Category: Art At Home

Creative Easter Basket Fillers

3/29/2026

This year, we’re filling baskets with things kids will actually use, love, and create with—because the world needs more artists, right? 🎨
Here are some of our favorite creative Easter basket ideas:

The links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associates Program participant, I earn from qualifying purchases.

We only share products we genuinely love and use in our studio or at home. Thanks for supporting Orange Easel!

Art Supplies

These are our go-tos in the studio:

Project photo: Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Sticks

On the Go Fun

Perfect for travel, restaurants, or quiet time:

Project photo: Ocean Animals Sticker Coloring Book

Project photo: LCD Drawing and Writing Tablet, 2 pack

Project photo: Handheld water game, ring toss

Fine Motor Development

Build those little finger muscles through play:

Project photo: Mini playdough containers, 42

Project photo: Crayon rocks with canvas bag

Project photo: Wikki Stix in cylindar containers

New Tools for Creativity

Inspire a new project with unique tools:

Project photo: Hole Punches for crafts, 6 different shapes

Project photo: Crazy cut patterned scissors

Project photo: Stencils, assorted geometric shapes

A little bit of magic

Add something a little different to spark curiosity:

Project photo: Shrink plastic sheets for crafts

Project photo: Rainbow scratch art paper

Project photo: Glitter glue pens, 24 pack

The best Easter baskets aren’t the ones packed with stuff--
they’re the ones that invite kids to make something, explore something, and feel proud of what they create.

And bonus?
These are the kinds of things that stick around long after the candy is gone.

Embracing the Dark: Winter Play That Glows, Shines, and Sparks Creativity

12/22/2025

Winter has a way of shrinking our days.
The sun sets earlier. Evenings feel longer. Everything slows down.

And instead of fighting that darkness, what if we leaned into it?

Blacklight shining on neon art supplies arranged for dark play activities.

Flashlight casting toy shadows on paper as a child traces shapes.

Children painting neon glowing facepaints in the dark

At Orange Easel, we love the idea of dark play—intentionally dimming the lights and inviting children to explore creativity in a new way. There’s something magical about it. Familiar materials suddenly feel brand new. Ordinary play turns into an experience. And kids lean in—curious, focused, and wide-eyed.

Dark play isn’t about screens or overstimulation. It’s about novelty, atmosphere, and letting the environment do some of the work for you.

Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely use and love in our studio or would happily recommend to our own families. Thanks for supporting Orange Easel!

Here are a few easy, art-centered ways to bring dark play into your home this winter.

Blacklight Magic

A simple blacklight can completely transform everyday art materials.

Try this:

Glowing Playdough
Make homemade playdough and mix in washable neon paint. Under a blacklight, it glows and feels downright magical.
Glow Painting
Use washable neon paint on white or black paper. Even simple dots, lines, and handprints look incredible in the dark.
Neon Dot Sticker Art
Stick neon dot stickers onto black paper to create patterns, pictures, or abstract designs.
Glowing Water Play
Add a tiny bit of washable neon paint to water in cups or containers. Pour, swirl, and experiment under blacklight.

Flashlight Play & Shadow Art

Flashlights invite experimentation and problem-solving without any setup stress.

Easy ideas:

Shadow Tracing
Shine a flashlight on toys or hands and trace the shadows they cast on paper.
Shadow Puppets
Use hands or simple paper cutouts taped to sticks to tell shadow stories.
Shadow Still Life
Arrange objects, shine a light from the side, and draw only the shadow shapes.
Flashlight I-Spy
Hide objects around a darkened room and search using flashlight.

Quiet Glow Play (Perfect for Evenings)

Not all dark play has to be high-energy.

Battery Tea Light Drawing
Turn off the overhead lights, scatter battery candles, and draw quietly together.
Glow Jars
Fill jars with water and a drop of washable neon paint. Shake and watch them glow under blacklight—then use as temporary night lights.

Why Dark Play Works

Dark play taps into something powerful:

Novelty – familiar materials feel exciting again
Focus – fewer visual distractions help kids settle in
Imagination – shadows, glow, and light invite storytelling
Connection – it naturally slows things down and encourages togetherness

It’s playful without being overwhelming—and perfect for winter evenings when everyone needs a little spark.

A Gentle Reminder
Dark play doesn’t need to be elaborate or Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes all it takes is turning off the lights, handing your child a flashlight, and saying, “Let’s see what happens.”

Winter may bring darkness earlier—but it also brings the perfect excuse to let creativity glow.

Top 10 Creative Gifts for Budding Artists

11/4/2025

At Orange Easel, we make art with kids every single day—in studios and at home. That means we know which supplies truly stand up to real creative use (and which ones don’t!). We’ve tested hundreds of brands, paints, markers, and tools in our classrooms, and we’re sharing our absolute favorites for stocking a home art studio.

These ten picks are economical, long-lasting, and low-mess, making them perfect for creative kids and busy parents alike. Whether you’re building your first art supply shelf or restocking old favorites, these tried-and-true materials will keep the creativity flowing all year long.

Affiliate Note:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our small business and allow us to keep creating art (and content!) for our community. Rest assured, we only recommend products we already use and love in our studios and homes.

Orange Easel's TOP 10 for 2025

#1 Liquid Watercolors

Liquid Washable Watercolors make great gifts for young artists!

These liquid watercolors are our go-to in the studio! We use them for everything—coloring playdough, painting coffee filters, even refilling stamp pads.

They make bright, vibrant paintings and are perfect for young artists since they’re already in liquid form (no scrubbing at hard watercolor cakes!). Each bottle is a concentrate, so a little goes a long way—and they’ll last you forever.

#2 Alcohol Ink Markers

Alcohol Markers are a special gift for teen artists

Unlike regular water-based markers, alcohol markers use an alcohol-based ink that blends beautifully and lays down rich, streak-free color. They’re a favorite in our illustrative drawing classes, where students learn techniques used by professional designers and illustrators.
Because alcohol markers can be layered and shaded so smoothly, they’re the go-to tool for comic book and cartoon artists who want that bold, polished, professional look. They are definitely an investment—but that’s what makes a quality set such a special gift for budding teen artists ready to level up their art.

#3 Artsy Apparel

We wear our favorite team’s gear all the time… so why not show our art spirit too?

Our Orange Easel retail shop is filled with comfy, creative apparel designed just for artists. From paint-splattered hoodies to clever art quotes and colorful tees, every piece is printed and shipped right from our studio. They make the perfect gift for makers who love to wear their passion—because the arts deserve just as much spirit wear as sports!

#4 Shape Punches

These paper punches are inexpensive, fit perfectly in stockings, and have endless uses—making them a great addition to any home studio.

Use them to create collage materials, add the finishing touch to a handmade card, or make your own confetti! Plus, for young artists, shape punches are wonderful for fine motor development—they strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and build the dexterity needed for confident cutting and drawing later on.

#5 Colored Pencils

prismacolor colored pencils last FOREVER!

We love Crayola for everyday coloring—but when artists are ready to take their drawings to the next level, Prismacolor pencils are the gold standard. They’re soft, blendable, and rich in pigment, allowing for smooth shading and professional-quality results.

They’re definitely an investment, but a set of Prismacolors can last for years—these are the same pencils many of us took with us to college (and still use today!). A perfect gift for any young artist who’s starting to get serious about their craft.

#6 Washi Tape

Just like paper punches, washi tape is small, inexpensive, and endlessly versatile—perfect for any mixed media art station!

Young artists can use it to add patterns to drawings, borders to journals, or decorative layers to collages. It’s easy to tear, reposition, and experiment with, making it both frustration-free and creatively open-ended. And as a bonus, peeling and placing tape pieces helps build fine motor strength and coordination in little hands.

#7 Drawing Set

A good sketch set is a must-have for any growing artist! This comprehensive kit includes graphite and charcoal pencils, blending tools, and erasers—all neatly packaged and ready to go. It’s perfect for artists who are still experimenting with different drawing materials or building up their personal supply stash. With everything in one place, it makes sketching, shading, and exploring new techniques simple and inspiring.

#8 Art Club Membership

Once you’ve got the supplies, sometimes you just need a little coaching and community to get started! Our Orange Easel instructors teach live, online classes every week—so you can create right alongside us from home.

As a Creation Nation member, you’ll also get access to our on-demand library with thousands of art lessons for every age and skill level. It’s the perfect gift for artists who want to keep learning, experimenting, and connecting all year long.

#9 Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is one of our favorite materials for miniature sculpting projects—from charms and jewelry to tiny creatures and food art! It’s a bit more of an investment than basic modeling clay, but a little truly goes a long way when you’re working small. Unlike regular modeling clay that never hardens, polymer clay bakes solid in a home oven, turning your creations into lasting keepsakes.

The colors are vibrant, the texture is smooth, and the finished pieces are durable—perfect for artists who love to make and treasure their creations for years to come.

#10 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun

Sometimes, only hot glue will do! An ultra low temp glue gun is a must-have for any home art studio—especially for artists who love building and constructing.

It’s the secret weapon behind all of our cardboard sculptures and popsicle stick creations in the studio. The low temperature makes it much safer for young makers, while still providing a strong, fast bond for all kinds of materials. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever crafted without it!

Looking for even more creative inspiration? Our Holiday Gift Guide is a 20-page digital booklet packed with gift ideas for every type of artist—from preschool doodlers to digital illustrators. You can grab your copy right from our website or sign up below to have it emailed to you.

Because the world needs more artists—and we’re here to help you shop for them!

Family Mini Project: Leaf Printing with Paint

10/14/2025

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time for an art project that celebrates the beauty of autumn! This simple leaf printing activity is easy enough for preschoolers but creative enough to keep older kids (and parents!) engaged too.
You don’t need fancy supplies—just a few leaves from your yard and a bit of paint.

What You’ll Need

A handful of leaves in different shapes and sizes
Washable tempera paint
A small paintbrush or sponge
Mixed media art paper (white or colored)
Wet washcloth or pPaper towels for cleanup

How to Do It

Go on a leaf hunt! Collect leaves with interesting edges and visible veins. Dry them off if they’re damp.
Set up your workspace. Lay out paper and squeeze a small amount of paint onto a palette or paper plate.
Paint the leaf. Place the leaf vein-side up and gently coat it with paint using your brush or sponge.
Press and print. Flip the leaf over and press it onto your paper. Rub gently with your hand, then lift to reveal your print!
Experiment. Try overlapping prints, mixing colors, or layering different leaves for a full fall collage.

Creative Variations

Want to take it a step further? Try these ideas:

Greeting Cards: Fold your paper in half and make mini leaf-printed cards to mail to friends and family.
Gift Wrap: Use brown kraft paper and cover it with colorful leaf prints for one-of-a-kind wrapping paper.
Leaf Garland: Cut out your leaf prints, punch holes, and string them into a festive fall garland.
Glitter Finish: While the paint is still wet, sprinkle a little glitter for sparkle!

Why We Love This Project

Leaf printing is a beautiful blend of nature and art. It encourages kids to observe the world around them, notice textures and shapes, and experiment with composition and layering. Plus—it’s a great excuse to go outside and collect materials!
At Orange Easel, we believe the best art projects are simple, hands-on, and full of possibilities. This one checks every box.

Next time you’re outside, grab a few leaves and give this a try. You’ll end up with something beautiful—and maybe a few painty fingerprints along the way. That’s part of the fun.

What to Say Instead of “What Is It?” — Encouraging Creativity Through Conversation

10/7/2025

When your child proudly holds up their artwork, the first words out of your mouth might be:
“What is it?”

It’s an easy reflex—we want to show interest and understand what we’re looking at! But for a lot of kids, that question can cause hesitation or self-doubt. If they weren’t trying to draw something “realistic,” they might feel like they did it wrong.

At Orange Easel, we see this moment all the time in the studio. And it’s a powerful one. Because with just a few different words, parents and teachers can help kids feel proud, confident, and creative.

Girl drawing with a red marker. Learn what to say instead of “What is it?” when talking to kids about their art. Parent-friendly phrases that build creativity, confidence, and connection.

Why “What Is It?” Can Be Tricky

When we ask “What is it?”, we’re often focusing on recognition—trying to name what we see. But kids’ art isn’t always about making something recognizable. Sometimes it’s about experimenting with color, exploring texture, or expressing emotion.
By shifting the conversation away from naming and toward noticing, we help children see that their creative choices matter.

What to Say Instead

“Tell me about your picture.”
Opens the door for storytelling and gives them ownership of their ideas.
“I love those colors—what made you choose them?”
Shows genuine curiosity and helps kids think about their artistic decisions.
“You used so many interesting lines!”
Teaches kids to reflect on technique rather than correctness.
“Which part was your favorite to make?”
Helps them identify what felt fun or meaningful.
“I notice you filled the whole page!”
Acknowledges effort and observation, not accuracy.
“That looks like you worked really hard on it.”
Reinforces persistence, not perfection.

Why These Words Matter

These simple changes spark richer conversations about art—and confidence.
When kids know their ideas are valued, they take more creative risks, stay curious longer, and start to think like artists.
That’s the goal here at Orange Easel: building a generation of confident, expressive creators who aren’t afraid to share their vision.

Try It at Home

Next time your child creates something, pause before asking questions. Look closely. Notice the effort, the choices, the joy. Then start your sentence with:
👉 “I notice…” or “Tell me about…”
Those two little phrases change everything.

Whether you’re at the kitchen table or in our studio, every time you talk about art with your child, you’re helping shape how they see themselves as a creator.
Let’s make sure they see what we see--an artist.

Want to keep these conversation ideas handy?
👉 Download our free one-page printable »

5 Easy Art Games to Play at the Dinner Table

9/16/2025

Family dinners are about more than food—they’re a chance to connect, laugh, and make memories. And what better way to do that than with a little creativity? Here are five quick art games you can play at the table with nothing more than paper and pencils (or crayons, markers, whatever you have handy).

These games take just a few minutes each and work with kids of all ages. They’re silly, light-hearted, and guaranteed to bring out giggles.

1. The 3-Minute Monster

Everyone gets a scrap of paper.
Set a timer for three minutes.
The challenge: Draw the silliest monster you can imagine.
Share your monster and give it a name when the timer buzzes.

2. Dinner Doodle Swap

Start by drawing any shape or squiggle on your paper.
Pass your paper to the person on your left.
That person has 1 minute to turn your squiggle into something recognizable.
Keep passing until everyone has had a turn!

3. The Snack Superhero

Look at what’s on the table—apple slices, crackers, pasta.
Imagine one of those snacks as a superhero.
Draw it in action (cape optional but encouraged).
Share what its superpowers would be!

4. Silly Scribble Portraits

Without lifting your pencil, draw a portrait of someone at the table in one continuous line.
Don’t peek until you’re done!
Reveal your drawings and enjoy the laughter.

5. What’s Missing?

One person secretly draws a simple scene (like a house or park).
Cover part of the drawing with your hand and show it to the others.
Everyone guesses: What’s missing?
Reveal the whole drawing!

Why Play Art Games?

These little bursts of creativity help kids:

Build imagination (a monster with five heads? Why not!)
Practice problem solving (how do you turn a squiggle into something new?)
Connect as a family (sharing and laughing together matters most).

And the best part? There’s no mess to clean up—just a table full of giggles.

Next time dinner gets a little quiet (or chaotic), pull out a pencil and try one of these games. Creativity doesn’t need a lot of supplies—just a spark of imagination.

What’s your family’s favorite dinner table game? Drop a comment and share!

Watercolor Donut Painting Tutorial

4/30/2025

Is there anything better than painting donuts? (Maybe eating them... but painting is a close second!) 🎨🍩

In this fun, beginner-friendly watercolor tutorial, I'll walk you through how to paint sweet, colorful donuts step-by-step. This project is perfect for practicing watercolor layering, blending colors, and just having some creative fun.

Originally recorded as a Facebook Live, I’m excited to share it here with you now — complete with a supply list, written steps, and a Pinterest-perfect image if you want to save it for later!

Watch the Video Tutorial

Watch the watercolor donut painting tutorial on YouTube

Watch the watercolor donut tutorial on YouTube.

Skill Level + Time Estimate:

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Project Time: About 30–45 minutes

Supplies You'll Need

Watercolor Paper
Round Brush
Watercolor palette
Pencil
paper towels
Two cups of water

Nothing fancy — just your favorite basics! Links above (affiliate links) are MY favorites!

Watercolor Donut Painting Steps

Here’s a quick overview of the painting steps you’ll see in the video:
Lightly sketch a few donut shapes on your watercolor paper.
Lay down a light base layer of color for the donut body.
Add icing with a second layer. Use "lifing-off" technique to create highlights!
Layer even more details like sprinkles and shadows.

Take your time and enjoy the process — this is all about layering and having fun with color!

Make It Your Own!

One of the best parts about this project is how creative you can get.
Try different frosting colors. Add rainbow sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or even little bite marks!
No two donuts have to look the same — just like at the bakery. 🍩🎨

Save This Project for Later

Here's a Pinterest-friendly image you can use if you want to save this tutorial:

Stay Connected

If you had fun painting with me, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more creative tutorials!

Join the Creation Nation

What's your favorite donut flavor? 🍩 Drop it in the comments — My favorite is bavarian cream filled with chocolate glaze!

If you want to take LIVE online clases with us, we have an Art Club for that. Members get access to a library of hundreds of video tutorials!

Learn more here: https://www.creationnationartclub.com/

If you paint your own watercolor donuts, I would love to see them — tag me on Instagram @orangeeaselart so I can cheer you on! 🎉
What's your favorite donut flavor? 🍩 I’m team bavarian-cream-filled (with chocolate icing)!

Allison May Jensen, owner

Orange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio.

Since then, we've grown into two studio locations and team of artists teachers who share a passion for kids and creativity.

We're not a franchise. We're not a big corporation. We're a small, local business built on heart and art.

I'm so glad you're here! This blog is full of ideas, activities, and resources to inspire process-based art at home, in classrooms, and beyond.