 When our studios temporarily closed in 2020, we found ourselves wondering how we could keep our artists creating, learning, and connecting — even while apart. What began as a quick pivot to online art classes quickly grew into something so much bigger: a global community of artists who create together from living rooms, kitchen tables, and art corners all over the world. That’s how Creation Nation Art Club was born.
Over time, Creation Nation has become its own creative home. Some families join for the live classes; others love the flexibility of on-demand lessons they can do anytime. All of them are part of a bigger story: proof that creativity connects us, no matter where we live. Watch our story here:Interested in LIVE online art classes?We'd love for you to be a part of our club. Learn more here.
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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?
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 MagicA simple blacklight can completely transform everyday art materials. Try this:
Flashlight Play & Shadow ArtFlashlights invite experimentation and problem-solving without any setup stress. Easy ideas:
Quiet Glow Play (Perfect for Evenings)Not all dark play has to be high-energy.
Why Dark Play WorksDark play taps into something powerful:
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.  When we think about gifts for kids, it’s easy to picture wrapping paper, boxes, and toys stacked under the tree. But some of the most memorable gifts don’t come in packages at all—they’re experiences. A morning spent dancing, a pottery class, a trip to the climbing gym, or tickets to a local theater show can all become memories that last far longer than any toy. “The best gifts don’t always come in packages.” Gifting experiences also helps support our local community—many of the best opportunities for kids to learn, move, and create come from small, family-run businesses right here in town. These experiences can range from special one-time workshops to weekly extracurriculars that nurture confidence, creativity, and friendships. Local Experiences That Make Wonderful GiftsIf you’re ready to wrap up something a little different this year, consider gifting an experience from one of our amazing local businesses. The Kansas City Northland and Liberty area is full of opportunities for kids to learn new skills, get creative, and discover what they love — from art and dance to cooking, music, and more. These small businesses pour their hearts into creating meaningful experiences for families, and when you choose to gift one of their programs, you’re not only giving a child a chance to grow — you’re also supporting the people who make our community vibrant. Ideas from Our CommunityHere are a few of our favorite local spots for creative, hands-on experiences this holiday season (including, of course, our own Orange Easel Art Studio!)
Above All Trampoline Park, Liberty
Above All Trampoline Park is Liberty’s hottest destination for family fun! Come take flight on our massive indoor court of connected trampolines for an unforgettable adventure. Gift cards available here. BUSY BEAN PLAY CAFE, Liberty
A coffee shop where the kids get to play while the grown-ups relax. Offering Open Play times, events, and memberships -- Gift cards can be purchased here. Chalky Mountain Rocket Factory, Liberty
Chalky Mountain Rocket Factory is a kids gymnastics and fitness center offering classes, camps, and Friday Fun Nights. Corbin Kid's Company, Liberty
Corbin Kids Camp is a 2-week long camp. Participants will learn all aspects of theater production culminating in a show at the end of the camp! Registration opens on 1/1/26 - a limited number of Christmas Gift Certificates available beginning Black Friday. Dabble & Drip, Liberty
Pottery painting for all ages! This drop-in studio offers a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere perfect for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Fastkick Martial Arts Center, Liberty
FastKick Martial Arts is a family oriented martial arts center offering classes for students as young as three years old. Fun Run, Liberty
A 9,000 square foot indoor park filled with inflatables, a two-story wooden town for imaginative play, sky maze with slides, arcade games, and toddler area exclusively for children ages 3 and under. Gift certificates available for purchase in store. KC Music Academy, Platte Woods
KC Music Academy offers music lessons for every instrument, every level. Besides private lessons, they also have performance groups, summer camps, homeschool music classes, and more! The Little Gym of Kansas City, KC North/Parkville
Gymnastics club focused on kids from 4 months to 12 years old, featuring structured classes and camps. Gift giving options available by calling/texting (816-492-2448) Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary, Liberty
The area is open for hiking, nature study, birding, photography, sketching and relaxing in the beauty of the natural world, providing opportunity for people to discover and connect with nature. Kids' summer camps happen throughout June, July, and August! Gift certificates available for purchase here. MY Play Cafe - Northland,
A cozy space offering a unique play experience for the little ones and a truly enjoyable experience for parents. Gift cards available here. Northland Rolladium, Liberty
Proudly serving the Liberty community and the greater Kansas City area for years, giving families, friends, and skaters of all ages a place to gather, glide, and make memories. Gift certificates available for purchase in-store. ORANGE EASEL SCHOOL OF ART, Liberty
Weekly art classes make great Christmas gifts. Or even a week-long summer camp. We offer gift cards for both plus a complimentary gift bag with artsy trinkets so you have something to put under the tree! Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe & Cattery, Liberty & Lees Summit
Sugar Kittens offers an amazing immersive experience with 60 of the cutest, cuddliest kittens all under one roof! Gift certificates are available to purchase in store. The Rabbit hOle, North Kansas City
A museum experience that celebrates and brings to life a century of American children's literature for visitors of all ages. Gift cards for admission can be purchased here. Water Street Ceramics, Liberty
Water Street Ceramics is a brand new ceramics studio in our downtown Liberty. They are offering classes for ages 12 and up. Current class information can be found here and gift cards are available! Did we miss any of your favorites?If you have a favorite local northland business that offers entertainment or learning experiences for kids and families, we'd love to add them to our list! Let us know here.
Whether it’s a semester of art classes or a single summer adventure, an experience gift lasts long after the wrapping paper is gone. Explore our Orange Easel classes and other local favorites to find the perfect gift this season!
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
#2 Alcohol Ink Markers
#3 Artsy Apparel
#4 Shape Punches
#5 Colored Pencils
#6 Washi Tape
#7 Drawing Set
#8 Art Club Membership
#9 Polymer Clay
#10 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun
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!  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
How to Do It
Why We Love This ProjectLeaf 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.
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.  Why “What Is It?” Can Be TrickyWhen 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
Why These Words MatterThese 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 HomeNext 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 » 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
2. Dinner Doodle Swap
3. The Snack Superhero
4. Silly Scribble Portraits
5. What’s Missing?
Why Play Art Games?These little bursts of creativity help kids:
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! At Orange Easel, we believe learning doesn’t stop at the art table. As educators, we’re just as invested in helping our teens grow as individuals as we are in helping them grow as artists. That’s why we created our Junior Staff Program--a volunteer opportunity designed to give teens real-world experience, mentorship, and a supportive environment where they can build confidence and responsibility.  For many teens, Junior Staff is the first step toward eventually applying for a paid job—either with us or somewhere else. It's a low-pressure way to learn the basics of showing up on time, working with a team, and supporting young students. While you're volunteering, it's also the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for future employment. Here’s a checklist of things you can do now to get yourself ready to apply for your first job when the time comes: Getting Job-Ready: A Teen Checklist
Volunteering as Junior Staff is a great way to build many of these habits. You’ll gain experience, meet mentors, and learn what it means to be part of a creative workplace—all before you even get your first paycheck.
If you're ready to take that first step, learn more about our Junior Staff Program here. We’d love to have you on our team. Why Live Art Classes Beat “Watch Later” VideosIf your child loves art, chances are you’ve tried a few on-demand art tutorials. They’re wonderful in theory—unlimited access, pause when you need to, start anytime. But here’s the truth: a lot of those projects never actually happen. Life gets busy, the link gets buried, and the “someday project” stays on the to-do list. At Orange Easel, we do things differently: In our Creation Nation Art Club, we teach live. Just like our in-studio students. And it makes all the difference. Why Live Classes Work (Especially for Kids)
10 Silly Drawing Prompts for Artsy Kids
Snack Superhero – Turn whatever you’re eating into a superhero with a cape and powers. Animal Mix-Up – Combine two animals into one creature (e.g., giraffe + octopus). Backpack Monster – Imagine your backpack came to life—what does it look like? Tiny House Tour – Draw what it would be like to live inside a shoe. Doodle Dinner – What would a pizza look like if it had feelings? Sky Swap – Instead of clouds, fill the sky with something else (donuts, balloons, eyeballs!). Alien Selfie – Draw an alien taking a selfie on their home planet. Pet in Disguise – Your pet (or dream pet) is secretly a superhero—draw their secret costume. Upside-Down World – Imagine everything in your room is glued to the ceiling—how does it look? Robot Chef – Design a robot who can only make one food—what does it look like?
The bottom line: LIVE classes don’t just teach kids to make art; they teach kids to keep making art. One of the questions we hear most often from families is: “What happens after my child completes Drawing 102?”  It’s a great question—especially when your artist is enthusiastic, dedicated, and eager to “level up.” But the truth is, our Drawing 102 curriculum is designed to be repeated—and repeated again if needed. Let us explain why that’s not only okay... it’s ideal. Drawing 102 Is Built for Growth Over TimeDrawing 102 is designed for artists in grades 3rd-6th, and it’s one of our most lesson-rich classes. Students work entirely in a sketchbook provided by the studio, completing weekly exercises in topics like:
This class isn’t about producing finished pieces (with the exception of March’s art show prep). It’s about building skills through repetition, practice, and feedback.  Why Repeat It?Although the structure of Drawing 102 remains consistent each year, your child doesn’t stay the same. The way an 11-year-old hears a lesson about facial proportions is very different from how they understood it at age 9. The same goes for drawing a hand in foreshortened perspective, or applying two-point perspective to a cityscape. Each year, they approach the material with new maturity, deeper focus, and stronger foundational skills. You don’t learn to play piano in a single year. Or shoot perfect free throws. Or dance with perfect timing. Drawing is the same. Artists improve through consistent, intentional practice. By repeating Drawing 102, students get the time and space they need to grow—not just in skill, but in their confidence, voice, and understanding of the art form. So When Do You Move to Drawing 103?Drawing 103 is for 7th–12th grade artists who are ready to tackle monthly projects, build a personal style, and explore advanced creative challenges. It’s less structured, more independent, and better suited for teens who’ve spent time building their foundational skills.
We want every artist to thrive in their class. Repeating Drawing 102 ensures that when the time comes to move up, they’re not just ready—they’re empowered. |
Allison May Jensen, ownerOrange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio. Archives
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LIBERTY STUDIO
249 W Mill St Ste 107 Liberty MO 64068 816-407-9266 |
PLATTE WOODS STUDIO
7617 NW Prairie View Rd Kansas City MO 64157 816-216-7126 |
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