Mini-makers at MK gallery, painting techniques

 

This was the best mini-makers session I've done yet and I thoroughly enjoyed the full two hours, as did everyone else I think! I stripped it right back to basics, showing the group how to use primary colours to make secondary and tertiary colours and gave them useful tips about washing out brushes and keeping a clean pot of water. We then moved onto three basic painting techniques; washing, flicking and scumbling. The flicking was of course the most popular as It allowed them to get a bit messy! The parents were great at supporting their kids and helping them with any bits they found difficult. We finished with timed paintings, where I used a stopwatch to time the group while they used the new techniques to create mini masterpieces. These lasted between 30seconds and 3minutes. It was so great to see the energy that came from everyone and the excitement at creating a piece of artwork so quickly. I received great feedback from both kids and parents at the end of the session, which is always a joy and makes my job all the more enjoyable.

Beautiful blue birthday cards

 

I think making cards is one of my favourite things to do in life. They are like miniature pieces of art that take less than half an hour to create and bring joy to people when you send them. I made these by firstly doing a big blue and green painting on paper, then tore it up into squares, backed it onto some gold paper and sewed it onto the cards. I then thought about my four lovely friends and drew an image which reminded me of them. Balloons for Olivia, flowers for Asta and Saadia, and a heart for Beth.