LOCATION CHANGE!!

Creative Exploration will be open this spring!!! Come and check us out at Podlings this May. Pre- Registration at podlings, spots are filling up fast!!

A Child's Introduction to Materials

Creative Exploration is a process based class that introduces children to a variety of different materials. Each week there is a common theme explored through a series of art stations. Each station is a different example of how that weeks material can be used. Children are free to move around and explore each station as they please. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children.

Creative Exploration was created to encourage children to explore and use their imaginations. The concept of the class was created with the hope that it would instill a strong foundation, at a young age, giving the child the ability to think outside the box with confidence.

Creative Exploration Birthday Parties

Book Creative Exploration for your child's birthday party. I will customize the art projects to suit your child's interests and party. I will provide all art supplies, table cloths, newpapers, art smocks and wash cloths for clean up. Allow 1 hr from start to finish. Costs will vary depending on number of children attending the party and art activity chosen.
I will take care of the art and the mess!
Call Becky at 250.897.2421 to book your party today.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Finger Painting - Textures

Painting with body parts turned into finger painting pretty quickly once the rain started coming down. I had set up the foot print/mural stuff outside but not the weather for it. I was looking forward to this one the most too. Oh well, maybe in the spring. However, Quinn did give it a try. Thanks Quinn.
There were 3 tables of different colors and textures inside for children to feel and paint. I was surprised at how many kids didn't like the feeling of the paint on their hands. Next time will have more alternate activities provided for those kids. Lots of kids loved the hands washing station more then the paint stations. But it was good, I learned alot and I think the kids did too. Things can only get better from here. I am enjoying watching parents and kids explore together, which was the basis of where my idea came from for this class. I love seeing the uninhibitated art created by children. It is a wonderful thing to not have any expectations. I am looking forward to seeing everyone next week for Painting with different 'brushes.'
We are going to explore tennis balls, string, feathers, paint brushes, spray bottles, straws, and marbles. It is going to be a busy, fun morning!!!!
Thanks to all the parents who left suggestions, the more the merrier. I want the class to be fun for everyone. See you next week!!!




Finger Painting - Textures





Finger Painting - Textures





Finger Painting - Textures





Finger Painting Recipes

Body Paint for Kids
you will need:
baby shampoo
powdered tempura paint
mixing bowls
spoon

Gradually add the powdered tempura paint directly to the shampoo until you achieve the desired color and consistency.

Clown Face Paint
you will need:
baby lotion
powdered tempura paint
liquid dish washing detergent
mixing bowls
spoon

Mix together 1/2 teaspoon of powdered tempura paint with 1/4 cup of baby lotion. Add a generous squirt of liquid dish washing detergent. Make a variety of clown colors. Let the children experiment with putting the clown paint on their faces. This face paint will clean up easily with soap and water.

Soapy Paints
You will need:
Detergent flakes
water
food coloring or tempura paint
mixing bowl
electric mixer
spoon

Using the electric mixer, beat the detergent flakes and water until a creamy mixture is formed. You can keep the soap flakes white and use them on a dark piece of paper and try adding color to the mixture. Use this paint while freshly whipped.

Window Finger Paint
you will need:
Liquid tempura paint
paintbrushes
tape
newspapers
containers for the paint
liquid dish washing detergent

Use the tape and newspaper to protect the walls and floor. Mix liquid dish washing soap into the paint to help make the paint-removal easier. Let the children create a window masterpiece.

'Edible' Finger Paints


Whipped cream creations
you will need:
whipped cream
food coloring
mixing bowl
spoon
thick paper or paper plate

Combine only a drop or two of food coloring with the whipped cream. Too much food coloring will cause the whipped cream to go runny.

Super Sticky Finger Paint
you will need:
corn syrup
food coloring
various containers for storing paint
mixing bowls
spoon
finger paint paper

Mix the corn syrup with only a drop or two of food coloring. Mix well. This finger paint is very sticky and wet, but when it dries, it will no longer feel sticky and will look incredibly shiny.

Yummy Yogurt Finger Paint
you will need:
1/2 carton plain yogurt
1/2 package flavored gelatin
mixing bowl
spoon
finger paint paper

Mix all of the ingredients together and finger paint!

Textured finger Paints

Mix sand, sugar or salt with finger paint.

And lets not forget about 'No Mess' Painting

Just water, paint brushes and a sidewalk or driveway.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Painting with Body Parts!!

This week we are exploring paint with body parts. So parents make sure you wear your grubbies too because shirts are going to be rolled up and socks are coming off! How am I going to stop the room from being covered in paint? Still not too sure...lots and lots of newspaper and a hose off station? Don't worry I will have a few clean up stations around the room and lots of plastic bags for dirty clothes. If anything it should be a good laugh. See you on Thursday.
Becky

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Land of all kinds of Markers

Thanks to everyone who joined me in Cumberland for a fun hr of marker exploration. We raised $16 dollars for the No.6 Mine Park today! Thank you Shirley for unlocking the door for me and all your help this morning.
Click on any photo to enlarge.


Land of all kinds of Markers cont...





Land of all kinds of Markers cont...





Land of all kinds of Markers cont...





Land of all kinds of Markers cont...







Today was the first day of 'Creative Exploration.' I had planned over and over in my head how I was going to introduce the class and each table. What I was going to say and how I was going to losely structure the class time. Well the kids started to arrive and just got to it! Never mind any introductions. The mural was a huge hit, which I am so happy about, it looked great! I love group projects! I was happy to finally meet everyone in person and to watch the children go crazy on the nearest piece of paper!

Please feel free to leave a comment on how you thought the class went and if you have any ideas or suggestions for next time. Thank you
Becky Wortman
[f]oto
beckywortmanfoto.blogspot.com
beckywortman@shaw.ca
250.336.2132


Recipes:

Bathtub Crayon Soap

you will need:
Soap flakes
water
food coloring
electric mixer
ice cube tray
mixing bowl
plastic spoons

Combine 2 cups of water with a generous 1/4 cup of soap flakes and mix until stiff with an electric mixer. Spoon the soapy mixture into an ice cube tray. Add 2 to 3 drops of food coloring to each section and mix with a coffee stir stick or spoon. Let the soap harden. These crayons are great fun in the bathtub.

Homemade Rainbow Crayons

you will need:
broken crayons
small muffin tin

Fill each muffin tin with four or five different colored broken crayon pieces. Place in a 400 oven just long enought for the crayons to melt. Watch carefully, they melt fast! If you leave them too long they will melt together. They cool quickly and pop out of the tins easier when put in the freezer.

Solid Color Crayons

Fill sauce pan with 2 1/2 inches of water. Take an empty tin can and pinch the top to create a pouring spout. Set the can in the water. Using medium heat, bring water to boil. Fill the can with broken crayons of same color. When they have melted, pour melted wax into paper cupcake liners. Try layering different colors. Or try making new colors by mixing together colors, ex. mix blue and yellow to make green.

Remeber next week is PAINTING!!! So wear your grubbies because it is going to be messy! I can't wait to see the photos.

Friday, September 12, 2008

LAND OF MARKERS

Sept. 18th - LAND OF MARKERS!!

We will be exploring crayons, pencil crayons, pastels, and markers!!! Washable of course. Children will practice holding the crayons and maybe even discover which hand they prefer. Children will explore the difference between all the different kinds of 'crayons' available and maybe decide on a favorite. There will be an emphasis on color, line and texture with each exploration station.

Note to Parents: Please note that our first day may last a little longer, about 30 min, for registration and introductions. If you are unable to stay, no problem we will take care of your needs first.

Only 1 week left!
See you soon
Becky

Friday, September 5, 2008

Registration Policy

Don't worry parents...
Creative Exploration only charges PER PARENT!!!! (up to 3 kids per parent)
So families of 4 come out and explore with Creative Exploration because kids are 'free.'

The registration fee is $80 per parent for 10 weeks and $10 of your registration fee is donated for future upgrades of the No. 6 Mine park. The same goes for drop in fees, $10 per parent and $1 of that is donated to the park. Lets get some swings!!

Hope to see you out
First class starts Sept. 18th and seats are filling up fast!!
Becky Wortman
[f]oto
beckywortman@shaw.ca
childrenscreativeexploration.blogspot.com
250.336.2132