 15th THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds  AME:013 Scoping the Sequencing on Portrait Making Managing Artwork with Student Portfolios Watch this video to see how to make painted paper  

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 your time? Do you tackle all the stuff on your to-do list early on so you can relax later? Do you completely veg and catch up on Netflix? Our summer plans feel differently for all of us, because we are all unique in how we restore ourselves. If you’re coming off a chaotic teaching season into a chaotic summer, an introverted teacher can feel completely overwhelmed. If you have nothing on your plate and your days are unstructured, an extrovert may feel completely unfulfilled. It’s also possible for both personality extremes to overestimate what you can accomplish in this relatively small parcel of time. Introverted and extroverted personality types may require radically different summer agendas, so keeping in mind both personalities... Here are my top 10 tips for making summer feel restful, enjoyable & energizing — WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why learning new perspectives is the quickest way to become happy - How you can recognize the small happy moments that occur every day - How to choose one goal you want to accomplish - Why we need to schedule alone time, become more active and in the process, gain more energy - What to do if you are not getting enjoyment out of what you are doing LISTEN TO THE SHOW Download my free Summer Planning & Creating Guide PDF by clicking the white box below. Enter your name and email and we'll send it to you! LINKS & RESOURCES 16 Personalities Test The Enneagram Test (one of Team's Sparkle's favorite personality test) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook & Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com Our 2018 and 2019 Online Workshops are on Sale for your all your Summer creative PD hour needs —

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 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 hit your stride of capturing moments for your students and children during this disruption. This episode shares insights on how boredom is the biggest precursor to creativity. How pulling back maybe the best way to ignite children's creativity. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What I did to develop and nurture my own creativity when I was a child. - How giving your child unstructured time to think about what they like will lead to so many good things - A simple exercise you can start using today with younger students - Why you don't need a lot of tech or equipment to connect with your students while they're at home - What possibilities exist when children are home for an extended period of time - What I recommend you do (and don't do) while home during this time LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: How the Enneagram Broke Me Wide Ame: AME 130 www.deepspacesparkle.com/enneagram-broke-wide-open-ame-130/ The Art Pantry Website www.theartpantry.com/diy/e-guides/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 the above, then I'm happy to say that the solution is easy. Today, I'm sharing how a communication plan will empower you with a clear message that will virtually eliminate any confusion with parents, teachers and your administration. Download my worksheet below that will help walk you through each step of your communication plan. "When you are confident in your approach, art philosophy, rules and procedures, you can bet others will be confident in YOU." - Patty Palmer WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to draft an effective communication plan - Why it's never too late to send out a communication letter to the parents - How you can use social media to get your message out - Why this practice has been a positive experience for me - What can happen if you delay sending this information - Which topics to cover in your communication letter LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Click the yellow button below to download my worksheet to help you draft your own art program letter: You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 you should schedule a Make-up day: 1. Students can select which project means the most to them 2. Students feel a sense of accomplishment 3. Portfolios reflect the full body of work the student has created 4. More projects to select from for the art show HOW: 1. Set up your space to reflect how students will move through their projects. 2. Pull our portfolios and lay on table 3. Determine the projects that have the most unfinished work 4. Set up individual tables with the supplies to work on those projects 5. Allow children to move from table to table LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Podcasts mentioned in this episode: How to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148 www.deepspacesparkle.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-school-art-show-ame-148/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

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. 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 them about their day/interest/hobbies. 2. Become aware of personality profiles Even younger children demonstrate a tendency towards a certain personality: who is the team player, who is the perfectionist, who is bossy, who demands attention. Play into these strong traits with humor, affection and acceptance. 3. Aim to connect with 1-2 kids each class Pick out 2 kids per class with whom you will sit with and give attention. Sometimes, this act allows you to really see a child for who they are. 4. Practice the Clean Slate Model In my mind, this is a game-changer for building trust, authority and compassion. If you have a classroom behavior plan and implement it, making sure to use the Clean Slate Model afterwards is essential. 5. Help kids be responsible for contributing to the class dynamics Determine who gets to help with prep or clean up or who gets to be the model for portrait demonstrations. Showcase or hi light a student's work of art. Develop a practice of critiquing each others works with kindness and curiosity. Anything that can build on the team dynamics of a class contributes to its overall effectiveness. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Books mentioned in this podcast episode: Classroom Management for Art, Music and PE Teachers by Michael Linsin: https://amzn.to/32t0qVx The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile: https://amzn.to/2Pq41OI Join the waitlist to be notified when our next enrollment opens! You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 Art Made Easy, I talk about the friction that can happen when these two types of art educators collide. I'll go over my strategies that can help you adjust your mindset in order to stay positive and be confident with the skills that you have. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Helpful practices from my experience as a non-credentialed art teacher - How to overcome your feelings and change your mindset - Strategies to keep your focus on happy art and happy kids - Tips for staying motivated - How to avoid toxic thoughts LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Podcasts related to this episode: 10 Rules for Art Teachers: AME 099 www.deepspacesparkle.com/10-rules-art-teachers-ame-099/ The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo: https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcasts/ How to Lead for Female Entrepreneurs Podcast by Kris Plachy: krisplachy.com/podcast/

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. 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 - Who you should contact to help coordinate your event - Why student portfolios are important - What are the most important things you'll need to do one month, one week and a day before the show LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure to DOWNLOAD my free guide to setting up your own art show. Add your name and email and we'll send this PDF straight to you! Podcast's mentioned in this episode: 3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084 https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/3-steps-successful-art-show-ame-084/  Art Inspired Instagram Accounts: Sparkler Krista Hillman's Instagram: https:///www.instagram.com/artsatplaceracademy/ Sarah Krajewski's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artroomglitterfairy/ Additional Resources: You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

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, 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: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/category/art-lessons/ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Answers to the most common questions I get about art demos - How you can switch up your demos for different grade levels - What you can do to command their attention during a demo - How to teach a guided drawing to a class - The pros and cons of using a document camera versus demonstrating on your whiteboard and teaching around a table LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Yvette Ackerman's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ackermans_amazing_artists Emily Gould's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sierramadres You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 lesson. In this episode, I’ll offer my tips and tricks to keep your class focused and teach your students how to enjoy the creative process by slowing down. I've included a free handout for early finishers below, because there's no magic formula for timing lessons just right. This is a gift from us to help you with your early finishers. This is a condensed lesson from our Quick Activities for Early Finishers Bundle. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to keep early finishers engaged - How your energy affects students (*if you get this down you're golden) - How to help kids make a connection to art using different mediums - How to encourage students to be invested in the project and develop craftsmanship LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: DOWNLOAD a PDF from the Quick Activities and Early Finishers Bundle by clicking on the the yellow button below! Learn More About the Sparklers Membership Club Podcasts & blog posts mentioned in this episode: Perfect Timing: Solutions for Early Finishers: AME 029 What to do with Early Finishers Easy Tissue Paper Art Project for Early Finishers You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 inspire these kids. I knew it could be fun, exciting, and I knew I could make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself to making art class special for them. I backed my ideas up with lessons, then plans, and finally a curriculum that I was proud of. As the years went on, I recognized that I was getting better and I started to ask myself what's next? I created goals and identified milestones for myself. I wanted to maintain focus and stay confident in my teaching skills, without getting stale. In this episode, I'll walk you through the 5 Stages of Teacher Growth and give you the tools to move to the next stage. Listen in as I share my roadmap and help you identify where you might be in your teaching career, and how to start creating your own milestones. Be sure to download a copy of my 5 Stages of Teacher Growth below. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to define a Stage One teacher, and the way that their passion for art leads them to teaching. - What the goals and milestones are for Stage One teachers, including art fundamentals. - How you develop your style and start using different media and techniques as a Stage Two teacher. - Why a Stage Three teacher focuses on building confidence and adopting an art philosophy. - What ways a Stage Four teacher shares their expertise with others. - How Stage Five teachers can use his or her mastery to set and use processes. LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Click the yellow button below to DOWNLOAD my free, 5 Stages of Teacher Growth PDF. Add your name and email and we'll send it straight to you! About Guided Drawings: AME 125 Don Massey Art You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 was in the past... But be happy in the now. In this episode, I'll share my recipe for inner peace. Part of that is finding clarity, and using that clarity to help you create a more focused and intentional lifestyle. In this podcast, I will talk to you about how I use "I CAN" statements in my own life to help cultivate happiness and give you advice to help you align your thoughts with your goals. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What lead me to choosing my word of the year, and the different approach I use for reflecting and planning. - Why our thoughts are so powerful, and specific examples of how they can change your life. - Why I don't like to use the word "resolutions" (and what I say instead). - What it means for me to have clarity going into 2020, and beyond. - And more! LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Oprah & Eckhart Tolle: A NEW EARTH Brooke Castillo Podcast You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 teachers to the well experienced art specialists, who can benefit from learning the various expectations we have of teachers, because we could all use more tools in our tool box that we can get! So we're going there... sharing how I think the term "cookie-cutter" should be used and the truth behind it's connotation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - What are people implying when they say "cookie-cutter art" - My personal definition of "cookie-cutter art" - How so called "cookie-cutter art" can be a perfect platform for growth - How the many nuances of teaching art creates different results for every child. - Why we need to give grace and support to all the new art teachers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES TAB: Teaching for Artistic Behavior You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 you're doing the best you can, sometimes there is a knowing that we can do better. Have you ever felt that? It's super hard to articulate. It can feel sticky ...that something isn't right but you brush it off and hope it goes away. I see it happening to member in my groups. It comes out of frustration. Something relatively easy to fix or solve feels monumental to the teacher. When that happens to me...when I get frustrated, or super annoyed or starting to really complain about someone...I know I'm blocked or unable to shift my perspective. Basically, it's on me to fix it. So this episode is all about the stickiest of things: behavior management (or lack of) in your art room. Yes...I'm going there...sharing what I think teacher need to hear if you truly want to love your job. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How children are always changing and why we have to adapt how we connect with them - The steps to take to create a classroom management plan (and stick with it) - How building a trusting relationship with your students before getting into the classroom will positively impact your entire year - Why teachers need to treat all students equally, and wipe the slate clean each and every day - How your emotional responses to misbehavior can affect the energy in your classroom LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Classroom Management for Art, Music & PE Teachers by Michael Linsin Smart Classroom Management Website Easy Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Art Class: AME 012 Classroom Management Strategies that Work for You: AME 088 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 children and reading to them - How reading can be used as a tool to bond with your children - Why you need to be 100% present when reading with them - Janey’s top book recommendations and how the children’s books of today are different than ones from earlier years - What makes for an amazing children’s book, how Janey’s blog is helping so many people, and so much more! LISTEN TO THE SHOW - Darling Readers Website - Darling Readers Instagram - Darling Readers Facebook Page - Janey Strong's Pinterest - What Do You Do with an Idea?* by Kobi Yamada *Affiliate Link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - What type of school Jennifer teaches in and how she is able to help her students through art - Jennifer’s journey to becoming an art teacher - How to meet children at their level and strategies that can help you connect with them - Why it’s such a good idea to captivated your students through story (and how to do it!) - How to deal with obstacles that may come with using technology in the classroom LISTEN TO THE SHOW 1. What do you love most about being an art teacher? My favorite thing is when a student makes a mistake and then turns the mistake into the most interesting part of the project. When one of those precious moments presents itself,  I will say, “Did you see what just happened? You just tripped and fell into a puddle of art! Accidents can be awesome things!” I simply love instilling a “can do” attitude within my students. I work at a school that services student with emotional disabilities. Self confidence and stamina are huge areas of struggle for my students. I teach that, in art, a mistake is an opportunity to learn.   One of my most important classroom rules simply says:  “OOPS! Making mistakes is OK! Don’t give up! Keep on trying!”  2. When are you happiest in your art room? I am the happiest when I see the stresses that my students struggle with melt away when they allow themselves to disappear from the world, and disappear into their work. Those quiet moments when I am hanging up finished pieces, anticipating the look of pride on their faces when they see their piece, and hear all of the positive comments. Nothing beats that feeling of giving them these moments to shine! 3. Can you share an experience or moment that defines you as an art teacher? When I arrived at my current school, the art room and the program was not where it needed to be. The room was a mess. Weeks before school starts, I came into school to clean and organize the room. I wanted my room to be a place the kids would be proud to visit. I wanted them to see that they were important to me and I wanted to give them the most welcoming environment possible. Their faces as they walked in on day one was priceless. One of my goals for this program was to show my students, and the community, that anything our students would do in the art room would be on par with any other school in the county. Yes, our school is an exceptional education center, but that doesn’t mean that our work will look any different than any other school. At the annual county wide art show, I took time to survey the works of the comprehensive schools. My kids nailed it. Many of my fellow art teachers commented on the quality of their pieces. 4. What’s your favorite thing about the Sparklers Club? Yes, I am an art teacher. I am also a mom of 3 amazing kids. I am a friend. I am a nerd. DSS gives me the gift of time. DSS allows me to plan at school and do all those other things when I am not. My evenings and weekends are mine thanks to DSS! 5. What advice would you give to a brand new art teacher? My most important art room rule applies here too: “OOPS! Making mistakes is OK! Don’t give up! Keep on trying!” Not every lesson is going to be a hit. Be organized with your materials. Adapt lessons on the fly to keep reluctant artists engaged. HAVE FUN! YOU HAVE THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!

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 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 LEARN: - What Meri’s journey of growing and expanding has looked like - How you, too, can be ready for that next step - Where to begin transforming, scaling, and growing - Why word of mouth advertising and the power of ‘moms’ is so important to your success - How your environment will become your third teacher LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Meri Cherry's Website - AME 039: Success Secrets of a Process-Based Art Studio - Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook by Meri Cherry - Send screenshots of your rating & review on Apple Podcasts to support@deepspacesparkle.com *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 those feelings transfer over to the students. She made it her new mission to help teachers reclaim the joy in their classrooms. She can help you to create calming learning environments while also reducing your stress, by incorporating simple mindfulness practices into your daily routine. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - How the relationship you have with yourself will impact the relationships with those around you, especially your students - How you can attempt to transfer negative energy away from you -  Why you absolutely CAN create your own environment - Kristin guides us through a mindfulness practice! - How gratitude has evolved and why it’s so important for each and every one of us to practice LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure to download Kristin’s Weekly and Monthly Planner below - Kristin's Website You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 with anxiety and the best tools available to help others do the same - What effect influential people will have in your life - Why it’s so important to say “goodbye” to challenging times in your life and career - How Patty finds her calm and reenergizes LISTEN TO THE SHOW Felicia's Autobiography: Being the youngest child, I always wanted to be “the boss” and was given an opportunity in Kindergarten. I was determined to be a teacher. I became a 2nd grade teacher and did so for 22+ years. After graduating from SDSU, my husband (of 32 years this month) and I moved to Northern California to get a teaching job, because I refused to be a sub! I loved it! I felt alive. I was in control. I had it all going on. I did a job-share for 10 years with many fabulous teachers, (some questionable) while I had my 4 children...Teaching was my passion. I was right where I belonged! Unknowingly, my path led my family and I to relocate to Southern California. For the past 5 years, I have been an ART teacher at the elementary level. This, amongst other roles I play, mom, sister to 8 other sisters and 8 brothers, friend, colleague, etc. I became an Art teacher! Who would’ve thunk? I guess I did! I didn’t even know it! As well as 2nd grade and ART, I have taught “Computer Coding” and “Health and Wellness” (both in which I am not formally trained). I am so thankful I have DSS as my go-to for art instruction and realtime art teacher support. I have a loving God. I have a loving family, (both immediate and extended) that have supported me 100% thru this journey called life. I do know that this thing we call Art is more than just that. It is a healthy, healing boat to be on, and I am embarking on it “full steam ahead”! I do intend to “sail around the world” of art and share it with my students who have not had such an amazing path to follow, strong support, or a loving ocean to sail on. May I be a conduit to help these young humans recognize this through “this thing called ART” as I boss them around. LINKS & RESOURCES: - AME 136: Finding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens - Summer Beach & Biz Book Reads - An Unquiet Mind* by Kay Redfield Jamison - The Power of Now*  by Eckart Tolle - A New Earth* by Eckhart Tolle - Calm.com *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 LEARN: -- What’s happened in Cassie’s life since she was last on this podcast - How she’s learned to overcome her fears and start a new podcast (and more!) - Why she feels social media is a “Catch 22” and what she does to navigate this new world - How her appearance on a Netflix series came about, and the lessons she learned from this experience - What to say “No” to, and the opportunities to give a “Yes!” - What has sparked the most joy for Cassie, and what she says has been the biggest challenge for her LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Cassie Stephens' Blog - Cassie Stephens' Instagram: @Cassy_Stephenz - Cassie Stephens' Podcast: Art Teacherin' with Cassy Stephens - Pre-order Cassie's new book being released on July 23, 2019: Stitch and String Lab for Kids: 40+ Creative Projects to Sew, Embroider, Weave, Wrap, and Tie* - Clay Lab for Kids: 52 Projects to Make, Model, and Mold with Air-Dry, Polymer, and Homemade Clay* by Cassie Stephens - Art Teacherin' Episode 6: Discovering Your Art Teacherin' Identity - The Art of Education University - AME 004: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Art Room & How To Teach Collaborative - AME 044: Avoiding the Comparison Trap - Nailed it! on Netflix - Get Your Teach On *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 children’s art group, and also as a way for her to focus more on what it means to her to be an artful parent. This episode is our conversation on what it’s been like growing the blog, writing books, and engaging her passions. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - How Jean’s passion developed into a business where she can serve and inspire parents to incorporate art into their household - Ways to introduce art daily without creating the big mess - What an art invitation is and the purpose it serves for young artists - The challenges of turning a blog into a business that makes a real impact - How learning to let go of some responsibilities gives yourself room to try new things and serve more people LISTEN TO THE SHOW 1. What was your path/journey to teaching art? I loved art as a child, studied art history and studio art at college, and then worked in the art field (art museum, art magazine, art website, public broadcasting). But it wasn’t until my first daughter was born, my interest in art was revitalized. I realized that I wanted to raise her in an art-rich environment and to encourage her creativity and imagination as much as possible. I read books about parenting, of course, but also as much as I could find about children’s art. Guided by the ideas I came across, I started a Toddler Art Group in my home with several other moms and their toddlers. We met weekly, combining a play group with art activities. I started The Artful Parent blog partly to chronicle and share the experiences with the children’s art group, and also as a way for me to focus more on what it meant to me to be an artful parent. I wanted to parent in a way that encourages creative expression, imagination, joyfulness, and a love of learning, not just in my daughters, but in our entire family. 2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? I see myself as a children’s art enabler, rather than as an art teacher. I help kids explore the possibilities of art. Sometimes I do that directly with kids (mine, friends, children’s art groups and classes), but mostly my focus is on helping parents make art and creativity a bigger priority in their families. I do this by showing them easy and fun art activities they can do at home, and also through inspiration, motivation, and education, as much as possible. I have teachers, caregivers, grandparents, and others come to The Artful Parent for ideas, but my focus is on the parent and on the family environment. There are pros and cons to this. Being outside of the education system, I feel like I have more freedom to focus on art and creativity unencumbered by expectations and red tape. However, I have to get parental “buy-in”. Instead of competing for limited time and resources within a school system and convincing those powers of the importance of art education, I am competing for limited time and resources within a family and convincing a parent about the importance of children’s art and creativity. 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students? I am enthusiastic about the possibilities in any activity, material, or technique and love to explore, combine, experiment, and encourage children to do so as well. I feel like this approach helps children develop self confidence, self expression, creativity, and their problem solving abilities. 4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important? The benefits of art are tremendous and varied, but I believe that art is an especially excellent way to...

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 LEARN: - What craftsmanship means to Emily, and how it plays a role in her career and teaching - How the expectations she has for her students helps them grow as artists - What can happen when people fall out of the creative habit - The importance of practicing lessons you’re teaching before hand, and how this can help you make an art lesson your own - The many uses of Emily's favorite, unique art supply: joint compound LISTEN TO THE SHOW 1. What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher? My first art teaching job happened by accident...I had just graduated from art school, and I was sharing a painting studio with three other artists in Chicago. I needed a stamp because it was time to send the bills. There was an elementary school on the corner near my studio, and I remember thinking...a school could have stamps! So, I went into the school, and I didn't know I was talking to the principal. She said, "You look like an art teacher, and I need an art teacher.”  Maybe I looked like an art teacher because I had paint all over me?  I needed a job, so I told her..."Yes, I'm an art teacher!" I was hired! I immediately walked to the Chicago Public Library and checked out several books about teaching art (There was no internet in 1993.) 2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? Setting a standard of craftsmanship in the classroom that encourages excellence. Two  summers ago our summer reading book was, An Ethic of Excellence: Building a Culture of Craftsmanship with Students by Ron Berger. I've never thought "that's exactly what I think,” while reading a book as much as this one! Ron Berger is a carpenter, but also a teacher. He extends this idea of craftsmanship into the classroom. The book is all about setting a standard of excellence and how he inspires students to do this. I would recommend this book to all educators as an inspiration to revitalize the passion for excellence. The ideas in this book are truly inspiring and the educational goals are exactly what I strive for! It’s also important to build an arts community, to keep faculty and parents aware of what is happening in the art room. Student artworks are displayed on bulletin boards and in our hallway gallery space. Every student has an online art portfolio or gallery at Artsonia.com.  Whenever an art project is completed, student artwork is uploaded onto an online school art gallery. It is always open for viewing and can be shared with family and friends internationally. Part of the art making process is getting your art out there to be seen! I’ve noticed that students work harder knowing that family and friends will see their art in school art displays or online. 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does that benefit your students? I am good at inspiring students and teaching the life lesson of perseverance, by assigning art lessons that are challenging. I also feel that an environment that allows for some playfulness helps to promote creativity!  I was intrigued by a TED talk by Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO. He spoke about the connection between playfulness and creativity. He attempted to understand how one may lose their creativity. Tim Brown notes that "preschools are filled with shelves of building blocks, bins of crayons, tubs of play-doh. As children grow and move through the educational system all of these supplies that facilitate the creative thinker and once filled the classrooms get taken away…” I feel that a creative environment must not be an environment where students are intimidated to loose their playfulness.

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 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 Patty a couple of questions. Patty shares her experience teaching art to children whose English skills were very limited and how this strategy is equally effective when you have laryngitis. And why both Hannah and Patty recommend trying it! Behavior management and student engagement usually go well together.-- Hannah Coggins WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - What motivates Hannah to teach art as a classroom teacher - How to address a child who wants to go down a different path from the lesson assigned - The biggest challenges Hannah has faced in the art room (this one will definitely resonate with you!) - Tips for teaching art to students whose first language isn’t English - Why it’s so important to incorporate a students' culture into the lesson LISTEN TO THE SHOW Here is Hannah's interview in our SPARKLE magazine. 1. What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher. I trained to be an elementary teacher at university in the UK. This training included art, along with core subjects and other "specials". I've been teaching for 12 years and have always been able to include art in my weekly schedule. I wanted to study a degree which was varied, with lots of practical application. Teaching was a good option. In more recent years, I have taught overseas in a number of African Countries. This has enabled me to have more flexibility and ownership over the curriculum I use. Art has always stayed a key part of my schedule, both in weekly dedicated art time, as well as incorporating it into other curriculum subjects. 2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? I've been able to instill a strong sense of confidence in my students, allowing them to experiment and try new things without feeling like they can get it "wrong". Across my teaching, I encourage children to take risks and challenge themselves. We have a strong community within our class of support and encouragement, which also supports high standards of behavior and participation. 3. Do you have a specific classroom management strategy? I believe strong teacher-student relationships underpin everything else. I endeavor to be a cheerleader for each of my students throughout their studies. Behavior management and student engagement usually go well together. Partly because I teach one class all the time, I am able to hone these areas. I have clear expectations and boundaries which I think is beneficial for the students. They know how to ask question in a respectful way, and that I am open to hearing their ideas on additions or changes to a particular project. I have a fairly high-energy teaching style, but I try to pare this back during art. I try to create a slightly serious tone in order to allow the kids to focus on craftsmanship and high quality outcome. We still chat and laugh of course, but they tend to appreciate that focussed style so they can really invest in their work. This is very similar to how we approach longer writing projects, which also require quiet focus for maximum creativity and accuracy. 4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important? Within the classroom setting, I probably do about 50% art techniques/skills and 50% curriculum related projects to apply the skills. I love the fact that art can enhance the curriculum and gives students another avenue to express themselves and be creative.

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. Eva Marie is our Sparkler Spotlight of the Month for April. She's one of the first to comment and ask questions in our private Facebook group, and is always there to support others. At the end of the episode, Eva Marie asks me two questions about suitable art activities for children with learning differences and how to establish a clean-up routine. 1. What was your path to becoming an art teacher? I studied art and education in college, with a desire to pursue graduate studies in Art History and become the children's program art educator in an art museum. The first day of graduate school, I was offered a kindergarten teaching position and my parents advised me to take it. Instead of continuing my art education, I spent five years in a classroom with children. After I married and had a baby, I retired from teaching and raised our three children. Twenty-two years later, I got the opportunity to take two different art teacher interns in one year. When one of these art teachers retired in the same year, a permanent position opened up for me. I finally landed my art educator job! Not in a museum, but in a wonderful primary school. 2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? My best strength as an art teacher is my passion for art and my desire to share knowledge with my students. I get very enthusiastic when I share an artist’s work or a new technique. The students enjoy it with me! 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students? I relate every aspect of a project to the appropriate elements and techniques of art. This benefits my students by giving a common framework of terminology to discuss artworks with. I also try to be encouraging and fun. 4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important? Teaching art, or at the very least, offering free choice art opportunities for children, is so extremely important. Kids are under pressure to perform well in their academics, where there is a right or wrong answer. The art classroom is that incredible space where the creative mind can create and explore. The end product is always “right” for the student. I love to see children flourish in the art room, but seeing a struggling student feel free and excel when handed a paintbrush or scissors brings me a special joy! There are so many art related jobs in the world -- kids need to explore their creative side. 5. Why did you join the Sparklers Club and how did being in the group help you? I joined the Sparklers Club after spending my first month creating lesson ideas and writing them down on color coded note cards for each grade level. I was having to dream up the supply list, make a sample, and guess how long it would take. I saw an ad on Facebook and joined the Club for a month to try it out. After seeing the EPIC curriculum, I was hooked and upgraded to the yearly membership. Having the lesson plans to choose from is a huge time saver! Besides the well planned lessons, the Facebook group is great. I feel like I am not alone in the art room, but part of a group of art teacher friends all working together. My husband says it’s the best money I could have ever spent on my first year back in the classroom, and I have to agree! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Eva Marie’s earliest dreams for her career in art and the path she took to return to the classroom What she does to reward behavior and effort in her classroom and how she gets the children excited about art How she’s implementing what she’s learning in The Sparklers Club into her teaching

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 team enthusiast that I am, I sent all of Team Sparkle a link to take the Enneagram Test with the expectations that we would share our results at our Team Retreat. We did and it was really fun BUT…as I explored the Enneagram a bit more, through Ian Cron’s book The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, I felt a sense of awakening that I never experienced before. And that’s why I decided to make The Road Back to You, the Deep Space Sparkle’s book pick for Spring 2019. I can’t wait for you to listen to how this book impacted how I think about myself and the work I do to understand myself better but also how it has helped improve how I interact with my team and my loved ones. So What Exactly is the Enneagram? It's basically a personality test on how people are wired, both positively and negatively. Results are surprisingly accurate. The Enneagram isn’t just a personality inventory like Myers-Briggs. It’s a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth that has many layers. The Enneagram is based on 9 personality types, but it's more than just the numbers. It is structured to determine not only your basic personality type (we are all born with a dominant type) but also factors in how as children we adapt to this personality type. There are many nuances to the Enneagram, like how healthy you are in your dominant personality trait or number and how your Wing factors in. Here are the 9 types: 1  The Perfectionist is principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and a perfectionist. 2 The Helper is generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, and possessive. 3 The Performer  is adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious 4 The Romantic is expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental. 5 The Investigator is perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated. 6 The Loyalist is engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious. 7 The Enthusiast is spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered. 8 The Challenger is self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational. 9 The Peacemaker is receptive, reassuring, complacent, and resigned. Here are a few basic assumptions of the Enneagram: 1. People do not change from one basic personality type to another. 2. The descriptions of the personality types are universal and apply equally to males and females, since no type is inherently masculine or feminine. 3. Not everything in the description of your basic type will apply to you all the time because you fluctuate constantly among the healthy, average, and unhealthy traits that make up your personality type. 4. The Enneagram uses numbers to designate each of the types because numbers are value neutral— they imply the whole range of attitudes and behaviors of each type without specifying anything either positive or negative. 5. The numerical ranking of the types is not significant. A larger number is no better than a smaller number; it is not better to be a Nine than a Two because nine is a bigger number. 6. No type is inherently better or worse than any other. The last is the most important factor to understand and overcome…when I tested using the Rheti, I initially didn’t like my number…. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: - What is the Enneagram and how it can serve you personally and professionally - What the nine personality types are - How my Enneagram number shaped how I perceived myself in a new way - Why taking the test not only helps you, but helps you see see others in a different light LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Learn about The Enneagram Institute and purchase the test...

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 and connection to her students and a strong following on Instagram. She absolutely radiates positivity! Get to know Kelsi Quicksall!  1. Can you share how you got started as an art teacher? It took me entirely too long to realize that teaching art was a viable career option, and a super rewarding one! I always loved art and school. I considered myself an artist, took all of the art classes in high school... but for some reason, it wasn't portrayed to me as a realistic career. It wasn't until I found myself feeling out of place in my first major in college (Journalism) that I stumbled upon Art Education. Quite literally, too- I was in the car with my boyfriend at the time (now fiancé) after class, rambling about how I didn't know what I wanted to do with my future. He looked at me and my crazy outfit and said, "You know who you remind me of? Me elementary art teacher. You even dress like her. You ARE an art teacher!" After than, I made the switch to study Art Education and it all clicked. I graduated with a minor in Mass Communications (having started college in Journalism) and still enjoy media and writing, but mainly sharing on social media!  2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? My best attribute also is my worst... I have high expectations and goals for myself and my students, but I'm also a procrastinator. As a result of both, I work extremely hard at the last minute to put things together that meet my expectations. I hold my students to high expectations as well, and they create amazing work as a result! The downside of my "attribute"? Lack of time for anything else like eating, breathing, sleeping... just kidding, kind of.  3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students? Get silly! I have been told I have a ton of energy. With minimal amounts of sleep, I don't feel like this is true, but I guess the coffee is doing it's thing. I find that when I am super enthusiastic and excited about something (a "new" art media, artist, technique, project, art show, etc) that energy is transferred to my students. I thrive off of their feedback. I use a microphone to enhance engagement- most would think it's for my students, but it's also for me. I love using that thing. I've been asked why I don't just use a hands free mic set (often provided by schools), and the answer is because I love holding the microphone and taking the "stage". I even have a second microphone for students- they are more likely to want to share with the mic! It really enhances engagement when we're analyzing artwork, sharing what they see/think/feel/wonder, or just what we've learned. If I notice that they're not excited, I know I need to make changes. If I ever feel like I'm "losing them", I immediately go for silly. Silly accents, songs, and call and responses really work for my students. As the great art educator Cassie Stephens always says, "silly sticks." It's so true!  4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important? Teaching art is so rewarding for both parties- my students and myself. Teaching is one of the most under-appreciated and underpaid professions, but that's not the challenge. The challenge is in the way teachers think and the time we spend thinking. Educators cannot simply "turn off" their brain. I now think of everything in life as a potential lesson, an art project, or teachable moment. That being said, teachers work hard. Countless unpaid hours planning lessons, money spent out of pocket on supplies, classroom improvements, rewards for kids...

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 of her art classes. Sometimes with matching actions. Sometimes silently. But always with the students. Sarah shares her heart-felt strategies for connecting with her students in a very real way. You'll love Sarah's honest advice, her commitment to her own artistic pursuits and how she wins her art program. Make sure scroll down below to download Sarah's mantra poster! 1. What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher.When I was in 2nd grade, I had a bet with my elementary best friend that I would become an art teacher before she would. Needless to say, I won that bet! I went to UW-Eau Claire for Art Education and have a music minor in percussion. My first teaching job was at Fontana School where I taught k-8 art for 4 years, and am now currently teaching k-5 art at Cambridge Elementary School. This is my 8th year teaching! 2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher?I feel that one of my best attributes is making connections. These connections happen in lots of ways. Certainly, making connections with my artists is the first thing I focus on! It is very important to me that I have a strong relationship with each of my students! The longer I have been teaching, the more I have been realizing how important it is to make connections with working artists and businesses. For example, we have brought in a few visiting artists, and those connections for students have been huge! We also display art at local businesses or partner with them for our art show events. I also feel strongly about connecting with other art educators; we are such a strong team and can be such a great support to help each other! 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students?I set in place lots of positive affirmations that help drive our classroom atmosphere. For example, We have a classroom mantra that we recite at the beginning of each class. "My mantra. I am positive. I am creative. I am mindful. I am amazing. I am an artist." We also have a motivation board that changes quotes weekly. At the beginning of the year, we completed a collaborative garden collage that reminds us of our yearly motivational quote "Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds." All these reminders help students to know what kind of attitude we are practicing in the art room. 4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important?Kids need places to make mistakes. They need places to play, and get frustrated, and giggle, and get messy. The art room is the perfect place for this. More than anything, I feel that my role of teaching is to help kids figure out how to be good humans. We happen to practice this through art. So when they are having a good day and compliment a friend, that's a life skill. Or when they are frustrated and need to work through a problem, my role is to be there to help them and coach them.  Art is a beautiful way to practice all these important skills! 5. What is one thing that you do well that can help other art teachers?I think a strength of mine is classroom management and organization. Obviously, days differ from each other, that's what keeps everything interesting! But, I do feel that the structure of our art room works well for students. Over the years, we have gained a lot of tricks! (Call and response, volume charts, our mantra, master painters, bean table rules, musical response with instruments, sketchbooks, early finishers) We have a good routine going and that helps our art room run smoothly.

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 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 behind which placemat is best. Katie asks, Does anyone have an inexpensive way to make clay mats? My budget for the year has been used up, so I'm looking for out-of-pocket affordable solutions. Any cheap and quick ideas? I totally hear you, Katie! This episode is for you and all the art teachers who are wondering: - what type of placemats work best - when to use placemats - when NOT to use placemats - best mats for clay and ceramics Here's what other teachers had to say to Katie's question: Fiona Coulter I use the cheap but sturdy blue paper drop cloths from the hardware store. One side is more plastic and the other side more paper like. I use the plastic side for clay and the paper side for any painting and drape them over the entire table grouping (8) desks. Works like a charm and lasts a long time. Laurie O'Connell Longberry I use the plastic flexible cutting mats that you can get 3 for $1 at the dollar store. They last for years! Tina Leggs Maloch I use a canvas drop cloth from Lowes and cut it into 10 x 12" pieces - I have been using the same ones for 9 years and they work great.   I love the inexpensive version of using what I already have. At the beginning of the year, I would add an extra 50-100 sheets of 18" x 24" sulphite paper to my inventory order. This works out to be about $15. I found regular drawing paper works great for underneath most painting and coloring projects. At the end of the year, I would take the paint-splattered placemats and cut them into strips and shapes. These because extra media for collage and paper projects for the following year. For ceramic projects, I used basic paper as well as tablecloths but found that tightly woven canvas or indoor/outdoor  fabric works best. I found some Sumbrella fabric at a rummage sale, cut the bolt into squares and used them for years. Easiest clean-up ever! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to start going "back to basics" in the art room and why this can be beneficial for you and your students - When and where not to use placemats in the classroom - What you can do to creatively reuse your paper placemats - What has, and hasn't, worked for me with this project LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Tru-Ray Sulphite 18" x 24" paper Watercolor Easter Eggs blog post You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 sub empowered her to tackle classroom management head on. She shares her passion for being an art sub and ways you can ensure that any substitute teacher who walks into your art room is welcomed and ready to create art with your students. Make sure to download the free Art Substitute PDF. It's filled with helpful forms and worksheets that will allow you to feel confident during those unpredictable sick days. Amy Clay heads up the lesson development for Team Sparkle. She dreams, designs and creates the lessons that go into the art bundles inside our membership, The Sparklers Club. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How substitute teaching gave Amy insight into classroom management - Why setting expectations for your students and following through is crucial - How you can be fair with your students, a protector and an adult - How our Sparkler's Club Substitute Plan Bundle can help teachers prepare when needing a substitute - How to implement seating charts into your classroom - Where to start with creating a classroom management plan LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Download my free Art Substitute Information Binder by clicking the purple button below. Type in your name and email and we'll send it to you! Podcast mentioned in this episode: Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088 How to Assess Student Artwork & Qualities of a Great Art Teacher: AME 003 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 started with a decision to go to school in her forties. And she’s been paving the way ever since. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:  - How Barbara started her career as an art teacher - What Barbara considers are the biggest challenges faced as an art teacher - How to arrange a classroom with lessons for all children to be included - What you can do to handle the issue of politically sensitive books and art lessons - How to find art projects that both boys and girls will be engaged in creating LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 happen quickly. I would stop at a sentence and allow the words to sink in. It was hard to pick my favorite exercises and take-aways  but I managed to select my Top 5 Big A-Ha's from the book. After the episode, join me over on the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook page for a discussion on what you thought of The Creative Habit. Patty's 5 biggest takeaways from reading The Creative Habit: Learn it and use it for Life by Twyla Tharp:  1. Twyla's 5 Big Creativity Fears - people will laugh at me - someone has done it before - I have nothing to say - I will upset someone These are so universal, aren't they? I share my thoughts on these inside the episode.  2. Muscle Memory How copying and repetitive action leads to personal inspiration and mastery. I literally LOVE this one so much. It's an undervalued an underestimated practice.  3. Start with a Box The power of collecting ideas so they won't be forgotten is just so liberating. It helps creative folks "capture:" their ideas so they are free to move on with their day knowing their idea won't be lost. Such a powerful exercise.  4. Scratching Permission to do research and the hunt for nibbles of ideas. Go with an intention of not stopping until something triggers inside you.  5. Skill The importance of building skills in order to develop creativity means that sometimes you just need to step outside your comfort zone. "Success will happen by consistently doing the work of feeding creativity. Not judging the process. Not analyzing but just feeding, the sifting. Basically, experimenting without expectations." - Patty What do you think? Please join me over on the DSS Facebook page for a conversation about the book. Look for Book Club in the events. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Cézanne Still Life Artwork Henri Matisse Apples on a Table Artwork AME episodes mentioned in this podcast: My Mini Burnout and How I Plan to Recover: AME 120 The 6 Stages of the Creative Path with Nicholas Wilton: AME 112 Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 that helps her students not only feel welcomed but brave and curious. Rona drops an art tip a minute so listen carefully her great advice! Get to know and learn more about Rona Wilcox:  1. What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher University and gained a diploma in Teaching and a Bachelor of Education. I was a general classroom teacher, teacher in charge of Visual Arts for Primary school and on the Arts Curriculum Development Team (24+ years). I did a Visual Arts Leadership Course to facilitate the implementation of the new curriculum into our school. Then I had an Art student from the States with me for her final 6 week teaching practice which highlighted how important art was and how much I loved it and wanted to teach more. So I started the specialist Art teacher role in my school 2-days a week and now I teach 4 days, and I began an after school art club, holiday art classes and an adult class.  2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? I think my best attributes are my creativity, adaptability and organizational skills. A particular strength is the ability to adapt a lesson to cover a variety of age levels. 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students? I am able to build strong, positive relationships with students, I am encouraging and my art room has a calm, well organized atmosphere. I excite and motivate students with pictures, books, video clips and props and I give clear instructions and expectations.  This benefits students because they feel secure, safe to take risks, ask questions and work through mistakes. I give students freedom to explore materials and ideas within clear boundaries.  4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important? I believe teaching art to kids is very important because it encourages thinking, observation, participating, communicating, perseverance, problem solving, self management, self evaluation, goal setting, exploration, experimentation, to ask questions, to learn about history, science, maths, different cultures, different points of view.  Art is a fun way to learn and learning should be fun.  5. Why did you join the Sparklers Club and how has the joining the group helped you? I did the free webinar a few years back on how to choose the right project and I heard about the Sparklers Club. Generally in NZ, classroom teachers teach their own art and we don’t have Art specialists therefore there is very little Art Professional Development for primary schools.  So I signed up for the Sparkler’s Club for a month to see what it was like. I loved it so kept going for a few months then showed it to the PD organizer at school and he agreed for the school to pay for the year subscription. It now comes out of our curriculum budget. Joining the group has helped by cutting down my thinking and planning time. It has given me all the skills to be confident in what I am teaching. I have expanded my repertoire of lessons – I love doing new things - new lessons. I have people I can share and glean ideas from.  I don’t have any actual formal art qualifications – so being part of the Sparklers, I get amazing PD, feedback on what I am doing, lessons done for me (I just have to fit it with our curriculum) I can support and encourage others, Ive made many new online friends around the world who I connect with through art – it’s like my safety net, my resource centre, one of my social events - I just love it!!!!! Something I Love Doing crafty activities and card making.

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 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 Sparklers Club, Pamela turns the table and asks Patty a question. Pamela asks, What are some creative ways that art teachers like me, who are self-employed, can creatively market their business in their communities? To hear Patty's response, listen to AME 122 by clicking the play button below. Get to know and learn more about our February 2019 Sparkler Spotlight, Pamela Saunders 1. What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher. I took a circuitous route! During collage I briefly worked with a non-profit art group developing a PR campaign as part of my course work in a grad level PR class. I ended up getting a summer job there teaching art to preschoolers and loved it. Years later, after becoming a decorative muralist and faux painter, I found my way back to teaching art at the preschool level. When my children reached elementary age, I started an art program at their school and added more schools after that. 2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher? I am passionate about art and want my love of art to be contagious. When a parent told me that their child, who had never shown an interest in art prior to my class, was now looking up artists, asking great questions and talking about art movements with his parents at the dinner table, I was elated. The mom told me that she looked at her husband and said, "who is this kid?!" 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students? I am respectful of individual expression. In their art curriculum, they are expected to do things in a specific way. In my art club, I allow them to make artistic choices withing a framework. That is, if the assignment is to make a cat and the child asks if the cat can have big ears, I'll tell them, "you are the artist, so you get to decide." They are usually excited by the freedom to be expressive and that makes the artwork that they create more meaningful and interesting to look at! 4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important? - Children need space and time to get lost in their imagination - Art enables children to learn not just hand-eye coordination, the elements of art, how to use materials, but more importantly how to collaborate with others, how to problem solve, how to focus, how to observe something from different points of view, persistence, working through frustration, time limits... the list goes on.  5. Why did you join the Sparklers Club and how has the joining the group helped you? I joined because I needed some fresh ideas. It was taking me hours each week to develop lessons for my classes. Since I had so many repeat students session after session, I always tried (and succeeded) to never do the same lesson twice. It was exhausting but when I found DSS, I felt like I had all these incredible lessons at my fingertips. What I didn't realize was that by joining the Sparklers (and I am a founding member), was that along with it came the unexpected human resource - some refer to it as a tribe or sisterhood, a group of professional women (and men?) who understand the life of an art teacher like nobody else does and they are for you when you have a question, a problem, or a success. Being a Sparkler is priceless. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Pamela's creative background and love of art eventually led to her art career

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 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 LEARN: - The struggles Cindy faced and her ability to conquer them - How losing a significant amount of weight has benefited Cindy personally and professionally - Cindy's three main goals with her weight loss, debt reduction and building a business - What has been the biggest business challenge she's faced and the mindset shifts she's made to get to where she is today - What advice Cindy has for others experiencing similar situations and how she is pursuing her next big goal LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES For more information on the Art Class Curator, visit their Website and Podcast. Podcasts and blog posts mentioned in this episode: How to Talk to Kids about Art: AME 019 Art of Simple Podcast James Wedmore Podcast Keeper of the Home Travel Blog You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 media seeing what others were doing and then feeling the opposite of inspired. I noticed I was cooking less and eating out more. NOT my normal preference. Watching TV every night instead of reading. OK for a few nights, but a whole month? Nope. Not me. I knew what was happening. I've always been diligent about my daily habits: 1. Rest, which means a full 8 hours a night 2. Eat healthfully with treats in moderation 3. Create something daily: art, food, blog post, etc. 4. Spend at least 1/4 of my day alone doing the above (the introverted me requires this) And when one of these is eliminated, I know I've gone off my own little rails and need to make a change. And the solution lies where all solutions lie...in a good book. But I need your help if I'm going to get my creative mojo back. Join me for my very first Deep Space Sparkle Book Club selection and how I plan to use it to help me banish my creative depletion. In this episode, I share 3 ways to identify burnout and what to do about it. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why I felt the need to take a break from the podcast - How my recent experiences could apply to you, and help you in your own situation - What are 3 telltale signs you're ready to take some time off - How I've noticed I've been changing, as a result of not being creative enough - What I plan to do to refill my creative cup and a special invitation I have for you to join me on this journey - Why you won't want to miss next week's special Art Made Easy episode... DOWNLOAD THE FREE BOOK CLUB CHECKLIST LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 help, ways to ask for help that benefit everyone and insights on how asking and receiving help has helped me become a happier teacher and business owner. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to tell if our pride is getting in the way of asking for help - Why it all starts with you giving yourself the permission to ask others for assistance - What the benefits of asking for help are - Where to begin when asking for help - How you can address your fears and limiting beliefs LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Podcasts mentioned in this episode: Behind the Sparkly Curtain: AME 114 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 anyone. The first thing we might do is try new strategies: a new reward system or a new game only to find the class back where we started. When practical solutions are no longer serving you, it helps to take a look at what's going on in your own head: Here are some questions I used to ask myself when I felt a bit threatened in my class: 1. Is it my ego talking or is this student truly evil? Another way of saying this is: Have I looked for solutions for this problem or justifications of my feelings? 2. Am I qualified to help this student? Have I reached out to my peers or admin for assistance? 3. Is my art room set up in a way that meets the needs of this particular group of students? WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to tell when your losing control of your classroom - What role your ego plays in your classroom management process - Why there's power in confiding in your fellow teachers - How to determine if your art room is set up for the needs of your students - How past episodes of AME can help you with your classroom management skills LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure you participate in our 7 Sparkly Days Giveaways Podcasts mentioned in this episode: Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088 How To Cultivate Craftsmanship in Your Art Room: AME 092 Head, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managing Young Artists: AME 090 6 Factors for a Successful Management Plan: AME 053 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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. 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 world. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to introduce different styles of learning techniques to your students - Why earning trust with children is key to teaching - What to do to recharge yourself and help balance your life - Why planning and enjoying the process will allow time to develop and grow with your students LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Join the waitlist for The Sparklers Club You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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. 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 "start by making a mess" and "do it your way" evolved quickly because of her innate ability to see art through the eyes of her students. Today's episodes shares Kat's 5 Step Framework that she developed to help her students think about their own creativity and to provide lifelong skills that children could use beyond the classroom. It's a brilliant process and we're happy to share it with you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What allowed Kat to have confidence and courage in her creativity - How she got started in the school system and what led her to becoming an art teacher - Why seeking out creative a community was important to Kat's development as an art teacher - Kat's 5 Step Framework that she uses for every lesson in her art room LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD Download a free 5 Step Framework PDF by clicking the image box below. Enter your name and email and we’ll send it to you! LINKS & RESOURCES: 100 Painters of Tomorrow by Kurt Beers on Amazon You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 art teacher considering the big move outside your art room to owning your own business, this episode is for you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Maureen got her start in the art industry and what led her to owning her own studio - What services Maureen offers to her community and her strategy around pricing - What Maureen's biggest struggle has been as she builds her art teaching business - Why she enjoys teaching adults and how she uses mixed media in her classes - Why becoming friends with other small business owners is important LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Keep up with Maureen Marks through her Website, Facebook Page, and Pinterest. You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 early mentors influenced how I created content to how my current business coaches have literally changed the trajectory of my life. In the past two years, I retired (or liberated as he puts it) Neil from corporate America, hired 7 ladies and developed a membership site that has over 5000 active members. It hasn't been an easy road but it was one fueled by passion, purpose and instinct. If you know anyone who could benefit from this podcast, please share! It's really easy. Just open up your podcast app on your iPhone, search for Art Made Easy and click the share button. And while you're there, please consider adding a rating or review. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How I got started selling my first few lessons and why I was so excited with the possibilities - What I gained from taking an online course and how it's influenced what I create now - How to know when it's time to focus more effort on your side business - What going "all in" with Deep Space Sparkle looked like, including renting office space and hiring a team - Who influenced me the most for building my dream business LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Watch How Neil and Patty grew Deep Space Sparkle HERE Find out more about my mastermind coaches, Stu McLaren amd James Wedmore Deep Space Sparkle Shop and Teachers Pay Teachers Shop Join the Waitlist to be apart of my Sparklers Membership Club Podcast's and Bloggers mentioned in this episode of AME: Holly Becker Blogging Your Way Amy Porterfield Podcast Pat Flynn Podcast You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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! 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 work around that in the classroom knowing it's best to expose the kiddos to as much as possible? - Do you have a favorite artist, art movement or genre? - Your lessons are always successful with my students and one of the reasons I use them time and time again. What is your process for creating these and testing them to be sure you have created something with such guaranteed success? WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Krista transitioned from teaching English to Art - What Krista has done to generate revenue for her classroom by running shows - How she got started using Instagram and the ways she uses that platform to build support for her program - What is my own process for creating art projects and a big mistake that I see many teachers making - What Krista's best tips for classroom management are and the reward systems she uses with her children LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Download Krista's free resource, Cozy Holiday Cats by clicking the image below. Type in your name and email and we'll send it to you! You can connect with Krista on Instagram at artsatplaceracademy Deep Space Sparkle projects & podcasts mentioned in this episode There's a Dragon In My Art Room Blog Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088 Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

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 relate? Nicholas offers a strategy that helps us understand the natural flow of creativity and how to move from one stage to the next. And even if you are not a working artist or have no desire to be one, his insight into our creative process can be applied to most anything we do. About Nicholas… Nicholas is the founder of Art2Life, an online platform that strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community. His online programs provide artistic, business and creative coaching to artists. With over 20 years working with creatives, Nicholas has developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process. He speaks and writes extensively on the subject of creativity, purpose and inspiration. Wilton’s paintings are seen in yearly gallery exhibitions, International Art Fairs, and are included in numerous private and corporate collections in both the United States and Europe. His paintings have also been used on the covers of the national bestseller “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Brene Brown’s “The Gift of Imperfection.” Recently, the US Postal Service issued a stamp featuring Wilton’s artwork. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to identify and move through the different learning stages of art - How to integrate your knowledge and preferences into your art work - How your creativity and confidence will increase when your intuition comes into play - What his membership group can do for you, no matter what stage of your career you are in LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Nicholas Wilton by checking out his Website, Facebook page, & Instagram Books mentioned in this podcast The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly by Brené Brown You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 Board ideas with links to Pacon paper products in the Show Notes below! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - What was the biggest challenge for Yvette as she started teaching art - How to communicate with the parents via Instagram while also using it as a tool to get kids excited about learning - Why Yvette puts so much effort into decorating her art room and making it fun, comfortable space for her students - How to truly make your space "your own" - What Patty does to balance her work and home life, and the BIG surprise for Deep Space Sparkle LISTEN TO THE SHOW Check out Yvette's Bulletin Board ideas she displays in her art room, using the Pacon Bulletin Board Background Paper to decorate her boards.   LINKS & RESOURCES Follow Yvette on Instagram Art Made Easy posts mentioned in this episode Word of the Year: AME 077 How to Assess Student Artwork & Qualities of a Great Art Teacher: AME 003 A Chat with Team Sparkle Marisa Gebert: AME 048 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 don’t use pencils in the art room. This episode shares the 3 big reasons why pencils just don’t work for me. But don’t worry, I’m not a pencil-hater. I feel there is a time and place for pencils and I’ll share when and why I draw that line. To listen to the first and second podcast of my Book Chat Series, listen to Directed Line Drawings and How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - The 3 main reasons I don't recommend the use of pencils - How to encourage children to draw larger without the use of pencils - Why I feel that pencils promote perfectionism - Why pencil techniques are more appealing to an older age group LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES Click here to purchase Patty's book Draw Paint Sparkle via amazon Patty's favorite paint brushes Royal & Langnickel Art Brushes Check out these blog posts How to Get Children to Draw Big You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 switch the tables and Tamara asks me how to keep children practicing craftsmanship, how to carve out creative time and how to submit lessons for publication within the Sparklers website. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why Tamara decided to take the opportunity to become an art teacher after years of teaching dance - How to be prepared in the classroom, stay organized and finish your day, all while having a strategy - What will keep the children engaged with a project that can take two or three lessons - Why we put so much pressure on ourselves to create, be creative and force ourselves to get inspired - What kills creativity and the number one tool Tamara uses that makes teaching art feel easy LISTEN TO THE SHOW   LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 be true. But does it have to be your reality? That’s what I want to explore today on the show: moving beyond technical tips or strategies and digging a bit deeper into the origins of this question. We’re heading down the woo-woo path as I share my experiences with the Law of Attraction and how I used it to make me happier in my art room, happier at home and how I found my dream home. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The approach I recommend to art teachers who are developing a curriculum - How your own energy will affect your happiness level and the children that you serve - What happens when you change your behavior towards children and the importance of consistency - What the Law of Attraction is, my early experiences with it in the classroom and why things really “happen” to us - How positivity can change your life and the way I got started on my journey of self-awareness Tips to Help Overcome Frustrations: 1. Find a Mentor - who at your school seems applicable 2. Accept what you can’t change but change what you can - resist leads to frustration and blame 3. Remember you are the teacher. Children look to you for guidance, energy (calm, fun, inspiring) and above all to teach.   LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Christy Whitman Teaching Kids to Paint: AME 083 Quantum Success: 7 Essential for a Thriving, Joyful, and Prosperous Relationship with Work and Money Jess Lively You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 numbers of students. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 tips that will reveal a few secrets that will set both YOU and your child up for art at home success. This will help your art-making sessions to be fluid, creative and stress-free. Real quick before moving to number 3, if you’re a parent who loves to do art with your children or recognizes that your child needs more art in their lives, you’ll love my new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle. You’ll discover easy ways to get started with art-making with basic supplies and flexible instructions. Create art based on celebrated painters like Van Gogh, Monet and Pollock and explore engaging subjects inspired by nature and animals. Be sure to head over to the book’s website: Draw, Paint, Sparkle to download a free art project and then, if you like it, order the book. After you buy the book, come back to the website to access your bonuses: 27 Drawing Guides that you can download, print and use with your kids. Like the book? I’d love for you to write a review on Amazon, which helps the distribution of the book so more parents can create art with kids. You can buy the DPS book from Amazon, Barns and Noble and wherever good books are sold. To listen to the rest of my Book Chat Series, click to listen to All About Directed Line Drawings and Why I Don't Use Pencils in the Art Room WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The importance of trying your projects first before your students - How to develop a relaxed approach with art supplies to give children the freedom to experience art - Why children will get frustrated and what we can do to help - What playing music can offer for everyone’s experience at home LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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, 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 art with your child and tips to avoid conflicts or frustration. Draw, paint, Sparkle Creative Projects from an Elementary Art Teacher is written by Patty Palmer and published by Roost books. You can buy the book from Amazon, Barns and Noble and wherever good books are sold. After you buy the book, head over to Draw Paint Sparkle to download your book bonuses: 27 Drawing Guides that you can download, print and use with your kids. And while you’re there, why not write a review on Amazon? This helps the distribution of the book so more parents can create art with kids. To listen to the rest of my Book Chat Series, click to listen to How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home and Why I Don’t Use Pencils in the Art Room WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What is directed drawing - How to foster more art at home for 5-10 year olds - What to do when you face resistance from the children - How everyone can be an artist - How to build confidence with a directed drawing LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle *To download your book bonuses for directed drawings You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 me questions. And this is where is gets good. I'm pretty passionate about a few things when it comes to teaching art and running a business. Can you guess what some of them might be? Ashley and I go deep on valuing your time, yourself and art. If you've been hired to start an art program in your school, you'll find Ashley's experience, ideas and resilience inspiring. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Ashley's very first steps in starting her school's art program - What Ashley's goals for the program were and how it's affected the classroom teachers at her school - How to develop from a volunteer to a paid position - What significant mindset shifts Ashley had to make when it came to charging what she's worth - How to structure your business to impact all of your students - How to successfully balance your family time with work LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD Download my free Art Teacher's Toolkit PDF by clicking the yellow box below. Enter your name and email and we’ll send it to you! LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

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 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 experiences one or more of the above. To manage the amount of frequency of the above behaviors, it’s all about setting expectations, establishing a flow and being consistent. This episode of Art Made Easy, is a recording of my featured presentation at one of my in-person art teacher workshops in Santa Barbara. Besides making art, I really wanted teachers to walk away with a few management nuggets. In this episode, you’re going to hear my approach to engaging with kids and how I use a positive mindset to create a safe, inspiring and efficient class. If you are a member of The Sparklers Club, the video for this presentation plus handouts, extra management video tutorials and worksheets are available under TRAININGS. Plus, you get a certificate for 1 Clock Hour. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - The purpose of creating a management mindset - The time in your schedule when you have the most influence on your students - How to set your expectations for your students - When remaining neutral works to your advantage - My secret strategy: The Ten Minute Rule - What can happen when you truly engage a child with art LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Interested in more classroom management tips? Listen to: Art Made Easy # 053 6 Factors for a Successful Management Plan Listen to: Art Made Easy Easy Classroom Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Class with Michael Linsin Classroom Management for Art, Music, and Pre Teachers by Michael Linsin Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle Publication Date August 21 The Sparkler's Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 accepting help runs deep. I see the resistance everywhere: in my family, friends, business friends and especially art teachers. We think we are meant to do it all. But I think there is a better way and in this episode, I share my journey of when I started saying yes to getting help and the impact it has had. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - The one thing that holds many people back - How to get clear about what you're saying 'no' to - Why getting help early on was so critical for me in my own journey as an entrepreneur - What happens when you give yourself permission to not always be good at everything LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle Publication Date August 21 The Sparkler's Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 morning routine is so important and what I do that energizes me for the day  How my own morning routine has evolved over time  How you can learn to become efficient with a full schedule Why having systems is essential for the creative thought process What you can do to incorporate inspiration into your daily life and “feed your brain” Why I recommend taking care of your body and all-around wellness LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle Publication Date August 21 www.monday.com (Software Patty’s team uses) Circe by Madeline Miller Educate by Tara Westover  Goddesses Never Age by Dr. Christiane Northrup The Body Book by Cameron Diaz The Sparkler's Club Waitlist

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 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 credentialed teacher and wants to learn how others went from artist to art teacher. Patty answers a few of Jill's questions including an explanation of how Team Sparkle creates, designs and structures The Sparklers Club library of art lessons and what big things are in the pipeline for Deep Space Sparkle. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Jill made her way into teaching art organically - The ways her experience has differed from teaching in the school system to teaching at home - What she says were the biggest struggles she's faced in her career teaching art - How Jill handles her classroom management - Where Jill's own creativity and inspiration comes from LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist Art Stories from Around the World - China: AME 057 Art Stories from Around the World - Bahrain: AME 058 Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India: AME 059 Manifesting Your Ultimate Goal: AME 085 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

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 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 with Children by Mona Brookes. I knew I struck gold. I flipped through the pages and chapter headings caught my eye... Giving the artist the permission to unfold Creating a Supportive Climate Talk like an adult, with non judgment How we see... The book didn't focus on standards or academic tie-ins, it shared a strong philosophy on how to teach children to draw. It was about what was possible. I read the book in a few nights and felt so confident about teaching that I literally didn't plan any lessons other than drawing with the kids for the first few weeks. That was then, and I still refer to Mona's instructions every now and again. When we finally secured an interview time, I was giddy with excitement. I wasn't sure how the interview would go. We talked about the evolution of the book, Drawing with Children, and how it was created...the publicity, the backlash, and how it ended up a franchise. It's a fascinating story of how one idea channels into so many directions until in the end, it circles back to the origins. I hope it inspires you to push, dream and circle back. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Mona Brookes began her journey teaching, and why she says her first attempt as a teacher was a "failure" - Mona's philosophy for teaching young children to draw and how the ability to draw can be learned - How Mona went from teaching art to branding her own methodology and selling franchises - How technology has changed everything for Mona and her business - Where the battle between art philosophies stems from - How Mona is still impacting the world at the age of 80 LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist Monart Website Monart Books Monart Training Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 light on an educators who is truly making a difference, yet mostly go unheard or acknowledged.  Her positive energy and years of experience really shine through in our conversation. It feels as though we were sitting across from one with a glass of Rosé! Mary is a member of our Sparkler’s Club and was featured in July’s SPARKLE magazine. As a guest Sparkler on Art Made Easy, Mary selected a few questions to ask me. We chat about our art philosophies, the evolution of Deep Space Sparkle, what inspires our lesson plans, and art philosophies. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:  Why Mary believes we can all do it all!  Some of the biggest challenges she had when beginning her career as an Art Specialist  Why teachers and other professionals are starting to see the need for integrated art Mary’s rules when it comes to creating art What “Product Versus Product” means to Mary LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist Patty's video that details the evolution DSS Immaculate Heart Art Department Rules You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 considered the invitation, said yes and went through a process of writing a book proposal, waffling between self-publishing and traditional publishing and being both frustrated and fulfilled during the process. This episode is for anyone who is thinking about writing a book and a few action steps to help you say yes! Top Tips for writing a book: 1. Read what you want to write 2. Start writing 3. Don't wait for inspiration 4. Spend a lot of time on you book proposal 5. If self-publishing, join a critique group Want to read more about my journey as a published author? Listen to AME 085 Manifesting you Ultimate Goal...how I became a published author. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why you should be reading what you want to write - How to start writing and tips for improvement - Why you shouldn't wait for inspiration to come to you - Patty's best tips for beginning to work on your book proposal - What are the differences between a publishing house and self-publishing LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES: Head, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managin Young Artists with Sally Fowler: AME 090 Manifesting You Ultimate Goal: AME 085 Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India with Celia Fisher: AME 059 Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Draw, Paint, Sparkle Pre-Order You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 The Sparkler's Club, June complied three questions she wanted to ask Patty. We chat about ceramic tile murals, how to gauge how long a project will take a child and a class and how I transitioned into a paid position.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How June began her art education journey and how she got the confidence to start teaching - The challenges of working at different schools - June's experiences in teaching art from a cart - How June is able to adapt her lessons with the limited time available in each classroom - Why there are disadvantages to introducing more choices into your curriculum - June's advice for brand new teachers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Cuteware Davis School Arts Foundation Ceramic Tile Mural Projects You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 provide rubrics, assessments, scope & sequence and essential questions. It can get a little crazy! You may start to wonder WHY you became an art teacher in the first place. I put this show together because I sense some friction. I'm in a position to hear from many, many teachers...who teach in a variety of situations and locations. I sense that there is a desire to move towards teaching art the right way. You want to inspire kids by day but come back to your own life at night...to come home inspired from teaching. To have the emotional and physical energy to enjoy your family, your friends and fill your own creative well. One way to find a path that allows you to teach from the best part of you is to identify what your strengths are and to hold onto them. Perhaps one of the three types of art teachers resonates with you?  1. Academic  2. The Artist  3. The Volunteer In today's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing how these three types of teachers can not only help each other but reveal how you can live your best life. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The many reasons why we may look to a career in teaching art - Why we strive to be original as art teachers - The three processes in which you came to becoming a classroom art teacher - Why we need to know our limitations and use the tools that are available for us LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  Now, it's YOUR turn....WHY did you become an art teacher?  Share your responses below...

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 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 her vigorous passion for arts, children and creating new opportunities. This episode is for anyone who is interested in how meditation, yoga and calming practices help children grow into keen observers and makers. Here are the basic tenets of Flow Learning ™: 1. Awakening Enthusiasm: how to introduce a lesson through warm-up exercises, reading a story, or playing a game. 2. Focused Attention: Using details from the warm-up to concentrate their focus. 3. Direct Experience: Handing out materials, pairing the right set of children together, playing music, moving from a silent flow into the main art lesson, or by asking for a calmer classroom. 4. Shared Inspiration: Asking students to share their experience and asking questions. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Chandi went from being a Nanny to building her own school - Why she incorporates yoga and meditation with her children - How awakening enthusiasm builds engagement - The reasons why literature can be a main source of inspiration - How business decisions are easier to make when guided by a powerful mission LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Joseph Cornell, Sharing Nature Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 Charge What You're Worth: AME 093 Ananda Sangha The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life I Am Yoga  You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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, 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, software, websites, marketing, social media, etc. 2. Personality is what frames your offer. This is the what and who you are. This is the energy and style you bring to whatever you are selling. 3. Limiting beliefs are literally what holds you back. It's the stories you tell yourself that have a DEEP impact on any type of business you run: big or small. Identifying your limiting beliefs will help you answer your money questions. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why people expect your products to be available for free - The three main facets of running a business - What's a beta project and how it can help you when you are first starting your business - What charging low prices might look like to your potential customers and why premium pricing is beneficial - How to look at competition and build a spark for your customers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES James Wedmore's Mind Your Business Podcast How to Know When It's Time to Open Your Art Studio: AME 086 Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 couple of children to sold out classes and waiting lists. You can learn how and what Britt does in her art class during our Draw, Paint, Make Summer Workshop in July. Her presentation, Cultivating Craftsmanship takes a deep dive into setting expectations for children, best tips for creating nuanced, layered art and a walk through how she does one of her most detailed projects. You can learn more HERE. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: This show is perfect for anyone who is interested in hearing how teaching techniques and introducing mediums within a structure class environment works in a small group environment. - How Britt built her art business from the basement of her own home - What Britt did to organically grow her business -  Britt's approach to introducing mediums and techniques to her students -  The benefits of having high expectations of her students - How jumping towards an art career opened the door for new and exciting opportunities - What Britt does to engage the children in her classes - Why her art is academic-based and product-oriented LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Art Room Britt Blog Art Room Britt Instagram Join Britt and other artists at the Draw, Paint, Make Art Workshop....click for more details Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 start charging what you're worth. Anna is a presenter at our online summer workshop, Draw, Paint, Make. To learn more, click the link in the show notes down below. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Anna started her own art business and evolved it into a successful career - How Anna uses positivity and The Law of Attraction to help shape her business to what it is today - The importance of choosing whether to become a premium product - The benefits of using good quality acrylic paints with your students - What strategies Anna uses with her scrapbooks and notebooks LISTEN TO THE SHOW: In the show, Anna shows me the sketchbooks she uses to map out certain projects. While I couldn't find the same sketchbooks or plastic covers in the United States (I believe they are only available in the UK and Australia), you can make a similar scrapbook. I was so excited to use this inexpensive type of scrapbook for my own personal use, that I created my own. Simply take 8-10 12" x 18" sheets of white sulphite paper and fold in half. Make the crease strong by running a ruler along the fold line. Using a long arm stapler, staple the pieces of paper together at the crease. Use Gesso to paint the front and back cover. this make the cover strong and feels like a real sketchbook. I'm using my hand-made sketchbook for Anna's 15 Flowers Acrylic painting class. I already completed the Sunflower and Lily and next up is the Daisy. These are the acrylic paints Anna loves...   LINKS & RESOURCES: Save $40 using  the code DEEPSPACESPARKLE on the 15 Flowers e-course from 26 April - 30 June 2018 Shiny Happy Art Website Shiny Happy Art Instagram Shiny Happy Art YouTube Golden Acrylic Paint Crayola Acrylic Paint Mont Marte Studio Acrylic Paint Set Painting Party: Acrylic Painting for Beginners Tempera vs. Acrylic Paint Join Anna and other artists at the Draw, Paint, Make Art Workshop....click for more details Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 down below to download Sally's information packed slide deck so that you can waltz into your art room and share your superpowers with your kids. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Sally's top 10 tips for successful classroom management - How Sally came to realize the ways to speak to young children most effectively - Sally's key "superpowers" for managing young artists in the classroom - Benefits of storytelling in your classroom and ways to bring life to art materials - The power of the "Rule of 3" for successful learning retention in young children DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION SLIDE DECK To get Sally's presentation slide deck, click on the yellow button below. Add your name and email and we’ll email it to you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop Sparklers Club Waitlist Fairy Dust Teaching How to Engage, Inspire and Create Art Room Magic with Sally Haughey: AME 042 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 April and as a featured member, she asked me a few questions. We talk about: What art supplies are must-haves in your art room How to teach 30 Kinders and 1st graders without going crazy What to do when kids miss art class   This episode is for anyone who is a first time art teacher, teaches hundreds of kids a week and is interested in being the creative lead in a school production. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Crissy's biggest transition going from classroom to art teacher - How Crissy's school has allowed her to craft a curriculum - How Crissy decides which projects to do with her class - The logistics in creating a school production while running an art class at the same time - Tips for working with younger kids and suggestions for children who have missed class - Which art supplies is recommended for longevity in the art room LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop Sparklers Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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. As a first year art teacher at a rural Title 1 school in South Carolina, Kaitlyn had to forget all she knew about management and create a system specifically for her unique group of students. Today's episode shares what she did and how she did it... IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - The effects Kaitlyn's elementary school art teacher had on her future art career - How Kaitlyn connects and builds trust with her students - Why positive reinforcement is more impactful than disciplining students - How to incorporate sketch books in the classrooms - Kaitlyn's top 3 classroom management tips including her amazing points system using popsicle sticks - How Instagram has successfully impacted Kaitlyn's career LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop Sparklers Club Waitlist Kaitlyn Edington's Instagram Dirty John Ted Radio Hour How I Built This with Guy Raz Classroom Management: A Step in the Right Direction You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com      

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 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 an artist or fears they don't have the skills or resources to teach art to their students.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN - How Michelle was able to become a confident classroom art teacher - Why supplies can make a difference in the pleasure and experience of a project - How Michelle benefits from practicing art projects before teaching them to her class - How support from parents can go a long way - Ways she improves her classroom by tying in lessons from other subjects - How to keep your creative cup full by staying educated and informed LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Want to brush up on your art skills? Summer is the perfect time to get in some PD hours especially if it involves creativity. I invite you to join me and 7 artists and art teachers as we present inspiring ways to take your teaching to a new level. This one-day online event focuses on learning the techniques that engage students on a richer, deeper level so that they can become more aware of craftsmanship and their own connection to their art. For teachers, we want students to be engaged, to take pride in our work and often that starts with us...showing them what's possible and what's really exciting. You'll learn printmaking, watercolor, using tempera paint in unique ways, how to make colors pop, how to make dynamic projects with just crayons, using colored pencils and markers and so much more. Make sure to enroll before April 13th to secure your early bird registration of only $119. Regular price $147. If you're a Sparkler, please make sure to use your special Sparkler link to grab your Sparklers-only price. Check out the details in the show notes down below. Regular fee: $147  Early Bird Fee: $119 until April 13th Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop LINKS & RESOURCES Sparklers Club Waitlist Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers Creative Bug You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

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. 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 great creative unknown. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - The differences in teaching art to adults versus children - How Arielle used art as a healing modality for herself and her students - All the logistics for your first home workshop - How the idea of operating a mobile art studio came to be for Arielle - The way Arielle recommends dealing with perfection as a creator and entrepreneur - How to determine pricing - Arielle's strategy in curating a stunning Instagram feed LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Art Made Easy listeners will recieve a 20% discount on any Art Camp's Art Box. Use code SPARKLE at checkout. Art Camp LA Website Art Camp LA Facebook Art Camp LA Instagram Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Monart Keith Haring You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 the process looked for me. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How a childhood passion became the catalyst to my ultimate dream - Why learning all you can about your chosen path leads you success - How it feels to let a dream go and allow the universe take over - How to know if your hard work will pay off - When to know if you are trying too hard - Alternative ways to view "giving up" LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES A peek inside my Greenwood School Binders My post about my Oprah weekend Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Outlander book series by Diana Gabaldon Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Pre-order Draw, Paint, Sparkle: 25 Creative Projects from an Elementary Art Teacher: Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 simple 2. Get help from unlikely sources 3. Release expectations IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: How you should define “success” before you hold your art show What tasks your children can help with and why they can be such a great help in preparing for the show What matters more than just the number of people that attend the show LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Prepping for School Art Show Artomé You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 precious to be present when teaching children - What to do about "goopy" water colors - The best ways to use salt with your watercolor and the supplies that work best for this technique - How to stop your paper from curling - How to make your use of Tempera paint more vibrant and the differences between liquid Tempera paint and Tempera cakes - What are the differences between acrylic paint and Tempera paint LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THE Q & A GUIDE To get the Art Classroom Q & A Guide, click on the yellow button below. Add your name and email and we’ll email it to you. LINKS & RESOURCES Crayola Acrylic Paint Crayola Premier Tempera Hand Makery 5 Tips for Making Vibrant Paint Colors Tempera vs. Acrylic You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

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 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 guide from Deep Space Sparkle. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - What to do if your students want to copy pictures from books - How to get kids to draw bigger, and what to consider when it comes to the size of the drawing - My secret approach to use when students want to start their drawing over - Ways to implement sketch books in the classroom - What to do when children "shut down" during a lesson DOWNLOAD THE Q & A GUIDE To get the Art Classroom Q & A Guide, click on the yellow "Download PDF" button below. Add your name and email and we'll email it to you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES All About Guided Drawings Draw Paint Sparkle by Patty Palmer (Coming August 21st) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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'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 chaotic and I feel it is part due to students not understanding how to create the projects. I usually give verbal instructions and perhaps demonstrate a technique on scrap paper, but then those in the back have trouble seeing. Such a great questions, right? This episode reveals my strategy of how I staged my demonstrations in my art room from how children enter the art room to working on a project. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  - How I use my white board to prepare for a lesson - Ways I managed my classroom to allow students to have a calm state of mind - How I get children to listen - Why document cameras or powerpoint presentations aren't my thing - What to do if you forget to talk about a step in the lesson - Why you should always be aware of the dynamics in your classroom DOWNLOAD A SEATING CHART (Fillable) To get the Seating Chart PDF, click on the yellow "Download PDF" button below. Add your name and email and we'll email it to you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle by Patty Palmer (Coming August 21st) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

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 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 abundance and giving to others enhanced my own life • Why you should strive to be the person you want to have in your life • Why “the less you expect, the more you receive” is true • The reasons why joining a mastermind is such a great idea And speaking of sharing, here is a list of people I think are amazing. I want acknowledge them and share their goodness with YOU! Ami Mayes Colorado, Hand Makery Allison Jensen Missouri, Orange Easel Art Anna Bartlett, Shiny Happy Art Arielle Goddard, Art Camp LA Robin Long, Balanced Life Sisterhood Jasmine Star, Instagram 180 & The Social Curator Tiffany Lee Bymaster, Lights Camera Branding Anna DiGillio, Simple Skilled inSecond Jessica Balsey, Art of Education   LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Oprah Super Soul Sunday James Wedmore Pat Flynn, Smart Passive Income Amy Porterfield Online Marketing Made Easy Rick Mulready Upcoming Free Challenge You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 Condoleezza Rice speak. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • How social media has changed the art industry and allows you to join tribes of like-minded people • Why you should always been learning, growing and experimenting with different ways of teaching art • When protecting your content, start with stating your intentions • How to set up shop and charge for your content • What I got out of sharing freely for years LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Teachers Pay Teachers Olympic Sports Icon Project The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 blog to get a special Art Made Easy discount code for your first order of your subscription box. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: • Why Julia’s childhood and artistic parents were perfect grounds to support her artistic side • How Julia transitioned into an art educator and the ways she now educates and interacts with smaller children • How Julia and her business partner met and what steps they took to start an online business • Why, as a new online business owner, you’ll need to learn as you go and have mentors help along the way LISTEN TO THE SHOW KID ART LIT DISCOUNT CODE! We are happy to offer our Art Made Easy listeners 10% off the first-month order of the renewing 1, 3, or 6-month subscription options. Discount Code: SPARKLE10 KidArtLit Website Note: This code does not apply to our gift options. Families may cancel at any time. LINKS & RESOURCES   KidArtLit Instagam KitArtLit Facebook Page The Subscription School The Artful Parent by Jean Van't Hul You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram

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, I created an intention that I still follow today. I’d love to hear what your Word of the Year is, if you have one and how it has changed how you use in every day. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • How I define my Word of the Year and who inspired it • Why the practice of setting a word for the year can be helpful • What things you can do to stay hyper-aware of your word throughout the year • What happens when your students begin to trust you • Which words I've used throughout the years and why LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINK & RESOURCES The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 links, tips and checklists. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • Why templates and directed drawings can be beneficial for getting started on your classroom art lessons • How you can organize your supplies for easy access and alternatives to a chalkboard that you can use as dedicated art spaces • Why I recommend liquid water colors for every grade level if you’re a classroom teacher • What big misconception exists about using chalk and ways you can start using it in your art room • Ways to create the right environment for your students to create their art LISTEN TO THE SHOW   LINKS & RESOURCES To learn more about The Sparklers Club > SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE VIDEO SERIES: Create Your Dream Art Program You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram  Classroom Teacher’s Guide to Teaching Art Teach Art In Your Class Art at Home Toolkit and Guide: AME 068 4 Steps to Designing Your Perfect Art Program: AME 064 The Organized Art Teacher: AME 037 Tips to Help Gauge if an Art Project is Right for Your Class: AME 006 Nutcracker Art Lesson Christmas Car support@deepspacesparkle.com

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 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 in the art room • What are the real differences between amateurs and professionals • Why looking into the future can be just as limiting than looking into the past • Whether or not you need to offer many different mediums in your art program • Why I believe you can be both a creative and a business owner • What I say before my students walk in the door   LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Enrolling new Sparklers on January 3, 2018 To learn more about The Sparklers Club You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram  Turning Pro & The War of Art by Steven Pressfield AME 007: How to Create a Thematic Unit with Laura Lohmann

Occasionally, 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 have to pay attention to how you are showing up each day • The special challenges art specialists face, but how they can be turned into opportunities • What really happens when you demonstrate your enthusiasm for art • How sharing about your own life can open up a world of possibilities for your students • My favorite quote and what it says about how I feel about being a creative person LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Enrolling new Sparklers on January 3, 2018 To learn more about The Sparklers Club Videos on DSS Facebook Page Quote by Martha Graham   You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram

Bar Rucci grew up in a creative household. She was determined to go to art school despite her parent’s plea to become a computer programmer.  As a true creative, she compromised on the selection of her major,  attended Skidmore College and graduated with a degree in Art and a minor in Early Childhood Development. What followed was a series of experiences: mural painting, clothing businesses, and finally, a long stint as a graphic designer. It was this last venture that became her calling, allowing her to stay home and raise her children. Barbara’s journey has many elements that many Creative folks experience. This is what fascinated me throughout the interview: the constant yearning for a new experience, challenge or artistic pursuit. Can you relate? Bar and I discuss the challenges and joys of teaching art at home and the magic of cardboard. Yes, cardboard… IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: • What Bar’s childhood was like and how she was introduced to art and creativity • Why she decided to scale up her business and her life in general • Why Bar never held a “real job” • Her definition of what success • What teaching art at home looks like for Bar, and her tips on keeping kids engaged until the very end of the day LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THIS FREEBIE CLASSROOM POSTER FROM BAR RUCCI: LINKS & RESOURCES Bar's Poster Artsy Emoji app Tutorial For more inspiration, visit Bar’s blog and follow her on social media: Website Instagram Facebook Page Pinterest

Today I’m talking to Laurie Police Short, author of When Changing Nothing Changes Everything.  In this episode we’re talking about how changing perspective can alter behavior and ultimately our life. With the help of four different lenses, Laurie shows you how the way you see can have an impact on how you live. This is deeply personal to me as I truly believe that teachers have the power to have the biggest impact on so many lives but the daily grind can definitely get in the way of our purpose. Laurie walks us through four lenses: The Big View: Our life isn’t merely shaped by the things that happen to us, it is also shaped by the way we live. The Present View: Keep our eyes focused on what is in front of us is the only way to see the path ahead. The Rear View: We don’t look back to stay back, we look back so we can choose what to take into our future.  Otherwise stuff follows us without our vote. The Higher View: Need is around us in every form, and when we allow it to be in front of us, something magical happens to our eyes. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: •The moment that changed Laurie’s own life - and planted the seed for her to write the book •What are the four “lenses” that will change the way you see life and what happens when you look through each one •The one movie that every teacher should watch and it can change your perspective on life •What we can do if we’re getting caught up with focusing on the wrong things •Why it’s so important to tune in to what’s happening around you •How you can reframe the past to decide what you want to include in your future and change the story in your head •How we can actually heal from our pain and why thinking of our lives as a “story” can be so hopeful •Why taking the higher view can lead to you making the most of every single moment of your life LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES For more information about Laurie Short: When Changing Nothing Changes Everything by Laurie Polich Short Laurie Short Website Laurie Short Book and Companion Guide *video series link to follow at end of month Follow Laurie on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @lauriepshort Eckhart Tolle: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle  Curt Thompson: Being Unknown Links on Oprah: Super Soul Sunday Carolyn Myss

Whenever I explore cultural art projects, I wonder if the lesson I plan will reflect on the values and traditions of the designated country. There have been so many times when I’m knee-deep in Google searches that I wish I could just call someone and have them tell me the most popular art styles in their country. Today’s interview is that type of conversation. I spoke with Sparkler, Payal Wachhar, an art teacher from India who teaches in Australia. Payal and I talk about her passion for inquiry base learning and her favorite Indian art influences. Oh my goodness….the details, descriptions and her passion! So contagious. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  All about Payal’s journey from India to Australia, and how she picked up so many different art skills along the way that she incorporates into her teaching today Why she initially “hated” the idea of becoming a teacher (and what changed this) Payal’s art philosophy and non-traditional ways of teaching art to her students How customizing her teaching to her students needs is leading to a higher level of trust and more engagement from the kids The ways she would design a curriculum around teaching the art of India Why you should be paying attention to your own zone of genius and working the things you are good at into your lessons How consistency in my lessons and being fair to everyone were keys to my teaching experience (and why I personally didn’t use any technology in my classrooms) LISTEN TO THE SHOW   LINKS & RESOURCES Payal's favorite DSS lessons: Chinese Dragons Chicken Little & Henny Penny Art Project Metallic Robot Drawing Videos and Freebies for the 10 year Deep Space Sparkle celebration can be found at: Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Page Deep Space Sparkle Party Page

Are you using literacy strategies in your art room? If you are, you know how effective they can be for engaging students, connecting content areas with your lessons and providing an opportunity for children to analyze art. If you’re not sure, you might be surprised with how easy you can adapt simple literacy strategies in your art room—so easy in fact, that you might be using some without even knowing it! My guest today is Marisa Gebert. If her name sounds familiar, that’s because she is chief curriculum creator at Team Sparkle. Marisa aligns Common Core, Visual Art Standards, plus assessments and writing exercises into our Sparklers Club lessons. And, she is the architect behind the done-for-you art curriculum inside the Sparklers Club. She earned her Masters degree in education with an emphasis on literacy and is one smart cookie. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why books are a wonderful way to introduce an art lesson How to have your students caption their artwork You can support the skills students are learning in Language Arts by encouraging students to tell a story about their artwork How to teach Elements of Art and Principles of Design through journaling in the art room. Why you should incorporate a word wall into your art room LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THIS ART RESOURCE GUIDE: LINKS & RESOURCES Art Made Easy 048  with Marisa Gebert Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Page The Three Musicians: A Children’s Book Inspired by Pablo Picasso by Veronique Massenot & Vanessa Hie Gunslingers & Outlaws Lesson from DSS Ashley Bryan Home Page Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan High Museum of Art, Atlanta 50 Early Childhood Literacy Strategies (Teaching Strategies Series) by Janice J. Beaty Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas by Sharon Kane

Teaching art in a Title 1 school can be challenging. Often there is limited funding for art supplies, behavioral issues and lack of support. Although, depending on your perspective, teaching at a Title 1 school can be no different than any other school. At least that’s how it was for me. I taught in a Title 1 school for 6 years and loved it. So why do some teachers thrive in challenging situations while others struggle? In this episode of Art Made Easy, I’m answering a question that I have put aside for over a year. The question that came from a clearly frustrated teacher weighed on me until I felt I had enough perspective to answer her question. I’ll share my best tips for how to manage the challenging logistics of teaching art in a Title 1 school. Here are my top tips: - Be super organized. - Accept you might not have all the art supplies you need, so be creative. - Learn all you can about management. This will be your ticket to success. - Don’t underestimate the power of choosing engaging subjects for your art lessons. - Take care of yourself. - Join a supportive learning community. - Practice positivity & know you are impacting children at a level you may not be aware of Ready to have a listen? SHOW NOTES: James Wedmore’s Mind Your Business Podcast When Changing Nothing Changes Everything: The Power of Reframing Your Life by Laurie Police Short The Abundance Code: How to Bust the 7 Money Myths for a Rich Life Now by Julie Ann Cairns AME 067 with Lynda Gordon How to Seek Funding for your Art Program AME 012 Easy Management Tips with Michael Linsin Smart Classroom Management Go Fund Me Website  

Teaching 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 your kids, you just need an interest. Why you need to establish your own intentions and expectations before teaching children How the use of descriptive words will enrich children's vocabularies Why developing a teacher’s mindset and establishing a routine can help so much when managing your child’s behavior Creating a schedule can lead to increased focus and creativity in your children What’s the most important thing that you can give your child to develop their art skills LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THIS ART RESOURCE GUIDE: If you are new to teaching art at home, download this guide which will help identify management strategies, what art supplies to buy and helpful links that will get you teaching in no time! NOTE: TO RECEIVE THE PDF, YOU MUST WHITELIST our email:  patty.palmer@deepspacesparkle. IF YOU ARE A GMAIL customer, THAT MEANS MOVING OUR EMAILS OUT OF YOUR PROMOTIONS FOLDER (can't find anything in that!) SHOW NOTES: AME 020: The Best Art Project to use with Kids AME 049: Teaching Art at Home

Are 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 LEARN:  That you don’t need an extensive background in art to be a successful teacher How having an autistic child has led to Lynda being more accepting of all students and her tips for teaching art to children with autism Strategies to raise donations for your art program, including how to effectively leverage social media platforms for fundraising The biggest struggles Lynda has faced teaching art How she handles classroom preparation and cleanup without an art room Why having a growth mindset is such a benefit inside and outside of the classroom LISTEN TO THE SHOW   DOWNLOAD THIS ART RESOURCE GUIDE: In the show, Lynda talks about her efforts to raise funds through Donors Choose. Lynda has graciously shared her fundraising letter with you to use in your fundraising efforts. To access the download, click the yellow button, add your name and email and we will send it to you. NOTE: TO RECEIVE THE PDF, YOU MUST WHITELIST our email:  patty.palmer@deepspacesparkle. IF YOU ARE A GMAIL customer, THAT MEANS MOVING OUR EMAILS OUT OF YOUR PROMOTIONS FOLDER (can't find anything in that!) SHOW NOTES: Donors Choose Square1 Art The Growth Mindset Coach: A Teacher's Month-by-Month Handbook for Empowering Students to Achieve

Have you ever wondered whether it is better to have a plethora of creative works at the end of a term so that students have a general working knowledge of many styles and techniques OR just a few projects that dive deep into just a few areas at a time? When it comes to elementary students, we can frame our curriculum any number of ways. It all depends on what our admins expect us to do, what we feel is important to teach our students and what is in our wheelhouse. Sometimes it’s just a matter of becoming crystal clear on your intentions for your art program. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself that will help define your intentions so that you can create the best environment for your students. In this episode you’ll learn Why grade level matters when setting intentions on how you want your curriculum to work How art is always open to interpretation and what this means for an art teacher What will happen after you’ve been teaching art for a few years… Why reflecting and documenting what you hope will happen in your art room compared to what actually happened will help you move forward How I measured the success of my art program and how to define what success means to you What I feel is the best way to engage your students in art Why you should openly acknowledge what you’re good at (and not so good at) when it comes to teaching art! LISTEN TO THE SHOW

International Dot Day, based on Peter Reynold’s book, The Dot, is coming up on September 15th. The Dot is the story of Vashti who is overwhelmed at the sight of a blank piece of paper. Her art teacher gently encourages her to explore art her way. Most art teachers consider Peter Reynold’s books essential reads for the art room as he addresses the issues children face when learning how to be an artist. What I love about the story is the underlying importance of expressive art. This episode takes a look at why expressive art is so important for children and offers you a variety of art projects that are not only perfect for Dot Day. I can’t wait to hear how you celebrate Dot day and what projects work for you! IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why expressive art is so important to include in your art room plans How The Dot can help you create a new focus for your class What lessons can be learned from The Dot to overcome various challenges and empower your students Why you need to take a cautious approach to doing any kind of directed drawing project, especially with younger children How craft paper can be used for projects that all children contribute to LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES: Dot Day Song Dot Day Lyrics   LESSONS FROM THE PODCAST: Here's a short video I created for a watercolor project to celebrate Dot Day. All you need is a square piece of watercolor paper, water-soluble oil pastels/gel sticks OR you can use non-soluble oil pastels to create a true resist. Then, just use liquid watercolor paints  to create this happy dot. Reminds me of a Yellowstone's Geyser! https://d3ndagut9sanks.cloudfront.net/2017-D/VID-09/Dot+Day+Watercolor.mp4 Tint & Pattern Circles Kandinsky and the Rainbow Art Project Color, Line and Pattern Art Project Hundertwasser Art Lesson for Kids  

Teaching art to hundreds of children requires creativity, passion, and buckets of planning time. I spent years developing an art program that represented my personal preferences for art but also incorporated elements that brought out the best in even the most reluctant artist. Download the Art Teacher’s Toolkit and follow along as I share what to consider so that your art program allows you to teach with clarity, confidence, and ease. LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THE ART TEACHER'S TOOLKIT Click the yellow button to receive your Art Teacher's Toolkit via email! SHOW NOTES: AME 062: How One Classroom Teacher Transitioned to her Dream Job as an Art Teacher with Denise Lediaev Art Curator for Kids with Cindy Ingram Painted Paper Art with Laura Lohmann The Best Art Products to Use with Kids - Art Made Easy 020 Tips to Help Gauge if an Art Project is Right for Your Class The SPARKLE Method for Lesson Development - Art Made Easy 032 Evernote  The Organized Art Teacher AME: 037 Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Page

Former classroom teacher, Denise Lediaev, didn’t know how much she loved teaching art until she became a full-time art teacher in Adelaide, Australia. Listen to how Denise transitioned to this role with grace and enthusiasm. She is humbled to have a supportive school, loads of resources and an assistant but it’s her love of teaching art that truly makes her happy. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How Denise transitioned from a classroom teacher to an art teacher (and how she filled some big shoes in the process) How teaching art in Australia is similar to teaching in the United States The biggest challenge Denise has faced teaching art and how she is working towards a solution Denise’s favorite types of art lessons and mediums she uses in the art room The special considerations that teachers must be aware of before embarking on an Aboriginal project. LISTEN TO THE SHOW SYDNEY HARBOR LESSON PLAN Inspired by Australian artist, Ken Done, children create a drawing of Sydney Harbour, including the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Bridge. You can find this lesson inside the Sparklers Club, in the Art From Australia Bundle. The Sparklers’ Club has thousands of fully standardized lesson plans to make curriculum planning effortless. Join the waitlist for the Sparklers Club! SHOW NOTES:  Tjanpi Desert Weavers Website & Facebook Page Australian Artist Ken Done Aboriginal Art Information Sharing Cultures (How to) The Desert Weavers that Denise loves! Youtube video of Collecting Color. The book Denise uses as inspiration with her students.

We all have a dream—something we long to do if only…the if only’s have a tendency to get in the way for most of us, but not Kristy. Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, Kristy remembers always gravitating towards anything creative. But in an educational climate where only academics are encouraged, Kristy was encouraged to pursue math and business. She became an accountant and now helps her husband run their construction business. The urge to draw, paint and create was just too strong. So, despite many obstacles, Kristy decided that she would open an art studio for children. No experience. No teaching degree. Just desire. In this episode of our art series, Art Stories from Around the World, Kristy shares her story of how she started her art camp for kids and what her plans are for the future. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why Kristy went in a different direction with her career despite having a passion for the arts Reasons why there isn’t a focus on art for grades K through 6 in Trinidad & Tobago How Kristy strived to pursue her creative endeavours outside of her career in accounting Why Kristy involves the culture of her country into the art curriculum she teaches children How Kristy plans to change the perception of art in her community Why the classroom should be a place of difference as well as kindness LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE... You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:

Discover 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 through to teenagers and adults •How she introduces children to the use of pencils in their art (and a common item that she often has them draw using pencil) •What the one thing is that Louise wants the rest of the world to know about the teaching of art in her country •What some of the warm-up exercises are that she has her students do before taking an art exam LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE... You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:   SHOW NOTES:  Louise’s Website Kinsale Art Academy Facebook Page * Link to Louise’s Art Lesson for Listeners (Puffins, Seals, etc.) *Link to Louise’s Charcoal Monkees Facebook post (couldn’t find on her page!) *Link to Patty’s Treasure Map lesson that Louise mentions AME 059: Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India  

How do you introduce children to art in a remote region of the world where  children have little exposure to expressive art? Where do you start? Where do you find supplies? Celia Fisher not only has the resume, but the passion. Working with slum kids in Southern India, an indigenous school in Queensland and at an International school in Vietnam, Celia knows what is required to create an art program that celebrates children. In our third installment of our summer podcast series, Art Stories Around the World, Celia shares what it’s like to teach in a school she and her husband built in Northern India. Scroll down to download the art project created by Celia that represents her student’s village. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • Celia's biggest challenges and the strategies she uses to overcome them. • How this rural community views education and how that differs from other cultures. • Why Celia does the work she does, even when the community doesn’t understand its importance • How she is able to broaden the children’s knowledge of culture and their ways of thinking on a daily basis DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE... In the interview, Celia paints a lovely picture of what its like living in this part of the world: how the rainy season impacts the community, the topography of the region and how art is perceived. Celia offers two approaches to bringing art to her students in a way that connects them with their community. You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW: LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES Get in touch with Celia and see what art projects her students are working on by clicking HERE for the RightHope School Facebook page. QUESTIONS FOR OUR LISTENERS: Have you ever been to India? Have you created an art project based on the Indian culture? I'd love to hear what your experiences have been!

Sana Asad is the second art teacher featured in our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in Bahrain. Born in Pakistan and into a culture where art is considered a craft to pass the time, Sana stuck to her dream of pursuing a career in art. After moving to Saudi Arabia and later to Bahrain, Sana opened an art studio in her home and began teaching children. Now she has a full-time after school art schedule, teaches workshops to adults and plans beautiful exhibits of her students work. Today, we’re traveling to Bahrain to meet art teacher, Sana Asad. Make sure to download Sana's Bahrain Inspired art projects! Scroll down for the download button. https://d3ndagut9sanks.cloudfront.net/2017-D/VID-06/AME+058+Sana+Asad+Video.mp4 IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What art was like for Sana growing up in Pakistan How there are certain challenges teaching art in Bahrain Why she doesn’t only teach drawing and sketching What the difference is between teaching in the public school system versus private institutions in Bahrain What’s the most popular social media platform in the Middle East Why word of mouth is more valuable than anything to Sana LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD 2 FREE LESSONS! Sana created two art projects that represent Bahrain: An architectural lesson that merges POP art and color theory (ages 6-10) and a Hamsa Fiber Arts project that builds fine motor skills (ages 3-5). Just click on the blue box, add your name and email and watch your inbox! LINKS Wild About Art and Craft Facebook Page AME 057: Art Stories from Around the World - China

I'm so excited to kick off our summer podcast series, Art Stories from Around the World! After starting Deep Space Sparkle's membership program last year, I couldn't help but marvel at what global sharing community we created. We have members from every corner of the globe...Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, France, UK, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India....it goes on and on. What we all notice and appreciate is that we share the same passion. And it is surprising how similar our struggles are. Whether you're teaching around a kitchen table in Wisconsin or at an International School in Wuhan, we can all relate to the joys and struggles of being an art teacher. Lexi Conrad kicks off our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in China. I have always wondered how creativity is taught in China. Do schools embrace art in the same way as we do in America? Is the art focused on realism or rote mechanics? How do the children behave? is classroom management a big deal like it is here? So many questions! Lexi was so kind to walk us through what it's like teaching to her group of international students. She shares what the differences are between private and public schools and the surprising differences in how the Chinese people view art. Make sure to download the Chinese Clay Bells art project that Lexi created for you! Scroll down for the download button. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How the amazing art experiences Lexi herself had at a young age influenced her own teaching style What effects censorship and cultural differences have teaching art in China How the Chinese community at large embraces art What can happen when you have access to beautiful art supplies Lexi’s favorite projects and how she’s introduced art to her colleagues in China LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES Lexi created this clay art project to represent the historical significance of bells in the town of Wuhan, China.  To access this free art project, just click on the blue button below. Subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes so you won't miss the next episode of the Summer Podcast Series, Art Stories Around the World. Next time on Art Stories from Around the World...San Asad from Bahrain shares what it's like growing up in Pakistan, going to design school in a time when art wasn't considered a career and ultimately teaching art in her home.  

There is a huge effort to mainstream children with special needs but often teachers have no formal training in the special needs area. Debi London experienced this first hand as an art teacher and as a mother of a child with autism how important it is to be aware of the small things a teacher can do to create a warm, nurturing and inspiring environment for all children. This episode is for art teachers seeking inspiration and guidance from another art teacher who has walked the walk. Learn how Debi approaches her lessons, how she sets up her classroom to accommodate all learners and the resources that have made a difference to her. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Helpful tips for helping you to create an art program that is accessible for all children Why it’s important to know the specific needs of all your children, including their likes and dislikes How a sensory center in the classroom can be used to benefit children with special needs How it’s ok to teach at different paces to accommodate specific learning speeds Why you need to be aware of and consider each child’s attention span How to juggle the needs of all students while maintaining positive reinforcement LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE IS SOME GUIDANCE FOR APPROACHING YOUR LESSONS: 1. Provide a Sensory Center- The student should have access to a sensory sand box (kinesthetic sand is a great option), Lego, blocks, larger paper for coloring or stamping, access to iPads with head phones (students can be noise sensitive).  Rain sticks can be soothing. A few bean bags on floor, a small carpeted area and access to a few stuffed animals. Allow movement like: walking and stretching to meet needs. 2. Be understanding of some students because they are unable to fully focus because they: fidget, flap (stem). Allow them to have access to these things at the sensory center area as usage of items will help the flow of teaching art. 3. Soft classical music helps to create a calming environment. 4. Allow for breaks (sometimes a timer helps). 5. Get to know the students. Find out likes and dislikes to avoid a meltdown. 6. Pair students with friends or pair with one-on-one help from teacher. SHOW NOTES Monsters Love School Lesson Eric Carle’s Website Special Artists Handbook: Art Activities and Adaptive Aids for Handicapped Students by Susan Rodriguez and Paul D. Blumenthal(affiliate link) My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete (affiliate link) Sesame Street: Meet Julia Video What is Autism?

The absolute worst experience for any teacher is receiving a negative comment from a parent or peer. When the negative comment comes in the form of an email asking why you disciplined a child the way you did, you start to question everything. But it doesn’t have to derail your efforts. By examining the perspective of both the parent, student and the teacher, you start to see that everyone is after the same thing. This week’s episode answers a question from a Sparkler. Here’s the question: How do you balance all the positive feedback with that one email from a parent about how you've disciplined their child and they dread coming to art? IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How there are three groups of people involved in an escalation of emotions Why it’s beneficial to establish relationships with as many parents as you can Why you should try to avoid connecting with parents via email How it’s important to get to know the children outside of the classroom (like on the playground, for example) Why feeding the negative energy of a parent will not provide a resolution Why children respond best to a consistent classroom management plan and how that builds trust LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE ARE A FEW THINSG TO KEEP IN MIND: 1. Parent's Perspective Allow parents to explain or vent or say what they have to say. Don’t feed or antagonize the situation by explaining what was really going on. They don’t want to hear it…at least not yet. You never know what kind of day this person has had. It feels horrible to be on the wrong end of someone’s bad day so allowing space for the person to vent is the fastest way to resolution. Accept responsibility and suggest a solution. Tell her you understand how hard it can be to understand what goes on inside a classroom. Students are very different with parents than with teachers. And kids are different with one teacher than another. 2. Student's Perspective All students want to be good. They want to learn. They want to come to class. No kid wants to go to class with a grumpy teacher or a teacher who is always mad at them. Every kid wants to be liked or talked to in a kind, encouraging way. Every kid wants to be the kid the teacher likes….BUT only if they like and trust you. Building trust through a very consistent classroom management plan is the most important thing you can do. Building trust with consistent behavior is the second most important thing to do. Always ask yourself…how can I be more consistent with this child? Sometimes the answer is to be very firm with expectations. Some kids just push the boundaries. If they do, they must deal with the consequences. You need to be able to explain in crystal clear terms why and what the student did that broke the rules. 3. Teacher’s Perspective Look for the golden nuggets (or piece of truth) inside every negative comments or criticism Accept that you may get it wrong. If you do. Apologize. Find the humor in the cycles of teaching. The end of the year can be challenging for kids because there are more opportunities for classroom management strategies to fall by the way side…more field trips, more assemblies, more school fairs, etc. This sounds harsh, but try to accept that you’re not perfect, nor are parents and nor are students. Cultivate the “we’re in this together approach” and just try to improve. SHOW NOTES Sign up for Smart Classroom Management Newsletter Easy Classroom Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Class with Michael Linsin: AME 012 Smart Classroom Management Interview with Tips to Help you Succeed YOUR TURN: What is your strategy for dealing with parents in the classroom? Do you have a Classroom Management Plan that holds students accountable? Share your experiences below:

Teaching 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 more kids and adults. We chat about how to manage children working at different paces, how to deliver art instructions so all children are eager to participate and how to optimize an art studio with limited space. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: What the differences are between teaching inside and outside of the home How to set the right intention when kids want to do their own thing How Lesly has evolved as an art teacher by constantly learning new things What you can do when your children work at different paces Why a curious teacher is the best type of teacher How you don’t have to do everything when starting out, but build from where you’re at What Lesly is doing to grow as an artist and ways she’s looking to expand what services she offers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Laura Lohmann’s, Painted Paper Art Rachelle Doorley’s, Tinker Lab Creativebug Website Creative Boot Camp with Lisa Congdon Ladies Drawing Night: Make Art, Get Inspired, Join the Party by Julia Rothman (affiliate link) Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way by Jennifer Orkin Lewis (affiliate link) Granny’s Clan: A Tale of Wild Orcas by Dr.Sally Hodson & Ann Jones (affiliate link) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Classroom management is one of the hardest elements of being an art teacher. If you don’t have a plan, philosophy or strategy then art-making takes a back seat. I believe it’s all about creating an environment in which your students look forward to coming to your class and equally important, creating an environment in which YOU want to come to class. Here are my 6 factors to consider when making your classroom management plan. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why the environment in the art room is so important to consider How I used my own energy as a basis for my art room environment Why inspiring lessons are so valuable Why you don’t need to overthink the structure of your lessons How I set the expectations in my art room How your ego can work against you and take away perspective Why having trust with children is so important (and how to maintain it) LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES Jess Lively's Think About It The Intersection of Rational Mind and Intuitive Guidance with Erin Loechner Smart Classroom Management Painted Paper Art AME 016: 5 Mindset Shifts That Made A Difference In My Life AME 042: How To Engage, Inspire And Create Art Room Magic with Sally Haughey The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (affiliate link) A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle (affiliate link)

When it comes to painting techniques, most of us think about watercolor paints. There is so much you can do with these watery colors: resist, wet-on-wet, salting, etc. But if you use liquid tempera paint for most of your art projects, you may feel like you’re stuck with a simple stroke application. For me, tempera paints offer kids the chance to explore paint mixing and achieve bold blasts of color. This podcast explains why I love using tempera paint, what type of brands are best, and how to get the most out of using tempera paints. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why tempera paints are great to use in a classroom or home setting How not all tempera paints are high-quality and what to look for when choosing brands Why double loading your paint brush allows for a beautiful application of color (and saves you time) How the scratching technique can be tricky, but fun if you keep the shapes abstract How smoothing works to encourage children to use more even paint strokes Why it’s beneficial to use as little water as possible with your tempera paints LISTEN TO THE SHOW   SHOW NOTES Double Loading Painting Technique (with video) 3 Techniques to Try with Tempera Paint Smoothing Painting Technique (with video)

As the school year starts to wind down, now is a good time to consider your summer plans. I hope they involve a deck and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc but if your mind is wandering towards earning some extra money, this episode is for you. I want to give you permission to finally say YES to your dreams of hosting a summer camp, starting your own studio or paint party class. Whatever it is, operating a small, part-time business that features your talents can be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done. This is not a checklist of how-to items: this is your call to action. To dig deep and figure out why you want to teach kids art in your off hours and why now is your time. Ready to dive in? IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How anyone can start a business with the right motivation! Why you shouldn’t give your stuff away for free and how even getting paid minimally for your work gives you the capacity to do more What is beta testing and how it works Why you should always consider what fills you up and gives you energy How to promote your camp without spending money Why setting expectations is the most important thing that you can do LISTEN TO THE SHOW   DOWNLOAD YOUR SUMMER CAMP ART GUIDE SHOW NOTES: Episode 018: Host Your Own Art Workshop Episode 002: Painting Parties and Overcoming Obstacles with Heidi Easley Episode 039: Success Secrets of a Process Based Art Studio with Meri Cherry https://www.creativebug.com/

Today’s episode is special. Deep Space Sparkle member, Gloria Mathews 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 I chat about what makes a children’s book successful, how to get started writing your own children’s book and how letting go of one dream allows you to find the space to achieve another dream. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How Gloria designed her life after retirement and how you can, too. How text and illustrations play off each other when writing children's books What is SCBWI and how it serves people who have an interest in writing children’s literature Why it is so hard to publish a picture book How having a tribe of like-minded people fills you up   SHOW NOTES:  Gloria’s Facebook Page  Eric Carl Website Peter Reynolds Website Oliver Jeffers Peter Brown Chris Silas Neal www.scbwi.org Draw with Joan Miro Rachelle  Doorley & Tinkerlab It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond by Julia Cameron (affiliate link)  

With the deadline of my first book approaching, I have uncovered a few differences between teaching art in a small group setting and teaching art in a classroom. Having a series of private workshops for the kids who are helping me with my book has allowed me to witness first hand what a private or small-group based art-making experience is like for parents and studio owners.  I'm able to explore paint options and drawing techniques that I might have avoided in a traditional classroom setting but seems really natural with a small group. While the distinctions will be featured in my book, today's episode will identify my initial reactions to the differences. Today’s episode is an informal chat about what I discovered and how it will impact my book. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How I use workshops in my studio to help write my bookHow the projects in the book differs from lessons plans found on Deep Space SparkleThe differences in teaching for specific grade levels as opposed to a range of children’s agesThe benefits of leaving one part of an art project structured and leaving the rest to a child's creativityWhat art supplies are great for small groups but not suited for large classroom settingsHow children react differently in a classroom setting versus a small group setting CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE SHOW NOTES:  My book deal and writing a book proposal Join The Members Club waitlist

Marisa 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 make the decisions that have been right for her family. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:  How Marisa stuck with her love of teaching art, against the advisement of others What grades and ages were more challenging for her than others The various challenges of grading children’s artwork Why Marisa always chooses to do what she loves (and how to see the value in that) How your goals and dreams can change with different seasons of your life How taking risks led her to her happiness Why finding time to create art for yourself is so important LISTEN TO THE SHOW:   LINKS & RESOURCES: Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinter Marisa’s Instagram To see what a K-2 rubric looks like for one of our lessons inside the membership, feel free to  DOWNLOAD this FREE LESSON from THE MEMBERS CLUB: INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SPARKLERS MEMBERS CLUB? Public enrollment happens in August and January but occasionally, we have a VIP enrollment period for those on our wait list. To add your name to the waitlist, CLICK HERE. TO HEAR MARISA IN PERSON, join us at our DSS LIVE! event on June 23-24th in Santa Barbara. You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

Did you go to school for one thing only to end up doing something entirely different?  Most often these types of career pivots happen to us once we discover that we need to create. If you yearn to create art full-time but are in a job you know isn’t meant for you, Gina’s story will resonate with you. Gina shares what moved her to create art, how she got published in magazines and how it all lead to a book deal. Gina shares practical tips on how to keep inspired and how to work through obstacles. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How Gina used art therapy with her patients Why it's important to allow yourself to be a sponge for inspiration When Gina does her best work Why Gina loves watercolor paint and the secret benefits of painting with watercolor paints What gave Gina the bravery to pursue her artwork submissions Why it is important to carve out creative time How clutter can effect your creativity How Gina curates her studio space so that she is ready to create How organizing your supplies can re-acquaint you their purpose Why there is power in series work LISTEN TO THE SHOW Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   LINKS: Lisa Congdon & Kamala Chambers Thriving Launch podcast Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine Hidden Brain from NPR Abby Glassenberg’s While She Naps podcast How I Built This from NPR Brains On! from NPR Planet Money from NPR How To Be Amazing with Michael Ann Black Before Gina became a nurse, she took her first watercolor class at a local community college while working at a corporate job. She continued her watercolor obsession and taught children, youth and adult watercolor workshops as a volunteer for the Audubon Society. She continued to teach as a nursing student. Gina is currently working on a watercolor and mixed-media book which will be out February 2018 (NorthLight Publishing). Create with Gina! Join us at the Deep Space Sparkle Workshop. Connect with Gina Gina's website Gina on Instagram Gina's Twitter Account

Whenever I find myself stuck for inspiration, I always turn to books. Picture books are a secret passion of mine. I love looking at the exquisite illustrations as it puts me back in touch with why art is important. Children learn much about the world through books and as educators we can use books to help children understand what we are teaching. This episode shares my list of favorite art books not just for the art room but for everyday inspiration. LISTEN TO THE SHOW Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   Books Referenced in Show Laurence Anholt's Art Series Illustrator Veroniqué Massenot Website and Instagram  Octavia Monaco's Website The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel and Amanda Hall Child's Introduction to Art: The World's Greatest Paintings and Sculptures by Heather Alexander and Meredith Hamilton Modern Art Adventures: 36 Creative, Hands-On Projects Inspired by Artists from Monet to Banksy by Maja Pitamic and Jill Laidlaw The Museum by Susan Verde and Peter H Reynolds Dianna Hutts Aston Books/website A Rock Is Lively A Nest Is Noisy Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal Over and Under the Snow plus project on Deep Space Sparkle Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum curated by Katie Scott and Kathy Willis The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle Ladies Drawing Night: Make Art, Get Inspired, Join the Party by Julia Rothman, Leah Goren, Rachael Cole A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes: From Alaska to California Not discussed in the podcast, but this book is a new discovery! Above and Below by Hanako Clulow Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life by Todd Oldham NOTE: these links contain affiliate links SHOW NOTES Deep Space Sparkle Summer Art Workshop (June 23-24, 2107) Become a Sparkler! Click to sign up for a free lesson and waitlist for The Members Club Todd Oldham's Product line at Target

Are you wondering what STEAM based art education is all about?  Art teacher Amy Zschaber will shine the light on what’s possible for art educators. Quite honestly, I was never a fan of replacing studio arts with anything digital or math related. Now I realize how short sighted I was. Amy describes an art curriculum that is rich in both creativity and discovery. In this episode, Amy shares her journey as an art educator, how she went from confused to confident and strategies to make the best in a struggling school environment.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How Amy designs lesson plans to fit with the environment she’s teaching in How having the proper credentials gives you a new sense of confidence How a STEAM project differs from other art projects Tips on how art teachers can work with general education teachers in regards to lesson plans How overcoming limitations, like lack of supplies, can be the foundation of really great lessons The importance of changing your mindset for the children Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.     SHOW NOTES: Amy's blog Artful Arts Amy Piskel App Faces iMake App Moma Art Lab App for iPad Digital Art Specialist Tricia Fuglestad   Christopher Sweeney Ultimaker Website Amy Zschaber is an award-winning Art teacher from California. She began teaching in 2005 after discovering she had a “knack” for putting steps to elaborate art-based projects as a summer camp instructor. Her blog, Artful Artsy Amy shares her most popular STEAM based Art Units with teachers.

Have 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 tips will get you thinking about how to reframe your thinking. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How comparison with others has changed since technology has developed How most people will choose their best work to show others How Facebook groups have taken the place of blogs Why you need to be mindful of what you are comparing yourself against Be confident and learn as you grow and be clear on your business culture Why reflection is an important component of defining your success Why you need to constantly improve yourself by learning new skills How a mastermind group transformed Patty’s business Why you don’t have to utilize every social media platform that’s available LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   SHOW NOTES: Cassie Stephens Marketing & Business Experts/Podcasts: Pat Flynn's Smart Passive Income Amy Porterfield's Online Marketing Made Easy James Wedmore and his Video Marketing School Marie Forleo's B-School Nic Hahn Art Made Easy 035 Brené Brown Daring Greatly

Hosting a family art night can be the best way to build support for your art program, boost parent involvement and advocate for your program within your community. In this episode, I share my experiences with my own family art night both as a parent and as the organizer. I walk you through what worked for me, how I set up the event, what projects were successful ( and which ones weren’t!) and ways to incorporate fundraising. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How to set your intentions for the event and why it's important What a family art night can offer families in regard to a community building and bonding experience How a check-in table can get the parents involved (and informed) The benefits of a hostess How to choose the right art projects for your event How to create an Art Board for self-guided art exploration How to manage wet art projects LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.     DOWNLOAD YOUR FAMILY ART PROJECT GUIDE SHOW NOTES:  Symmetrical Butterflies Foam Printing  Antique Flower Still Life Paint Brush Rocket Mural Project Circle Painting Project

On today’s episode, I’m talking with Sally Haughey from Fairy Dust Teaching. If you’re not familiar with her work, you really need to check out her blog, Fairy Dust Teaching.  Sally and I chat about the best way to engage young children in the art making space. You’ll learn why the method Sally uses is just so important and effective with not only young children, but ones of all ages. This episode is for anyone who struggles with finding the right balance between a creative art-making space and behavioral expectations. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How Sally decided to become a teacher based on her own struggles and her children’s struggles in the public school system How she saw the arts change the lives of at-risk children Why Sally says TRUST is the most important thing when it comes to classroom management for at-risk children How and why songs hold children’s attention better than anything else What three things Sally does when children enter the art room How Sally teaches art projects with a wide range of ages How Sally addresses poor behavior with the children in the classroom What is the difference between Reggio and Waldorf-inspired art and how Sally uses both in her teachings How Sally gauges the rhythm of her classroom in order to maintain a positive flow     Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   For all the budding singers out there, DOWNLOAD SALLY'S ART SONGS PDF to get you started.... Just click the blue box, enter your name and email and I will email you the PDF. Make sure to check your junk mail (or promotions folder in gmail). SHOW NOTES:  Fairy Dust Teaching Website Teacher Resources on Fairy Dust Teaching  

One 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 struggles in the art room: reduced class time, art project expectations and explaining or defending art techniques or art philosophies. You may be surprised what all these struggles have in common and how to best eliminate them from your day. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  Why one of the hardest parts about being an art teacher is advocating for your art program Like children, no two art teachers are alike How as a creative you do have the capacity to think outside of the box to solve problems Why you should look at changing your perception of the problem - instead of battling the administration How the amount of excitement you show will affect the engagement of the children How your children are your advocates, and the way you talk to the parents through the art Questions to ask yourself to help define your art room intentions How your end-of-the-year art show will answer every question that parents and administrations have about your art program How the Four Agreements have transformed Patty's life Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   SHOW NOTES:  Letter to a First Year Art Teacher AME 001 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz *affiliate link

Since the creation of Deep Space Sparkle’s Members Club (join waitlist) last June, I’ve made it my goal to help serve and support teachers on their path as art teachers. One of the newest features of the membership is the Sparkler Spotlight. This is where I share members stories on how they became an art teacher, what they struggle with and where they find their inspiration. I’m excited to announce that my first spotlight is member Kristina Massey! Kristina has her own art studio called Corbie Arts in Washington State and teaches after school classes to a small but growing number of students. She joined The Members’ Club to reduce the amount of work she spent in creating a curriculum for her classes but now is wondering how to best use her time in building a business. In this episode, we’re flipping the format and Kristina is asking me the questions! If you are a studio owner or teach after school art class, listen in as Kristina and I chat about artsy business stuff. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:  Why it is important to identify the intention of your class and attract the people that you want to serve How to educate parents on the style of art that you are using to teach their children How we are living in a time where everyone is revisiting or reconnecting with their creative side How teachers can make more of their time to create more profit Why as an entrepreneur you need to experiment with things to find out what changes are necessary in your business Why if you find one social media platform that is working for you, you have to “double down” on that one! Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.     SHOW NOTES:  Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun (Lab Series) by Carla Sonheim Jasmine Star Creative Brand Strategist Creative Bug online creative classes Art Made Easy Episode 39 with Meri Cherry  

After hosting pop up art classes in her garage, art teacher and blogger Meri Cherry listened to her intuition and opened her first art studio in Southern California. Eight months later, Meri serves her creative community by offering everything from toddler art sessions to family art nights. Learn how Meri created a thriving business and an art studio of her dreams. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How having children changed Meri’s career path How her business was able to take off after she was able to give herself permission to go for it Meri’s biggest piece of advice for pursuing your dreams If you should go all in or take baby steps in opening your own studio How Meri differentiates between fine art and a more process-based art Why is it important to give children the unstructured time of process art What is pacing and Meri incorporates that into her art classes based on age Why Meri recommends Instagram to advertise her studio classes What are the top two platforms for advertising Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   SHOW NOTES: The Complete Artist's Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice by Julia Cameron The Mind Your Business Podcast with James Wedmore & Phoebe Mroczek Meri’s Blog Meri’s Facebook @mericherry (across social media)

Does this sound familiar? You teach a lesson and it goes terrific: the students understand the concepts and are totally engaged, but then you go to teach the same lesson at a different school, and it fails. The students don't grasp the concepts and want to do their own thing. What do you do? This was the discussion last week inside the Members Club Facebook group. First time art teacher, Traci Ann wondered why this happens and how it can be avoided. If you’ve taught art for any length of time, you know this happens and that it happens to both seasoned and brand new teachers. This week’s episode addresses what to do when a proven project doesn’t work out so well and how you can pivot to ensure that your students get the most out of their time with you. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  Why it is important to assess your classes’ strengths and abilities How to alter the lesson plan based on the outcome of the assessment How negative thoughts about the class room teacher’s management plan can affect your teaching abilities and/or outcome of your projects My advice when a lesson plan gets out of control (and how to regroup and start over) How to acknowledge problems or critique children’s work How to think on your feet when a project is not going well for a numerous amount of students Why it is important to be on the lookout for how students can help you refine the process of how you are teaching certain projects Whether or not templates should be used How to be mindful or the length of each project and the attention span of the children Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   YOUR TURN... What's your strategy for dealing with projects that don't go as planned? Share your tips, strategies an experience so we can reassure all of the new art teachers out there that this will happen and it is fixable! 

Do 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 things is a good idea Why identifying your organizational style is the first step to take How different themes can be organized and used later as reference tools What my criteria for throwing things out involves What you can do with teaching samples so that they can be used in the classroom How to effectively divide your lessons on the masters How (and why) organization is moving from binders to being done on computers Why the first day of art class is the perfect time to make a student portfolio, and how do you make one? Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   DOWNLOAD THE ORGANIZED ART TEACHER PDF SHOW NOTES:  Evernote Dropbox Pinterest  

Are you looking to incorporate a few STEAM art activities into your curriculum this year? Ana Dziengle from Babble, Dabble Do is this week's guest on the podcast. If you haven't met Ana before, I know you'll love her. She's the type of girl you want as a friend. And since she is originally from Santa Barbara, I'm claiming her as mine! Ana shares her favorite STEAM projects that engage kids and encourages them to think for themselves. And isn't that what we all want? This episode is perfect for anyone wants to explore a few STEAM projects with their kids. Things you will learn in this episode: How Ana visualized the lifestyle she wanted and was able to make the hard decision to get it How Ana incorporates art and science together The many different aspects of being creative Why being artistic doesn’t mean it has to be through a traditional medium How to entice children with a magical component of art What STEAM projects are and why they should be incorporated in projects Why it is important to choose projects based on the age group of your kids How to step back and let the child’s project unfold without inserting what outcome you think the project could and should have How to prepare your children to not negatively compare their work Why doing projects alongside the children creates a great dynamic Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. DOWNLOAD TWO STEAM BOOKLETS! Thanks Ana for providing two AMAZING activities...these are super cool, folks. To get yours, just click on the yellow box, add your name and email and the zip file containing the two PDF's will be emailed to you. If you use safari on a MAC, the zip file won't open. Try CHROME instead. SHOW NOTES: Ana’s book, Steam Kids Dyed Snow Flake Project from Babble Dabble Do 20 Science projects for Kids from Babble Dabble Do Don't Move the Muffin Tins: A Hands-Off Guide to Art for the Young Child by Bev Bos www.leftbraincraftbrain.com

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your art program? Move beyond traditional lesson plans with artist trading cards, a flipped classroom and QR codes. Nic Hahn, author of the popular blog, Mini Matisse, shares how she transitioned to a choice-based art room, how she uses videos to flip her classroom plus she shares the art projects that have been the most successful with her students.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How working with different age groups gives you added perspective as a blogger How Artist Trading Cards help the learning process for students How her focus on Careers in Art has exposed the children to all sorts of possibilities Why reflection in the art room is needed, and how Nic ties pop culture into the curriculum Why she uses QR codes in her classroom How questions she receives online leads the direction of her blog How presenting the masters of art to her classes allowed Nic to grow as an artist herself   Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: Yuko Larson and Nic Hahn's Trading Cards Bit-O-Bios Art Biography QR Codes Lesson Download Careers in Art Sample Lesson Download Careers in Art See Saw App

The 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 focus to what brings you happiness. A list of non-religious art projects you can do in a short amount of time. How Parkinson's Law applies to teaching art Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. 5 NON-RELIGIOUS ART PROJECTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS Click the yellow button below and add your name and email to the form to download your project plan. NOTE: The PDF will be sent to your email. Make sure to enter a correct email address and check your junk mail. SHOW NOTES: Teachers Pay Teachers : Deep Space Sparkle will be participating in the Cyber Monday and Tuesday sale on November 28 and 29.  

In today’s episode, I answer a question from Ashley, a member of Deep Space Sparkle's Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability? This is such a great question. I've been a volunteer in my children's classes and had the opportunity to work with some of the best parents in the world.  And let me just say, there's a learning curve to both sides. In this episode I help you clarify the message and task list you send to your volunteers and help parents maximize their time spent as a volunteer.   If you are an art teacher, this is what you'll learn: How taking a few minutes to write down what you need help with can save time for both you and the parent Why you need to communicate clearly and professionally what needs to be done (just because they are volunteers doesn’t mean their time is unlimited)! How delegating the right task to the right volunteer will result in a more efficient classroom How having a parent with photography skills can benefit you How any negativity and distractions can disrupt the learning experience Why it’s important to accept the outcome and realize that the job might not be done to the same level that you could do it If you are a volunteer, this is what you'll learn: Why it’s helpful to tell the teacher your parameters beforehand How listening to the teacher’s demonstration and being prepared to help will make you a more effective volunteer Why you need to help every child in the classroom, and not just your own When volunteering, why hiring a babysitter is a good plan How being a worker and finishing the task at hand will allow you to be of the most benefit to the class Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: Artsonia  

Developing art lessons can be overwhelming to create with a busy schedule. Sure you can use the same art lessons every year but every now and again, you’ll want (or be required) to create lessons for a very specific topic or subject. Over the years, I created a criteria for assessing whether or not a lesson will work in my art program. I call it my SPARKLE method for lesson development. These 7 key steps will help you create art projects that are unique to you, your art program and that your students will love. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why it’s important to flex your creative muscles and see what you can create on your own How I get ideas for my new projects, both around the house and while travelling Why illustrations have to be understandable for children in order to convert successfully into an art lesson What to do if you have a set curriculum to follow The secret to know if a project will work for students Why you don’t need to apologize for your weaknesses - play up your strengths! How it’s important to try out a new lesson yourself before introducing it to your class Why if you’re introducing an art concept in a school environment, there has to be a reason for it How telling a story or interesting fact about an artist will engage children and make the lesson memorable When you’re doing research you can use sensory details to explain or elaborate on an artist’s technique How YouTube videos can easily be used to teach kids about artists that you’re not overly familiar with When designing a lesson around a master, make sure the person has a broad appeal for the age group you’re teaching to How using lingo, or vocabulary, in your art room is a great way to make sure your lesson planning is on track The mindset shift I had to make when it came to using 3-D forms Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: Eric Carle Lois Ehlert Old Bear & Leaf Collage Lesson (inspired by Kevin Henke) Etsy Karla Gerard Mizzlee_Art (Instagram) “A Rock Is Lively” by Dianna Hutts Aston Art Made Easy’s Free Art Supply Checkist (downloadable pdf) Romero Britto Facebook Page Maud Lewis Art with Mati & Dad YouTube channel Getting to Know Videos on YouTube  Fred Babb Keith Haring Nellie Shepherd

Are you feeling overwhelmed? I must admit that this year has been an intentionally busy one for me. In order to prevent overwhelm, I fall back on 5 strategies that keep me focused on what is important, what I value and the most important tasks I need to accomplished in a day. This episode will help you identify when you are about to go down that overwhelm hole and how to get yourself back on track. After you listen to the episode, let me know how you handle overwhelm. Share in the comments below... IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How change can never happen without some level of being uncomfortable How the recent expansion of Deep Space Sparkle is exciting, but overwhelming at the same time The three main factors that contribute to overwhelm When you give yourself permission to alter things with your own twists, the expectation placed on you go way down How saying “Yes” too many times can lead to you feeling depleted How information overload can lead you down the rabbit hole of overwhelm, and how choosing what to focus on can help Why that “little voice” in our head doesn’t serve us How the mind is a powerful tool that can be used to your advantage when facing overwhelm Why going for a walk in nature often solves everything, particularly for someone who is introverted Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: AME 016: 5 Mindset Shifts That Made a Difference in my Life AME 026: Unlocking Your Potential with Personality Tests A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61) A New Earth with Oprah and Eckhart 10-part series

Do you love creating crafts with your kids? Or creating art based on famous artists? Learn how engineer turned crafter, Maggy Woodley started Red Ted Art, an arts & craft blog for kids. The success of her blog lead to her first book deal, Cute & Easy Crafts for Kids and grew her Facebook page to 1.8 million fans and almost 91K subscribers on You Tube. Amazing, right? Maggy was so much fun to talk to. She shares so many secrets of how she grew her blog following while raising a family. Even if you aren't a blogger, I know you'll find so many gems in this conversation. Enjoy the show! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How getting content out there can help you define your niche How Maggy defines art vs. crafts What types of recycled materials around the house can be used (instead of expensive supplies) Maggy’s favorite craft products from Red Ted Art How she uses Facebook and YouTube to build a following with both adults and children Advice from Maggy on starting a blog and the challenges that come with it Why building a network or meeting blogging friends can help you succeed The benefits of blogging courses and why waiting six months proves your chances to succeed. What resource Maggy calls “Invaluable” Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: Red Ted Art blog Red Ted Art Cute & Easy Crafts for Kids YouTube Facebook Barbara Richardson Andy Goldsworthy Lesson on DSS Check out Maggy’s favorite crafts - Walnut Babies and Halloween Lanterns  

Do 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 to expect when kids begin art projects How providing predictability in what your children can expect in the art room can go a long way in gauging how long it will take them to do a certain task How demonstrations can be used before, and during a lesson, to grow the listening and attention skills of your students Why your reaction matters The benefits of sticking to a lesson that was tested for that grade level Why setting up as many limitations as possible for the “perfectionist” student is the best thing you can do How to use free choice time effectively Why portfolios can be a good alternative to free choice The benefits of directed line drawings and how they can be used to help get a handle on how long children are able to work on a project Patty's strategies and script for teaching a direct drawing Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES Draw & Paint a ¾ View Snowman Art Project How to Draw a Snowman without using Circles Art Project AME 025: All About Guided Drawings All About Free-Choice Art Time

Have you ever wondered whether you could run your own creative business? In this episode, I'll walk you through what its 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. This episode is perfect for anyone who is looking to supplement a teaching income, explore ways to teach art outside of school and general tips for starting your own creative business. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What my definition of entrepreneurship is and the various ups and downs of being an entrepreneur Why it’s important to let your business develop organically How with being an entrepreneur, all the freedom/responsibility is on you What qualities are key for being an entrepreneur How to solve problems and conflicts without getting personal How to grow your business by systemizing How to determine what people want then take the lesson a little bit further to give them what they need What is the “hand maker” movement and why is it gaining popularity? How to set up your environment and get the rules and regulations from your Chamber of Commerce Why videos can enhance your online business and blogs and podcasts can help you excel How to charge for your services What is test marketing and competitive shopping Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.   SHOW NOTES:  Art Made Easy 027: Life After Teaching – Part I James Wedmore Art Projects For Kids Art Made Easy 010: Tips For Running An After-School Art Program with Kathy Barbro WHATEVER… blog, Meg Duerksen While She Naps, Abby Glassenberg CraftSanity Blog and Podcast, Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood  

Are you dreaming of what life will look like after you retire from teaching art? Or perhaps you’ve had enough of teaching and are ready to move on? Today’s episode helps a reader bridge the gap between finding happiness as a K-8 public elementary art teacher and her dreams of opening up a children’s art studio. This is Part I of a two-part series on exploring creative opportunities after teaching. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What are three main courses of action you can take when you feel like you’re ready to switch things up How it was a natural progression for me to move from teaching art to starting a blog What the word “inspire” means to me Why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of creating something everyday that’s just for you How its possible (and so important) to merge your hobbies and interests with teaching and how it can benefit both you and your students in the art room Why learning a new skill just might awaken the future entrepreneur inside of you How lessons learned from TV shows can help you connect with your students Why earning money from selling teaching resources can boost not only your pocketbook but your enthusiasm for the work you do How presenting at events and teaching workshops can be exciting opportunities to grow and help you prepare for your future Why you need to make the decisions on the curriculum (not children or parents) if you are teaching out of your home studio LISTEN TO THE SHOW Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap. Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES:  Cassie Stephens’ Blog Creativebug Teachers Pay Teachers Art Made Easy 021, with Ginger Bowerman Pacer Laura Lohmann’s Website National Arts Education Association Art Made Easy 002, with Heidi Easley Art Made Easy 009, with Megan Schiller

In this episode of Art Made Easy I’m diving down the rabbit hole of personality tests. Don't know if you are a fan, but I've been literally obsessed with the Myers-Briggs test since I listen to The Mind Your Business podcast a few months ago. Here's what I learned; by knowing what makes you tick, you can learn how to become a better teacher, engage in activities that bring you more joy and be around people who compliment you. You may not be overly familiar with personality test, but trust me, knowing the reasons why you do what you do really helps with making decisions—big and small. This episode is for anyone who is interested in being happier at work, choosing activities that energize you and learning how to manage your personal relationships.  It’s also a lot of fun figuring out who you really are! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  -  How knowing what makes you “tick” can actually make you a better teacher -  How just being good at something doesn’t mean you should build a career from it -  That my strength was a single verb, “Create”, which has guided everything I do from my blog to my lessons -  What the four categories of the Myers-Briggs Personality Test are -  Where we get our energy from is the key to determining if we are an introvert or extrovert -  How you have to throw out your preconceived ideas of what people are based on their occupation -  How people with opposite personality traits can make a relationship work -  Why understanding other peoples’ personality types can make it easier to work with them   LISTEN TO THE SHOW   SHOW NOTES:  The Mind Your Business Podcast, with James Wedmore and Phoebe Mroczek (if you are a creative entrepreneur and haven't listened to this podcast, you need to check it out. You'll love it. I promise.) Episode 020: Know Thyself, Know Thy Business Episode 021: Know Thyself (Part 2) Marcus Buckingham on Oprah Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham Take a Myers-Briggs Test and Read About your Type Did you enjoy this show? Get automatic updates by subscribing to Art Made Easy on iTunes

To 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 drawings but rather bring in objects or photos of what is to be drawn and let the students come up with their own ideas of what that should look like on paper. Is there a balance to be had? And what would you say to those little guys who just want to do what they want and go their own route? Thanks Patty!" Isn't that a great question? In this episode of Art Made Easy, I'm going there...discussing the pros and cons of guided drawings and answering whether or not they can be beneficial to kids or whether they restrict creativity. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - How all art philosophies are good, and there’s really no wrong way to teach art to kids - What exactly a guided drawing is and when is the best time to use one - What are the benefits of guided drawings, especially for younger children who tend draw on the small side - Why your objectives or goals must be determined when considering which methods to use in your classroom - How you sometimes will have to be the authority and not allow a child to draw something that doesn’t fit with your project or theme - What guidelines exist for implementing drawing into your art program - How everyone can draw (it’s really just a series of lines and shapes placed on the paper)! - Why using a variety of techniques to teach children how to draw will build their confidence LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD A PDF I created a simple guide that offers direction on what drawing strategies work best for the different grade levels. I use these guidelines as a way to introduce art projects throughout the year. To download the PDF, click the YELLOW box, add your name and email and you will automatically receive the download. Check your inbox! You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today is the last episode of Art Made Easy Season One! When I embarked on this podcast journey, my intentions was to test out the platform, see if anyone was interested in listening to what I had to say and to share my love of teaching art through others. I'm proud that the show has over 65K downloads and has been in the New & Noteworthy section as well as the What's Hot section in iTunes (K-12 education) since we began. That means that many of you tune in every week to listen. Thank you! To me there is no better way to begin summer, than to have a stack of books at the ready. Teachers need this time to recharge their creative batteries, take a break from the rigors of teaching and to explore new ideas and pursuits. Books can help take you there...to the place where anything is possible. Today's episode shares three of my favorite books: One to help you form new habits, another to take you on a creative journey and the final one to allow you to step into the life of an artist/entrepreneur. Season Two of Art Made Easy will start in late August. See you then! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - What I’ll be doing this summer (including exciting plans for Deep Space Sparkle)! - Which book can be used as a guide to help you get past “sticking points” in the creative process - What inspired me in different phases of my life & how creativity is literally a “living, breathing thing” - How visiting museums, libraries and nature will open your mind up to new ideas - What is a “morning writing commitment”? - If you really need to be an artist to teach art to kids - Why you need to listen to your instincts and that little voice inside your head - Why you can do anything, whenever, when it comes to creativity - How really knowing yourself is needed before you change any of your habits - Why you need to understand what others are motivated by LISTEN TO THE SHOW: SHOW NOTES: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (affiliate link) Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits--to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life by Gretchen Rubin (affiliate link) Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon by Susan Seid (affiliate link) Jess Lively, The Lively Show Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies   & Quizzes

New Year's Resolutions aren't just for January! As 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. This episode is for everyone who wants to improve their teaching experience by reflecting on what went well and what didn't and by doing so will create a clear action plan on how to make your next school year your best one yet.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - What process I used as an art teacher and how I reviewed my year - How important it is to know why you teach art and what brings you joy - How art found me (and not the other way around) - Why you need to discover what’s standing in your way if you didn’t achieve your goal(s) - Why it's important to celebrate your successes! - Why helping others is the best way to get something that you want - What pushed me through the days where I really didn’t want to go in to the school - Why working too quickly might not be the best way to engage a child - How the Year End Review Workbook will help showcase where the holes are in your art program - How your surroundings will affect your creativity as an art teacher - How making your cleanup strategy more fun and systematic will help you in the following year - Why experimenting with new things is needed to continually get better LISTEN TO THE SHOW Do you want to make 2017-18 your BEST school year ever? Believe it or not, this is the time to make it happen. Download the workbook, find a quiet place to sit for a couple of hours and start reflecting on your amazing year. SHOW NOTES:  Evernote Pinterest Teachers Pay Teachers    

I'm excited for you to meet art  teacher and anointed Pinterest Art Queen, Donna Staten. Donna is an art teacher from Austin, Texas who is known for her HUGE following on Pinterest. And because of her Pinterest efforts, Donna has been invited to be a part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council. Pretty impressive, right? This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how Donna grew her Pinterest following to over 100K followers. (Hint: it takes some time! ) She also outlines her top ten best practices for growing a following and ways that Pinterest can be used in the art room.   IN THIS SHOW YOU'LL LEARN: - How Donna discovered Pinterest and why the platform initially appealed to her - Who she builds her Pinterest boards for and if a blog is really necessary - How Donna organizes her boards and what she would do different if she was only using Pinterest for herself - What are “Secret Boards” and how they can be used in the classroom - What three major upgrades did Pinterest make to help art teachers - Donna’s 10 basic tips for teachers using Pinterest - What you shouldn’t pin on your boards and her advice regarding privacy and professionalism - Proper Pinterest etiquette - How much time it takes Donna to “pin” (she has over 120,000 of them to date)! - How various opportunities have come Donna’s way all because of her activity on Pinterest LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Donna's Top Ten Pinterest Tips: 1. Keep each board specific 2. Always preview images and videos 3. Don't pin anything that is not kid-friendly 4. Be careful about joining group boards-you have no control over the content 5. Don't pin anything that has questionable copyright issues 6. Give credit when possible and try to link from the original source 7. Use secret boards to hide content from your students as they are likely to find your boards on Pinterest 8. Keep comment professional. Just commenting "cute" clutters up the boards 9. Don't just rein. Try to pin your own content. 10. Follow Pinterest Etiquette and report spammers   SHOW NOTES:  Donna’s Pinterest Page Donna’s LinkedIn Donna’s Twitter Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) TeachingPartners Art Teacher Professional Learning Network (PLN)  

Art teacher and blogger, Ginger Bowerman-Pacer of Paintbrush Rocket shares how she pushed past the barriers that were holding her back from creating a platform for her teaching resources. In an honest and vulnerable conversation about the joys and struggles of teaching art, Ginger confronts the stories she told herself that prevented her from starting a blog and sharing her talents with others to being partners in an exciting new art adventure. If you love conversations about change, following your gut, taking a leap of faith, pushing away blocks, then you will love listening to Ginger. PS In the introduction of this show, I share updates on where I am now with Deep Space Sparkle and my journey towards publishing my first book. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Where I am now in my journey as an entrepreneur ( I talk about my road publication, why I joined a Mastermind and why I am starting a membership platform) - How taking a leap of faith can reap big rewards - How Ginger's mom influenced Ginger's teaching style - How being a lifelong learner opens unexpected doors - What Ginger's initial fears were about becoming a blogger and her best advice for new bloggers - How school district policies can limit your online presence and how Ginger navigated through this - Why advocating the arts can be done successfully through social media and blogging - How blogging impacts our global teaching community - Why creating a blogging community is essential as a blogger - How to navigate the murky waters of competition among art teachers - Why competition is good- and essential- for doing your best work - How Ginger builds her student's creative confidence - How working towards a personal goal as a visual arts instructor impacts not only the students but a school community LISTEN TO THE SHOW:  SHOW  NOTES: - Amy Porterfield's podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy episode 071 - Cassie Stephens Blog - Laura Lohmann and Painted Paper Art - Art Made Easy Mindset episode 016 - Ginger's time-lapse video of her Laurel Burch-inspired  mural painting - Jessica Balsey and The Art of Education - A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink MEET GINGER: Visit Paintbrush Rocket Connect with Ginger through Facebook and Instagram

THE BEST ART PRODUCTS TO USE WITH KIDS: AME 020 Ready to order your first shipment of art supplies and don’t know what to order? Curious 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.  Don't forget to download an art supply ordering checklist and buying guide to help you get started on creating the best art projects. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - What my favorite supplies are - Products to stay away from and why - Why different mediums require different supplies - Why more expensive supplies are not always better for your projects - Examples of how to use different supplies for new ways of teaching lessons - Alternative uses for supplies already in stock in your art room/class room - Pros and Cons of certain brands of supplies - A list of fun but non-essential supplies - What types of effective supplies you can get for free - Some tips to keep children engaged in art-making LISTEN TO THE SHOW:    DOWNLOAD THIS FREE GUIDE     WANT  TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ART SUPPLIES? 3 Techniques to Try with Tempera Paint Using Markers in the Art Room To Spray or Not to Spray? Tips for Using Chalk Pastels  

Do you hit the google search button whenever you need to introduce a famous artist before an art lesson? I know I’ve filled the white board with a few boring facts a few times. What if I told you you didn’t have to research a thing about a famous artist? Today’s guest, Cindy Ingram from The Art Curator for Kids website, shares her philosophy of how she talks to kids about art and ways that you can too. And you don’t have to know a thing about art! IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: -  How Cindy's childhood dreams translated into her success as an art curator - Cindy's best tips to help children compare and contrast art - How letting children discover art and answer the questions about art by analyzing it themselves - Bonus tip: How to introduce Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Edvard Munch to your students! - Why Cindy loves teaching Baroque art - The best artists to introduce to children at an elementary school level - How to utilize your classroom time to its full potential - Ways to partner with a classroom teacher to help introduce an artist with a broader scope - How to use Bloom's Taxonomy to analyze art - Whether you should show nudity pieces in the classroom - How to balance art history and creating art in limited amounts of time -Why character analysis help children with critical thinking - The tips and tricks for parents taking children to museums and how to engage the children through questions LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES: Cindy's Top Tips for Looking at Art Art Curator for Kids Visual Thinking Strategies Bloom's Taxonomy Laurence Anhalt's Artists Series Books Life Doesn't Frighten Me by Maya Angelou (with art by Basquiat) Don Massey's blog, Shine Bright Zamarano (Check out Don's blog for amazing tech art projects and art projects featuring local artists) CONNECT WITH CINDY You can connect with Cindy on Facebook  and Pinterest

Do peers ever ask you to share your teaching secrets?  Do you specialize in an area of art-making? Does generating extra income sound appealing? If there is a yes in there somewhere, this episode is for you. In this episode, I unpack how I developed and executed my successful Art Workshop. I break down the process from the idea to how to book a facility to structuring the projects plus much more. This process may sound scary or unrealistic to some of you. You maybe asking why anyone would attend your workshop, let alone pay for one. But they will. You can put on a small event with 10 teachers or a large one with 50! This show is for anyone who has a desire to share their art experience through a workshop and earn extra income in the process. After you listen to the show, make sure to download my free Art Workshop Guide that will help you plan YOUR own art workshop. LISTEN TO THE SHOW:   HOW TO HOST YOUR OWN ART WORKSHOP Here are some common questions you may ask yourself as you think about whether you should host your own workshop: How many people should I have and where will I host it? Workshops can be as small as just a few people or as large as a couple of hundred—or more. - Less than 10 people allows you to host the workshop in your home. -10-25 means you’ll need a larger room like a neighborhood club house or classroom at school - 25-75 means you’ll need to rent a space in a school, community center, etc. - Larger than that and you’ll need to look for facilities that specialize in events for larger groups. Popular choices are hotels and colleges and universities. What qualifications do I need to have? You may wonder what qualifications you need to host your own workshop especially if you are charging a fee. As far as I am concerned, you don't need any special qualification to teach what you know. Other than being good at what you do, people will either pay you for your skills or not. What should I teach? This is entirely up to you. Sometimes you don't know what you are really good at until someone points it out. I never considered myself a great art teacher until my art teacher friends started asking me more and more questions. They wanted to know how I did things. And they were willing to pay for my expertise. That gave me the confidence to run a business. To help determine what to teach, write down a list of questions or statements people often ask you. If you have a blog, look through your comments to see what questions pop up the most. Or what style of art projects get commented on more than others. These are good indications where people resonate with you. How do people to register? It goes without saying that if you do not already have a following, it might be hard to get 200 people to a workshop, but 10-25 is very doable. You can send emails to teachers in your areas. You can ask your friends to spread the word. You can use social media like Facebook to announce your workshop and invite people to email you for more information. What should I charge? As teachers we often expect our peers to share for free. That's a fact. In fact, it wasn't long ago that teachers chastised other teachers for trying to earn extra money on Teachers Pay Teachers. The truth is, I love to share. And I love when others share, but there are some efforts that are valuable to others and payment is necessary. In the case of a workshop, there will be fees involved. You must cover these fees plus pay yourself for not just your effort, but you expertise. Charging between $25 and $150 a day for a session is normal. To see how I planned my event, what supplies I used and how I onboard my customers, you can download this PDF by clicking the box below. Just abetter your name and email (make sure to type your email correctly or you won't get the PDF).

Do you teach art from a cart? Or travel from school to school with your car packed with art supplies and resources? Today’s guest Heidi O’Hanley has spent most of her career traveling from school to school and teaching from a cart. It sounds impossible and maybe even a bit scary, but Heidi is here to help you. Heidi shares what art projects are best, what art supplies to use and ways to make teaching art with little storage or space to work for you. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - What to do when your classroom has no water source, and how your students can play an active role in the solution - Why communication is crucial when teaching art from a cart - How using Google Drive, Share Point and Pinterest can help with lesson planning - Helpful tips for when you’re teaching at multiple schools - What Heidi’s current blog is all about and how she came up with the name and concept - How using removable bins to hold supplies, how-to-draw books, resources & lessons plans makes traveling easier - The top questions Heidi gets asked by others about this type of art teaching - How to make clay project prep work when you are teaching art from a cart - The best part about teaching art from a cart - Why you should be proactive and set parameters before even starting a project - Easy cart projects to do, as well as the ones that you’ll find more challenging due to limitations LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THIS FREE GUIDE I created this guide for you to act as a checklist for things to consider when teaching from a cart, what supplies are great for cart use and what type of projects work really well. Just click the yellow box below, enter your name and email and I will send you the free download to your email. SHOW NOTES: Deep Space Sparkle's tips for teaching art from a cart Vincent Van Gogh's Cat Camille and the Sunflowers You Are My Work of Art Why Is Blue Dog Blue? Tar Beach Tales from the Traveling Art Teacher Monthly Mentor from NAEA  https://www.arteducators.org Heidi’s favorite brands of air dry clay: Amaco Patty’s favorite air dry clay: Laguna air dry clay Acrylic: Tricolor, Blick and Liquitex NAEA Donna Staten’s Pinterest Boards Ezra Keats Books CONNECT WITH HEIDI You can reach out to Heidi on Facebook 

Why do things always seem to work out for some people and not for others? Do you have goals in your life that just don't seem attainable? I'm a firm believer that you can achieve anything you want--happiness in your job, great relationship with your spouse, joy-filled hobbies--but there are some age-old philosophies that make it possible. This episode is a bit of a stretch for me. I don't often talk about how I feel about ego or intuition and living a life with intention. But tapping into these two things has allowed me to know what path to take, what opportunities to say yes to and what to say no to. If you are searching to change things up a bit, I believe that there is a great deal of power in changing your mindset.  LISTEN TO THE SHOW: WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: - What might be holding you back and how to eliminate it. - How saying NO can change your life - How collaboration can open up possibilities in your life - Why it's important to start giving without the expectation of receiving. - Understand how your ego and intuitions affect each other and how to recognize how egos can rule your thoughts. - How finding purpose and joy in just one thing a day can be transformational INTERVIEW LINKS: The Lively Show with Jess Lively The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose  by Eckhart Tolle LISTEN TO THE SHOW:

Drawing with kids is probably the best job in the world which is exactly what Rob Jensen does with his three kids 5 days a week. After starting Art Hub for Kids in 2012, Rob shares his love of art with his kids by committing to a 5-day a week art show in YouTube. His success has been exponential. He shares his YouTube secrets of how to get subscribers, staying engaged with you audience and how to record your own art videos. IN THIS SHOW YOU'LL LEARN: - The top three things you should look for in a camera - Learning about camera set up (including shooting from overhead) - How lighting affects your videos - The three things to look for when selecting a camera for shooting - Which editing programs are user friendly - Tips and tricks for editing and templates - Rob's tips for growing your YouTube channel - Why it is important to build an email list and focus on your blog - How Rob uses social media LISTEN TO THE SHOW:   SHOW NOTES: Rob's website: Art Hub for Kids Rob's YouTube channel The video Camera Rob uses: Canon vixia 320 Manfrotto 143A Magic Arm with Camera Bracket Canon VIXIA HF R700 Camcorder (Black)  (the 320 model Rob uses is out of stock) Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)   Note: Rob's Drawing Guide offer has expired. 

Jeanette Nyberg, author of the popular art blog Craftwhack and former professional artist, traded in her paintbrushes for a keyboard after the birth of her kids. Discovering that her love of kid’s art was just as passionate as her former painting days, Jeanette started a blog that changed, transformed and ultimately lead her to her first book deal. In this episode, Jeanette shares her struggles with blogging and how she reigned in her focus that resulted in the publication of her first art book for kids and adults. LISTEN TO THE SHOW   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:   How doing art projects for kids rekindled Jeanette’s passion for art That blogging is a “fine balance” Why you should do what resonates with YOU! Why people that teach art to children often make the best instructors for adults Jeanette’s process for writing her first book Collaborating with others can make a project more enjoyable Her best drawing tips!   INTERVIEW LINKS:  SITS Girls (The Secret is in the Sauce Blog) The Unmistakable Creative Podcast & website Zentangles Website THE BOOK.... Take a look at Tangle Art and Drawing Games for Kids: A Silly Book for Creative and Visual Thinking You can connect with Jeanette through her blog, Facebook and Instagram. Now it's YOUR turn... I'd love to hear from you. In the comment section below, tell me what YOUR biggest struggle has been--in the classroom or in your blog--I'd love to hear what you struggle with.

Creating 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, detail what art supplies I love best plus how I select just the right portrait project that engages students at every grade. Make sure to download my FREE Scoping & Sequencing of Portrait Making PDF that details the projects, supplies and learning objectives for each grade level. Just login to your DSS account to access. You can create a free account if you don't already have one. LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THE FREE PORTRAIT-MAKING GUIDE: To download this free resource, click on the image below. Login to your DSS account and click Add to Cart. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES - Information about the Summer Art Workshop with Patty, Palmer, Cassie Stephens and Laura Lohmann - Do You Have a Hat? by Eileen Spinelli - Fred Babb Art Go to Your Studio and Make Stuff (This is one of my all-time most inspiring poster books for art-making)

Do your students blurt out at random moments during your demonstrations? Do you have trouble getting kids to listen or take you seriously? Do you have children that always seem to be pushing your buttons? Does your clean-up routine border on chaotic? I know that I've struggled with behavioral issues, stressful transitions and more than a few wild classes and I learned that unless I got those things under control, I wasn't able to be an effective teacher. Although it may seem like achieving a happy balance between creating a consistent management philosophy and allowing freedom and creativity in your art room is next to impossible, I'm here to tell that it is completely doable. Michael Linsin is the author of Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers and the author of the blog, Smart Classroom Management has the magic touch. He seems to know intuitively how to transform chaos into calm. A little word about the show... Podcasting is not as easy as it may appear. There are lot of steps to setting up interviews, recording and ultimately producing each episode that inevitable something always goes wrong. In this case, I had a problem with the sound quality on my end of the recording. My podcast editor had to do some fancy tweaking to make this interview easy on your ears. So if you notice any weird transitions, you know why. And as always, thanks for listening!   LISTEN TO THE SHOW   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why a classroom management plan is necessary and the most important element of the whole teaching process How good classroom management can free you to be creative How body language can be used to set the right tone in a classroom Why having expectations of your kids is absolutely essential to creating your dream class Why the story behind the activity is more important than the activity itself The truth why 95% of classroom problems will disappear  with an effective management plan The surprising things teachers do that unintentionally encourage bad behavior The #1 tip Michael has for all teachers looking to implement his system Here is an interview with Michael on Deep Space Sparkle  Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers on Amazon Join Michael's weekly newsletter here  

If 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 process. LISTEN TO THE SHOW   SHOW NOTES Beautiful Oops! The Dot   Mistakes are a part of art. As soon as we can teach children this concept, the more fun you will have as an art teacher and the more creative the students will be. I can't say where children get this notion that everything must be done correctly, but it certainly resides in many children's heads. Some children are wired this way. I can see the battles some children create in their heads; these are the children where life is black and white, lines are either straight or crooked. There is very little doubt in this kid's head that a drawing is correct or not. I don't consider this a wrong state of being, but rather a child expressing his authentic self. My middle son is very exact. Everything he views in the world has a purpose and most concepts and ideas are linear. There is a correct sequence for everything. He was like this at 6 and he is the same at 16. Is he artistic? Nope. Not at all. But so what? He still enjoyed art at school because he was able to set aside his wired state and have some fun with his drawings without judgement. He loved directed drawing lessons because well, they were directed. You either did them right, or wrong (in his opinion, not mine!) So how do you see that mistakes are important to some children and that it's not a reflection of you? It's not easy, but I think it comes down to trust. I know my students. Well, the truth is, I often forget their names but I always remember their art and how they express themselves through it. I am gentle with my little kinders and first graders as art class might be their very first experience with art. I make sure I am in a relaxed state before they enter my art room because I want my energy to be positive and calm. Little kids can sense whether or not you feel they have made a mistake, so it's important that you block it from your head. With older students, I am honest. If a child isn't doing their best, I push them. I know many art teachers rarely offer comments or even praise, but I do. If you pay attention, you can tell  pretty quickly whether or not a child is proud of her work. I build upon that notion, even if they did something completely opposite of what I taught. On the other hand, it's just as easy to sense when a child is totally frustrated. A child might need encouraging words to push through an art project until it's completed. This is hard for an eight-year old to understand. I can't tell you how many times I looked at one of my pieces of art and grimaced at what I saw. But by working through the process, I sometimes found that in the end, the piece turned out better than I had initally thought. Frustration might be the emotional response but in some cases, a feeling of helplessness can result.  If I sense this, I just cut straight to the problem. I'll ask a few questions to see what the child doesn't like about the painting and then we'll brainstorm ways to fix it. Don't assume that a child will be hurt because you recognize that the bear has five legs but only needs four. The kid wants to know how to get rid of the leg! Telling him that the bear looks fine, is often frustrating. I'm a creative thinker so we'll come up with a couple of options for the kid and the kid will choose. And yes, I know what you are all thinking...what's wrong with a five-legged bear? Nothing, but it's not me that matters. It's the child.

Kathy Barbro was one of the first art educators to offer online art resources through her site, Art Project for Kids.  No doubt you have seen or purchased her wonderful artist-inspired collaborative murals for your students to color. After speaking with Kathy for the first time in January, I realized there was so much more to Kathy than how-to-draw handouts. Kathy is a busy gal. Not only does she teach full-time in Southern California and manages her blog, but she runs a thriving after-school art program. This is where we spent some time. Kathy shares her story of how her after-school program works, how she manages the time and how the financial benefit of the after-school program has changed her life. This episode is for anyone wishing to learn more about the logistics of operating an after-school art program as well as teaching tips from one of the best art teachers around. Make sure to download Kathy's free After-School Art Program How-to Guide. She shares exactly how she runs the program and shares what her flyers look so that you may be inspired to do the same. Kathy is truly the most wonderful, giving people I know.  I hope you enjoy getting to meet her. LISTEN TO THE SHOW IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Kathy came up with the idea to sell art murals on her blog Art Project for Kids - What Kathy does to be able to teach art all day, teach an after-school program and run a successful online business - How to add more variety and keep kids engaged in your after school art program - How Kathy uses Model Magic to engage her students - What a typical after school program art class looks like for Kathy - The steps to starting an afterschool program at your school - Why it's so important to do what you enjoy when teaching art projects - Kathy's thoughts on focus time for kids, and the perfect length for each lesson - What kept Kathy motivated with her blog, and the best blog platform for someone just starting out - How to incorporate social media into your business and a resource that can help you do this DOWNLOAD A FREE AFTER-SCHOOL ART GUIDE Download Kathy's After School Art Class Guide by clicking the yellow button below. By adding your name and email, you will automatically receive the Free guide and be added to Deep Space Sparkle's weekly newsletter. If you don't wish to receive the newsletter, you can unsubscribe any time.   Did you enjoy this episode of Art Made Easy? If you did, I would LOVE if you can add a review or a rating in iTunes. It's super easy: just click on the aqua Subscribe in iTunes button in this post above, Click the blue VIEW in ITUNES, a new window will open and this is where you can add a review. Thank you! CONNECT WITH KATHY Instagram Facebook Art Project for Kids

Megan Schiller is the founder of The Art Pantry, a design studio specializing in children’s creative play spaces. She is a former Reggio-inspired preschool teacher and art educator and her mission is to encourage creative independence and learning through inspired spaces. Megan works one-on-one with people in Northern California looking to set up creative play spaces in their homes or schools She has launched a series of DIY guides that are available through her site. In today's episode, Megan talks about her evolution from a preschool art teacher to offering art classes in her home to a designer of creative spaces.  This show is for anyone who wants to learn how to set-up creative spaces for children and learn the pros and cons of a creative blogging career. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - What is the Reggio Emilia approach to art - How Megan used her passion for art to start a business and introduce a new concept to her neighborhood - The online program that both Megan and Patty used to successfully develop their businesses - How Megan takes everything that she learned as a preschool teacher and art teacher, and merges it with interior design - Why it’s important to have art supplies accessible and in the view of young children - How Megan sets up art with an invitation to create focus and how this can be incorporated into a classroom setting - Clean-up hacks you can use - Why you don’t need to blog everyday - Megan’s advice on starting a small business that can save you time and money LISTEN TO THE SHOW     DOWNLOAD MEGAN'S FREE GUIDE:   SHOW NOTES The Art Pantry website Rachelle Doorley's #Creativetable Instagram challenge How to Clean up Messy Art  Post on The Art Pantry or watch this video Marie Forleo (B-School) Smart Passive Income podcast with Pat Flynn Jess Lively Podcast The Good Life Podcast Family Adventure Podcast   You can connect with Megan through her blog, The Art Pantry and on Instagram and Facebook.

Have your colleagues ever told you how well you explained a lesson? Or how creative you are? Do people always ask you for advice? If any of these questions ring true for you then you need to listen to this episode. Jennifer White shares how she went from teaching during the day and working as a cashier at night to making $14K in her first THREE months of selling her craft products on Teachers Pay Teachers. Crazy, right? I know I sound like an informercial, but I guarantee you that Jennifer is humble yet strategic about her success. I loved talking to Jennifer and appreciate her willingness to help you create the side job of your dreams. This episode is for anyone who is thinking of selling digital products on Teachers Pay Teachers or wishes to make a bigger impact with small easy tweaks to existing products. LISTEN TO THE SHOW   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN - Jennifer’s strategy for teaching a directed line drawing - How this type of drawing can be used as a confidence booster for kids - A technique you can use to keep the little ones on track, and on the same page - How Jennifer got into Teachers Pay Teachers  and the effect this website has had on her life - Jennifer’s best tips for navigating the site - Advise on designing a new product to sell online, and how to “breathe new life” into an older product that you’re offering - Who should pay for advertising on Teachers Pay Teachers - How to discount and hold a sale, the right way - Whether or not you should sign up for a free account on Teachers Pay Teachers, or become a premium member     Jennifer spoke at the most recent Teachers Pay Teachers Conference in Las Vegas and wants to share her conference presentation download with you! To access the download, just enter your email and your name. The guide will be delivered to your email address. Note: By entering your name, you will automatically be subscribed to the free DSS weekly newsletter, but know that you can unsubscribe at any time.  You can connect with Jennifer on her blog at First Grade Blue Skies, through Instagram and Facebook. Despite the fact that I said amazing about twenty times during this interview, if this show inspired you in any way, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave a rating or review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself. Thank you so much!

Have you ever wondered how art teachers come up with so many fabulous lessons? Today I talk to Laura Lohmann from the blog, Painted Paper, on her strategy for designing & implementing her amazing school-wide thematic units. She walks you through the steps she uses to select a year long art theme, strategies that go into designing the curriculum and how she creates the projects with her students. You can download a free worksheet that will help you design the art curriculum of your dreams! This episode is for anyone who wants to learn how design a thematic art unit from the early research stages to implementation in the art room.  LISTEN TO THE SHOW   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Laura sets up her art room for multi-class mural making - How many students Laura teaches and what her schedule looks like - Laura secret to high engagement in the art room - The brand of paint Laura swears by - How to make painting work in your classroom and the secret that will make the process effortless - How Laura structures her art class - How Laura plans her curriculum and when she starts (this might surprise you!) - Tips for teaching art from a cart - Tying in the elements of art and state standards - Literacy connections - Clean-up strategies SHOW NOTES Alisa Burke Kezz Brett Texture Tools from Lakeshore Blick premium Tempera Paint Crayola Premium Paint How to Create a Mural A few Mexican Inspired Projects A few Art Projects inspired by India   If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave a rating or review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself. Thank you so much! You can find Laura through Instagram @paintedpaperintheartroom, through her blog Painted Paper and her amazing store on Teachers pay Teacher  

How do I gauge if a lesson is too easy or too complicated for an age group? I get asked that a lot. And Heaven's knows, I've tried to answer that question myself on more than one occasion. But here's the thing: judging whether a lesson will work with your little charges gets easier and easier. Still, I resort to a framework that I established by about my fifth year of teaching. These are my very general guidelines as to what kids in a K-6 art room are comfortable learning while at the same time challenged enough to promote artistic growth. And that's what this episode is about. How to determine whether or not your class will be up to the challenge of a particular art project. This episode is perfect for everyone who wonders whether that art project you're eyeing on Pinterest will suit your class.  LISTEN TO THE SHOW     SHOW NOTES KINDER Kandinsky Paper Cutting Lesson Play Doh Project Crayola Air Dry Clay FIRST Fancy Fish Collage Art Project What are Liquid Watercolor Paints Eric Carle-Inspired Butterflies SECOND Paper Weaving Projects THIRD How to Color with Markers Tropical Fish Watercolor Art Project FOURTH Castle Art Projects FIFTH Clipper Ship Projects Perspective Lesson SIXTH Ceramic Tile Murals Sketchbook Projects Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils   DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST OF GRADE LEVEL ART EXPECTATIONS If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave an honest review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself.

Today is episode 5 of Art made Easy. I promised you back in November that if I decided to host a podcast, I would commit to at least 6-months. The learning curve has been steep and the investment of time is immense, but I love having conversations with creative folks in our industry. I'm learning how a podcast works ( as many of you are!) so please bear with me as I learn how to interview, talk into a mic and carry a conversation for 45-minutes. That's the fun part; moving past comfort zones and learning new things. Today I talk with Rachelle Doorley of the blog Tinkerlab and the author of the book, Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide For Little Inventors. Rachelle is a former costume designer turned art educator turned blogger and author.  She shares a vast amount of information about creating art with younger children in both her blog, book and now this show. This episode is perfect for anyone who is creating art in a home environment especially with preschool children and for those who are interested in how to cultivate creative growth.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN -How Rachelle's childhood influenced her career path - How to develop and honor a child's creative development - Questions to ask before the start of an art activity or play experiment - How to set up a self-serve art & activity station - Basic art supplies for little makers - Ten Tinkerlab Habits of Mind (you can download the PDF below) - How technology plays with creativity - How to embrace mess and workarounds -  The concept of failing forward - What Art Education means to Rachelle - Reggio Approach to student learning   LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors The Creative Table The Best Playdough Recipe  DSS Play Doh Color wheel How to make Goop (Oobleck) Stop Motion Animation Beautiful Oops! Mouse Paint Howard Gardner Keri Smith Wreck This Journal  The 5-Minute Journal  Don't Move the Muffin Tins: A Hands-Off Guide to Art for the Young Child   DOWNLOAD TINKERLAB'S TEN HABITS OF MIND   If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave an honest review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you so much for all of your support during the launch of Art Made Easy. I was super excited to see my logo in iTunes New & Noteworthy section of the podcast page (Kids & Family) and as the TOP podcast in iTunes Education (k-12) Category. What a thrill! And it was all because you downloaded the show and subscribed in iTunes. Today may be the best show yet. Cassie Stephens takes you inside her art room and shares her teaching strategies from how she teaches directed drawing, how she handles early finishers, and the process she uses to create collaborative murals and thematic units. If you are action oriented, grab a notepad and pencil because this show is going to offer amazing tips. But for me, hearing how Cassie transformed herself from an overworked, stressed out art teacher (hard to believe, right?) to her carefree, colorful persona is not only remarkable but inspiring. SUBSCRIBING...  To listen on your iPhone, download the free PODCAST AP, then subscribe to the show in iTunes. Your app will update automatically when new shows are published. If you have an android phone, you can subscribe to Stitcher Radio and download their free app.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Cassie Got her start as an art teacher - How fashion created engagement with her students - The story behind Cassie's Andy Warhol inspired Campbell Soup dress - The benefits of keeping a positive attitude in the art room - The steps to make collaborative projects work for all grade levels - How long it takes Cassie to make and hang a mural - How Cassie teaches painted paper techniques - How collaborative projects benefits her art program - Cassie's strategy for implementing rules and procedures - Call and response strategy - Directed drawing tips - Why mini-white boards are a teacher's best friend - How Cassie deals with frustrated artists - One paper policy - The big question Cassie asks herself before teaching a lesson - How Cassie plans a thematic art curriculum - Cassie's advice to a new art teacher (what she says here is GOLDEN!)   LISTEN TO THE SHOW Photo courtesy of Cassie Stephens SHOW NOTES Cassie's famous Campbell Soup Dress Henri Rousseau Tiger in a Tropical Storm Surprised! Painting via Wikiart 1st grader Jungle Mural and Collaborative Projects Roy G Biv Video Book Recommendation for New Teachers: Drawing With Children by Mona Brookes Children And Painting by Cathy Topal Professor Pin Cushion's Website   You can connect Cassie through Instagram at cassie_stephenz and on Facebook

Welcome to my third episode of Art Made Easy! Thank you so much for the overwhelming support for the creation of this podcast. I can only say that I have a great line-up of guests and topics to share with you in the upcoming weeks and months. Today I am interviewing Jessica Balsley from the Art of Education. Jessica and I started our blogging journeys around the same time and our visions for supporting the art ed community have complimented one another. I love how Jessica bridges the gap between providing professional development opportunities and valuable teaching resources with creative vision to her readers. If you are a credentialed art teacher, she is your gal. In today's show, Jessica and I talk openly about art assessment. I confess I know nothing of formal assessment tools. She breaks down assessment strategies using art project examples so I can understand. But here's the best part of the interview: Jessica reveals how a mindset shift can make a great teacher even greater. This stuff is gold!     IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Jessica began her career as an art teacher - How engagement among art teachers increases teacher happiness and positivity - How a bubble test lead to Jessica's decision to shape art assessment tools - How to assess your students without selling your creative soul - Why checklists are better than rubrics - Why art teachers should design their own curriculum -  The benefits of thematic art programs - What questions to ask yourself when designing your art program - Tips for recording assessment (this one is so cool!) - What a positive attitude looks like in an art room - Why being good at one thing is good enough - Jessica's top tips for becoming a great teacher - What class Jessica thinks is best for a brand new art teacher - Jessica's favorite book right now   LISTEN TO THE SHOW   SHOW NOTES  Jessica's 100 Free Art Projects The Art of Education 2016 Winter Online Art Conference Assessment in Art Education Online Class Cassie Stephens Painted Paper (African Unit) The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod   If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave an honest review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Today on the podcast, I interview Heidi Easley, owner of Texas Art & Soul. Not only is Heidi a part-time K-5 art teacher but she runs a thriving paint party business in Dallas, Texas. Heidi is going to walk you through the process of hosting your own painting party, whether you host a small event with family and friends or for a large group. I'm so inspired by Heidi's entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to make it work no matter what the obstacle. And this is the part of her story that is really impactful; how she went from losing everything to creating and living the life she has always dreamed about. Her story is so inspiring. This episode is for anyone who would like to learn more about hosting painting parties, how to start a business with zero budget and for anyone feeling like they are at a dead end. Let Heidi inspire you!     IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How to bounce back from bankruptcy - The value of family support to foster new business ideas - The importance of patience and never giving up - Being open about considering new opportunities - The healing power of art and the real value of painting parties - How Heidi provides art assessment for her students - Heidi's advice on how to start your own Paint Party Business - The best place to buy easels, acrylics and brushes - How Heidi handles the variety of painting personalities she encounters - How Heidi stays positive and maintains a fresh mindset   LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES Texas Art & Soul Heidi's Artist Series The Accidental Artist Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Jerry's Artarama Blick Acrylic Paints Cassie Stephens (Art Teacher from Tennessee) Sign up for Heidi's newsletter and download the free How to Paint Your Pet Project   PS – Please leave a review on iTunes! Art Made Easy is now live on iTunes! Subscribing to the show and leaving an honest review really helps the show gain visibility and allows me to tailor the show to your needs. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! You can connect with Heidi on Instagram and through Facebook

Yes, the day has come! After a long time deciding if, I finally said when. Thank you SO much for your encouragement, show suggestions and help getting Art Made Easy off the ground. Many of you were so pumped about this show but confessed that you had no idea what a podcast was. I love you guys for your unbridled enthusiasm. Here's a quick definition of a podcast & what to expect from Art Made Easy: A podcast is a free radio show. The host (me!) interviews guests or talks about a favorite subject. You get to listen through your computer, laptop or smart phone. I like to listen to my favorite podcasts in my car during long travel days or on my walks via set of ear buds and my iPhone. You can subscribe to the show via iTunes and Stitcher radio. The benefit is that your free podcast ap on your iPhone will automatically be updated with all the podcast episodes from any show you subscribe to. Go ahead and give it a try! To listen on your laptop or computer, just click the play button in the colored box below. To listen via iTunes, click on the "play in iTunes" banner and click subscribe. And now onto the show... For my first show, I wanted to tell you my story of how I became an art teacher. We all have different paths and this one is mine. I'll share advice to those who are just starting out as an art teacher and some of my best tips for teaching art to kids. This episode is for anyone who thinks they may not have the qualifications to be an art teacher. Teaching art to kids doesn't have to happen inside a classroom. You can teach art at home, at a summer camp and even as a volunteer (like I did). If you are an art teacher just beginning your journey, I'm sharing my best advice to get you through that tough first year. Download my free handout and keep it in your teacher planner and refer to it when you have a tough day. LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES: Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Lab Series) National Art Convention CreativeLive- free online classes Art Teachers Facebook Group Website: Painted Paper in the Art Room (Laura Lohmann) Website: Art of Education Book: Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers PS – Please leave a review on iTunes! Art Made Easy is now live on iTunes! Subscribing to the show and leaving an honest review really helps the show gain visibility and allows me to tailor the show to your needs.