Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Thursday, July 11, 2024

12+ Alebrije Crafts for Kids in English & Spanish




If you are on the lookout for fun and educational craft ideas, you’ve landed in the right spot! Here are 10+ Alebrije crafts for kids - learn how to make them for a school or home art project.

This post contains affiliate links.

Who created alebrijes?


Alebrijes, with their vibrant colors and fantastical shapes, originate from Mexican folk art and have captured hearts worldwide. They were created by Mexican artist Pedro Linares López in the 1930s. Linares, a papier-mâché artist, was bedridden with a high fever and had a vivid dream in which he saw strange, fantastical creatures. When he recovered, he began recreating these creatures out of papier-mâché, calling them "alebrijes." The creatures often combine features from various animals and are painted in vibrant, surreal colors. The tradition of making alebrijes has since become a significant part of Mexican folk art.

A Mexican Tradition


As you can read above, this art form is less than 100 years old. In fact, when I was growing up, we didn't really keep alebrijes in our home. I would see them at fairs or when we traveled to Mexico, but they were more pieces of art that you saw in different venues. They became a lot more well known after the Disney/Pixar movie, Coco, featured them as being spirit guides in the Land of the Dead. And today, many people collect these unusual statue-like creatures.

Alebrije Kid Crafts


In this blog post, there are 12+ delightful and kid-friendly crafts inspired by these whimsical creatures. These easy-to-follow tutorials will help children craft their very own alebrijes, fostering artistic expression and cultural appreciation. I encourage you to nurture your children's creativity and urge them to bring to life whatever their imagination comes up with.

So, gather your supplies and let your child’s creativity soar with these perfect Alebrijes crafts!




Gather Your Art Supplies


Before you get started, first decide on the tutorial you'll be using. Then go ahead and get all your art supplies together. Here are some of the supplies used in the following art lessons:

How to Make Your Own Alebrije Videos for Younger Kids




The first one comes from Art With Trista. In this quick video, she shows how to create an alebrije collage. This is perfect for all ages, but younger children may or may not need help drawing their alebrije.



Then, Amber Heigl will walk us through some simple steps to create our own paper alebrijes. This craft is ideal for all ages. This craft is explained in a two-part video. Here is Part 2.



In the next video, the Teaching Artist Cassie Smith will describe THREE different art projects that can be done with alebrijes (Pop-Up Alebrije Card, Alebrije Story Board, and Alebrije Found Objects Sculptures) on the Austin Parks and Recreation channel. These are easy to do for a school project or at home, and are also separated in age groups, even though they can be adapted to fit any age group.



Next, we have a two-part video on Alebrije Sculpture Crumpled Paper Tutorial for Kids from Miss Annis, who gives us a tutorial on how to make an alebrije sculpture from crumpled paper. Part 1 is shown above. Here is Part 2.



This video from the National City Public Library gives us a quick visual explanation on how to create an alebrije craft. This is perfect for ages 10+, and an activity for the entire family.


Alebrije Video Tutorials for Older Children



For older children who are willing to experiment with some more challenging supplies, this video from Melissa Offutt gives us a fast explanation on how to make an alebrije with papier-mâché



Another, more advanced project comes from Ana Gabriela López Castro, who gives us a 7-minute tutorial on how to build the alebrije’s structure with papier-mâché. This tutorial is shown in fast motion to include all the steps needed to build the structure. 



In the next video, Elizabeth Smetana walks you through the process of sketching and combining two animals into one alebrije creature. This is a set of two-part video. Here is Part 2.




On this final video in English, Eagle Art Studio with Mrs. Pérez, we can follow the simple steps to make a sturdy stencil for an alebrije. This is a three-part video. (Part 2 / Part 3)



The next video is from IDEART Classroom, where we can watch how some high school students created some alebrijes sculptures for their Day of the Dead altar. This video shows a vast collection of these 3D alebrijes. Even though this is not a tutorial, it can give you lots of ideas on how to create your own alebrijes sculptures. 


Alebrije Video Tutorials in Spanish



To create an alebrije with materials that we have at home, we can watch SECVER Oficial. There we can watch a tutorial on how to create this craft at home.



I also really love this tutorial from Kraft Toon! This video teaches kids who to make a moving alebrije out of recycled materials. It's adorable, easy, and FUN!



And here's another one from Kraft Toon. This one is even easier to make, in my opinion, and still super fun and colorful. 
 


And here is one for making a frog alebrije. I like this one best because it is super simple and easy enough for even a little child to make. And if you like these video tutorials, I encourage you to check out Kraft Toons' channel because they have a lot more alebrije videos for different skill levels. 

Monday, January 16, 2023

5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.



In honor of MLK Day, I decided to share with you some really great video tutorials for kids on how to draw Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Art is always a fun way to learn about historical figures, especially if you can't make a trip to the library for biographies or don't have any other resources to study someone. Below are several videos for drawing the famous civil rights activist. And I tried to include ones for different ages and skill levels.

This post contains affiliate links.

Gather Your Art Supplies


Before you get started, first decide on the video tutorial you'll be using. Then go ahead and get all your art supplies together. Here are some of the supplies used in the following art lessons.


How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr. Videos


Art for Kids Hub is one of my favorite drawing-for-kids channels. They have this video tutorial for How To Draw Cartoon Martin Luther King Jr.:


BONUS! You may also enjoy their drawing lesson for How To Draw I Have A Dream:


I love Making Art with Ms. B's directed drawing video because it's a different presentation of Dr. King - SO creative!


Art Projects for Kids has this simple and fabulous video lesson for drawing Dr. King:


Older students may enjoy this How to Draw Martin Luther King EASY - Step by Step for KIDS w/ Background from Mr. Schuette 's - ART CLASS:


And I really love this easy tutorial from Deep Space Sparkle that uses sharpie markers and watercolors for making a Martin Luther King Jr. Portrait:



Thursday, September 15, 2022

How to Draw Like Picasso



As I was working on activities for Hispanic Heritage Month, I researched artists. I was thinking about Cubism and how to draw like Pablo Picasso, so I decided to look up some video lessons for kids and found a fantastic collection of videos that you may enjoy. Some of them include a short biography on Picasso at the beginning of the video, but not all of them. I hope that you'll find one (or more!) of these tutorials easy to follow and inspirational. You can learn more about the artists if you visit my post on Pablo Picasso Lesson Plans, Activities, Coloring Pages, and More.

This post contains affiliate links.

Gather Your Art Supplies

Before you get started, first decide on the video tutorial you'll be using. Then go ahead and get all your art supplies together. Here are some of the supplies used in the following art lessons.


How to Create a Picasso/Cubist Face


We'll start with this lesson for K - 5 from Meghan Bergman (be sure to check out her Picasso card game, too)



Mr. Schuette 's - ART CLASS has this simple art lesson for younger children.



I Love Drawing has this mini-lesson on CUBISM FOR KIDS!



Art Fun with Vanessa Lombardo shows you how to draw two different types of faces. I like how she uses different supplies to color in the faces.



Rainbow Parrot Art has this great tutorial on Cubist Portraits. I think it is better suited for older children.


She also has this excellent Picasso Portrait Lesson for Beginners.




Tutorials for Unique Cubist Art


If you'd like to get away from human faces and would like to try something different, check out this one from Admire Design.



Or if you don't like drawing at all, maybe this cardboard Cubist face tutorial from Ms. Pomranky's Art Room is more to your liking!



And this one from Art with Ms. Steratore is awesome, too. It features Picasso's Blue Guitar...


Here's Part 2 and Part 3

Cubism Tutorials for Digital Drawings


The one is a Cubism/Picasso-inspired portrait using illustration software or app, such as Procreate.



Monday, August 8, 2022

10+ Videos on How to Draw Frida Kahlo


I was sitting and thinking about fun activities to kick off the first day of school, and started just browsing through my notes. The one that leapt out at me was the topic, How to Draw Frida Kahlo. I stumbled through some absolutely wonderful how-to videos for this earlier this summer while researching Frida activities. There were so many that it was hard for me to choose just one - which I featured in my master post, Frida Kahlo Lesson Plans, Activities, Coloring Sheets and More

So I made a note to just go ahead and write a post sharing a variety of the best video tutorials for drawing the legendary Mexican artist. I tried to choose videos with different styles so that you had a nice selection to choose from... or do them all!

I hope you enjoy these. And if you are interested in other Frida-related crafts, check out my post Frida Kahlo Crafts for Kids. You'll be sure to be inspired!

This post contains affiliate links.

Gather Your Art Supplies


Before you get started, first decide on the video tutorial you'll be using. Then go ahead and get all your art supplies together. Here are some of the supplies used in the following art lessons.



How to Draw Frida Kahlo Videos


The first ones come from Ms. Jess Art Class. She actually has two fabulous video tutorials.



The next one is for K-2nd and comes from Morgan Mays



The next one was uploaded by StudioUs Chicago. I love how Rachel talks us through all the steps.



I also enjoyed this video by Draw with Gufo



Art with Ms. Naomi has this delightful video.



If you'd like to use different media, maybe this lesson plan for a minimalist style that uses watercolors will appeal to you. It's nicely done by Susan Crilley Creative Crafts for Kids 



Mrs. Lauren Wynn also uses a combination of drawing tools, including crayons, markers, pencils, and more.



doodleacademy has this quick time-lapse video of a simple watercolor painting. I really like the style of this one.



And finally, here's a painting how-to from Paint with Lovejoy. You can download the traceable by watching the video on YT and clicking the link in the description below her video.




BONUS Frida-Inspired How to Draw Videos


For something a little different, check out this tutorial from Ms. Bakker's Art Room for drawing Frida's spider monkey!



Or you may enjoy this super fun one from Ms. G's Studio




Other Posts You May Enjoy:




Thursday, February 17, 2022

Home Art Instruction with Heron Books

Natasha's Sketchbook Series from Heron Books

The following post is a collaboration between Heron Books and MommyMaestra. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On MommyMaestra, we've shared resources for teaching art to preschool and elementary or middle school kids, but we haven't covered curricula for tweens and teens. Which makes this book series from Heron Books a great fit!

Quick Overview


Program: Natasha's Sketchbook Series
Religious Perspective: Secular
Format: Book Series (Self-Paced)
Ages: Recommended for 15 and up (see description below)
Price: $29.95 per book/ $195 per set (or less with 40% discount shown below)


Art Curriculum for Teens

It was a delight to review a book from the Natasha’s Sketchbook series by Natasha Gray.  The book titled, Line, published by Heron Books is the first in a full course devoted to helping the student master, “the essential elements of art: line, shape, value, color, texture & form.”

My teens are creative types who have enjoyed other simple art courses such as Bruce McIntyre’s Drawing Textbook with little supervision from me. And I am happy to say that any busy homeschooling mom like myself, will be pleased that the books from the Natasha’s Sketchbook course are formatted with a simplicity that will make them easy to incorporate into your homeschool but offer a unique approach to artistry worth exploring. After reading through the book myself, I handed it off to my teens and said, “Go for it!”  

Can I get a "Yay!" for independent learning?

Natasha's Sketchbook Series from Heron Books

Home Art Instruction

Let me start off by applauding whoever decided to make the books in this course spiral-bound.  A million times thank you!  Homeschool mamas know that workbooks and art books have to lay flat to be useful! It is a small detail but my teens and I appreciate the thoughtfulness.  


Secondly, the lessons are E-A-S-Y to follow.  My two teens had no issues following the directions and the examples in the book are helpful.  There is some discussion in the book about art appreciation, with a brief introduction to art, focus on artists Albercht Durer and Vincent van Gogh, and artwork sprinkled throughout.  The information presented is concise and interesting. One book would not be enough for an entire high school credit, but I do think that the entire course of all the books plus the time practicing would be enough for a fine arts credit, in my humble opinion.  


Natasha's Sketchbook Series from Heron Books


My Teens' Testimonials


But why take my word for it? Here is what my teens have to say…


Son, age 15. 

“First off, I thought it was very informative with instructions on hand movements and gestures. I think this book has improved my drawing and sketching quite a bit.  Even my scribbles look better and not as if a 2-year-old did them.  My favorite exercise from the book is the one-line scribble.” 


Daughter, 13.

“The book was easy and my favorite exercise was drawing the squiggly worms.”

I can attest to this because she has been drawing the “squiggly worms” since then and even showed me how to do them.  LOL!


Bottom line:  It held my teens’ attention and how many programs can say that?  It’s an easy way to add in a little art without more work for mama.  I recommend this series for middle school and up. 


Natasha's Sketchbook Series from Heron Books


A Discount for MommyMaestra Readers


If YOU'D like to try out this excellent series and order the book Natasha's Sketchbook: Line, use the code MommyMaestra40 for a 40% discount! 


    

Want to find this review again? Pin it!

Natasha's Sketchbook Series from Heron Books


Disclaimer: I received a copy of level one for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ~Stacie

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Holiday Gifting: Aula Creativa 5

Aula Creativa 5: Art Workbook in Spanish

The following is a sponsored post with Nacho Books. All thoughts and opinions are the writer's own.

This review is one of a series of educational books in Spanish available from the new Nacho Books website. Find additional reviews in this series here

Aula Creativa 5: Art Workbook in Spanish


Aula Creativa 5 “Serie Educatión Artística” by Susaeta

Aula Creativa 5 by Susaeta is part of a series of books designed to support your child’s artistic thinking and skills. This series is all in Spanish and is geared toward advanced Spanish speakers in Pre-K through upper elementary/middle school. You can find the whole series books 1-9 at Nacho Books. 

Aula Creativa 5 introduces a variety of artistic skills, including drawing, mark making, color theory, simple instrument making, origami and more. Each activity is followed by it’s theme, goals, interdisciplinary theme, and further exploration. There are also spaces for recording the students’ prior knowledge and assessment of what they’ve learned through the activity. 

Aula Creativa 5: Art Workbook in Spanish


The lessons include jumping off points for studying artists within the western canon, art movements and interdisciplinary themes through a brief paragraph and an internet link for further investigation. For example, an image that asks for elements of an ocean scene be drawn and colored in is followed by a paragraph on what role the oceans and marine life play in Earth’s ecosystem and oxygen production.  The interdisciplinary nature of this book allows for an expansive view of art and how it connects to many areas of life. 

The introduction of the pedagogical approach and book’s structure for parent teachers is thorough and speaks to why and how visual and music education are important in learning and life. This is a great starting point or supplemental book for your child’s visual arts education, and music education to a lesser degree. The structure is good for parents who would like to see how to integrate art in an interdisciplinary way. 

Aula Creativa 5: Art Workbook in Spanish


If this sounds like it would support your child’s artistic growth head over to Nacho Books for this series and others on drawing, cutting, and creative writing. 


If you're looking for more art resources, check out these on MommyMaestra:

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Monika Aldarondo is a former arts educator, and current photographer and creative shape-shifter with Puerto Rican roots. She posts about her bilingual home/un-schooling journey on Instagram @librolovinmama. Her photography and creative projects can be found at laancla.com.

Friday, July 30, 2021

20 Multicultural Children’s Books about Female Artists

20 Multicultural Children’s Books about Female Artists

Summer is quickly coming to an end for MommyMaestra. I usually try to take July off to regroup and relax, but this year that's been difficult. So much is going on and I'm getting a lot of messages from families feeling the pressure in relation to the coming school year.
So I'd like to end this month with a post that is positive and fun and that shares resources easy to find or purchase. 

There's been a lot of attention recently on the Olympics (obviously!) and especially on the women athletes for various reasons. I watch them in action and yes, they are remarkable athletes, but I am also struck by the artistry that so many of them exhibit (i.e., gymnastics floor exercise). That led me to think about female artists in general.  

There are not nearly enough lesson plans or resources that focus on female artists. So we've put together a list of 20 multicultural children’s books about female artists. We've tried to keep the list as diverse as possible, and I think they would ALL be great reads for any family. 

I encourage you to ask for these titles at your local library or independent bookstore (support local businesses!). But I have included Amazon affiliate links in case this isn't an option for you and ordering online is.

Enjoy learning about these remarkable women!


20 Picture Books about Female Artists


Painters & Illustrators

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos

by Monica Brown

Through Georgia's Eyes

Through Georgia's Eyes
by Rachel Rodriguez


Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry.

by Fausto Gilberti

Wanda Gag: The Girl Who Lived to Draw

by Deborah Kogan Ray

Art From Her Heart: Folk Artist Clementine Hunter

by Kathy Whitehead

Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire


Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington

by Michelle Markel

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science

by Joyce Sidman

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

by Kyo Maclear


Photography 


by Amy Novesky


Architecture

by Jeanette Winter

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines

by Jeanne Walker Harvey


Sculptors

Ruth Asawa: A Sculpting Life

by Joan Schoe

Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois

by Amy Novesky 



Dancers

Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina




Collections

Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World

by Rachel Ignotofsky

13 Women Artists Children Should Know

by Bettina Shuemann


If you're looking for more art resources, check out these on MommyMaestra:

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