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The Artful Parent – Book Review

April 1, 2013

the artful parent (2)The Artful Parent is a long awaited book by the wonderful Jean from The Artful Parent. I have long been an admirer of her creativity and her blog (I remember been smitten by these oh so gorgeous Flower Art Box – how delightfully creative is that?!). She then went on to wow me with her wonderful ebook series – something for all seasons… and then the grand finale: The Artful Parent, the book! (and if you hurry, you can currently get 2 for 1 – The Artful Parent Book AND the Spring ebook. Hurry!

I was expecting a “thicker version of Jean’s ebooks” in print. I got something completely different – and yet much more valuable. I got a parenting ethos. A frame of mind. A different way of thinking – support by a wonderful set of activities and projects to do with the kids.

The Artful Parent

You may remember my “Daily Creativity Series” that I then “rebranded” “Art with Kids“. The idea was to do lots of little bits and pieces of art with the kids on a regular basis. 5minutes here, half an hour there. All about exploration and doing. Well, We dabbled in it. We did a bit here. And  We did a bit there. And then other things and general busy life took over. And we just did the same things over (watercolours, pens, crayons etc).

Jean’s book is my reminder.  To stop.  To make time for ART. Just do it.

And not only was it a reminder to STOP and DO. Jean makes art accessible. Yes, Jean IS an Arty Parent. Yes, Jean HAS tons of art experience. But what her book, The Artful Parent does, is make it easy for YOU, to do art with your kids as well. You do not need an art degree to do art with your kids. You do not need experience. You just need the right frame of mind.. and a set aside a little bit of time. Add to it a host of fantastic simple and approachable ideas, you are off on your arty journey!

In the 10 days since reading Jean’s book, we have:

Q-Tip Painting - a simple and quick arty activity to set up for your kids to explore* Painted with Q-tips

* Got the pastels out

* Got the pastels AND the water colours out

* Collected and saved lots of flower petals from “bunches of flowers” we had in vases… waiting to add these to a contact paper collage

* Saved some broken eggshells for randomly sticking on paper

(PS sorry the little photos are all different! Uploaded via instagram! Must make more consistent use of the filters!)

pastels for kidsNot only that…. but Jean has reassured me that we are already on the arty path. That I am doing well, with what we are doing and that I shouldn’t necessarily worry about not doing enough. We do more arty things without realising, as stimulating creativity, does not just happen in front of an easel or a piece of paper:

* We bake yummy treats

* We hunt for things to craft with in the park

* We plant seeds and watch them grow

watercolour for kids

* We often get the water colours out and Pip Squeak often likes to stick things on her water colour collages

* We draw ALL the time

* We pick flowers (in Granny’s garden) and arrange them in tiny little “vases” (aka bottle tops and small glasses)

* We go to galleries and museums. We look at statues or sculptures in the park or on the street.

* We collect “junk” and stick it together in whatever way Red Ted wants to.

flowers arranging* And of course.. when we get crafty – though product orientated here on the blog, the kids usually end up making something of their own with all the bits and pieces that are out and about.

I am refreshed and inspired to continue the “Art with Kids” series – by just documenting the little things we do.

I recommend this book 100% as a manual to artful parenting! It also has some great featured sections by other arty writes that I love and respect – MaryAnn Kohl, Tinkerlab, Crafty Crow and Inner Child Fun to name but a few!

So. Now to the best bit! You can WIN ONE!! Yes, you can get your very own copy!

To win, visit Jean at The Artful Parent – check out her 2 for 1 posts where she shares a range of artful parent activities – take a look, come back her and tell us which activity you want to try out first!

T&Cs:

* One entry per person.

* Open WorldWide.

* Giveaway closes on the 8th April 2013 at 11pm.

* A winner will be picked at random.

* The delivery of the price is the responsibility of the Publisher and not Red Ted Art.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized 120 Comments

Comments

  1. jessicadibnewbery@gmail.com says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:30 am

    I really want to try Jeans activity ‘action painting with cars’. My son will love it!. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Sarah M says

    April 1, 2013 at 4:44 am

    We already follow Jean’s blog and love it. Just yesterday we did the “self portrait with window markers’ activity. The kids LOVED it (and I was seriously impressed by how my 4 year old did, just by recognizing the shapes in a face!). It was super fun.
    Sarah M

    Reply
  3. Samantha deLeca says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:57 am

    I would like to try the bubble prints first! Wonderful book!hope I win!I have 4 very creative kids who would love it!

    Reply
  4. Jess says

    April 1, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Simon Says, Draw! – What a unique idea!

    Reply
  5. Clare says

    April 1, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I think my toddler would love the ‘Shaving Cream Painting on the Window’ activity. He just loves getting dirty :).

    Reply
  6. Dummy Mummy says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Action painting with cars sounds like something my 2.5 year old would love to do, and my 10 month old could join in too. This book looks like just what we need to bring some inspiration into our house!

    Reply
  7. Lyndsey Henderson says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:26 am

    Simon says draw is top of my list. So simple and so good. I would love a copy of the book.

    Reply
  8. Sam says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:36 am

    I’ve been following The Artful Parent for a while and enjoy her posts, also wanting this book! We would try Bubble Prints, this might encourage my son to be creative.

    Reply
  9. Marian says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:40 am

    I am going to try the body tracing & painting and the swimming pool ball painting. I love giving my kids an idea that they have a big impact on the world and these two crafts are a great way to show even though they are little their ideas are making a mark on the world and they can participate in something that seems much bigger than they are.

    Reply
  10. Lucy says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:53 am

    I would love to try the contact paper suncatchers with my daughter!

    Reply
  11. ronnie says

    April 1, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    This book looks amazing – I would love some new ideas for my 3 kiddos

    Reply
  12. Dawn Adams says

    April 1, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    I want to try the bubble popping painting! I do lots of crafts & look for new ideas frequently! I would have fun with my girls & this book!

    Reply
  13. Lianne Carson says

    April 1, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    I only get to see my children twice a month but when we meet we have a great time making exploring sticking & imagination.. I would love to have your book join in in our magical fun times!! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Anne-Marie Large says

    April 1, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Simon Says, Draw! It sounds awesome!

    Reply
  15. Irena @ The Stepford Wife says

    April 1, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    I’m so tempted to try the bubble prints….

    Reply
  16. Leah Wheatley says

    April 1, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    I would try bubble prints first!

    Reply
  17. MamaGames says

    April 1, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    I’ve followed Jean’s blog for quite some time and gathered lots of inspiration there. We never have gotten around to the kiddie-pool painting, though, and we really want to try that!

    Reply
  18. Joanne mcdonald says

    April 1, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Simon Says, Draw! Looks great.

    Reply
  19. Sophie Buckle says

    April 1, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    Bubble Prints: A simple form of printmaking that uses colorful bubbles made from food coloring and water.

    This looks really good!

    Reply
  20. Tracy Nixon says

    April 1, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    I think Draw! would be a great activity for all my four! Thank you x

    Reply
  21. siobhan says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    I would love to try out ‘Action painting with cars’

    Reply
  22. Shannon H. says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    Love the melted bead sun catchers! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Mia says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I’d love to try the Swimming Pool Ball Painting!

    Reply
  24. kaci says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I have been wanting to try the rubber cement and watercolors resist. It looks like it creats such beautiful results.

    Reply
  25. alan mcdonald says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    This book looks fantastic-bubble print a must!

    Reply
  26. Ailsa says

    April 1, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Bubble prints sounds fun, my wee boy loves bubbles so he would love it. I’m not very creative so the book would be perfect for me.

    Reply
  27. Jill Osborne says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    The bubble prints sound fun

    Reply
  28. Emma Hawes says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Contact paper suncatchers sound lovely 🙂

    Reply
  29. Marla Murasko says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    I think my son would love to do the Shaving Cream Painting on the Window. Not sure my husband would like that but I know my son would enjoy it.

    Reply
  30. Sunni says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    BUBBLE Prints!!!

    Reply
  31. Ashleigh says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Simon says draw – great idea!

    Reply
  32. Abbie Matthews says

    April 1, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    Love the idea of the body tracing and painting, we have a lovely roll of paper and a big floor space, will certainly be giving this a go!

    Reply
  33. Emma Bethell says

    April 1, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Action painting with cars sounds brill. My 4 year old loves cars and this would really encourage him to have a go!

    Reply
  34. Allan Smith says

    April 1, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    This book looks amazing!

    Reply
  35. hannah oneill says

    April 1, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    Contact Paper Suncatchers

    Reply
  36. Emily K says

    April 1, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    I want to try the shaving cream painting! My mom (a preschool teacher) used to do that activity with my sister and I when we were growing it up and it was always one of our favorites. Can’t wait to share it with my daughter as well.

    Reply
  37. Tanya W says

    April 1, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    The contact paper suncatchers look like something my daughter and son would both love to do! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    Reply
  38. Nicola Law says

    April 1, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    My daughter loves drawing but is forever asking me what she can draw so I love the idea of Simon says draw, she also loves games so this idea is a win win for us!

    Reply
  39. Jen Schofield says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    The bubble popping painting!

    Reply
  40. Erin says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    I would love to read the ideas in this book — we may have to paint with q-tips later today!

    Reply
  41. Rebecca Collins says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    Simon says draw is a great idea will be trying it out with my daughter tomorrow.

    Reply
  42. Melinda says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    I love the artful parent! she has really nice ideas… easy and nice results… I want to win a copy OF COURSE!

    Reply
  43. Surabhi says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    I think Action Painting with Cars would appeal to a lot of different sensibilities for my boy at the same time!

    Reply
  44. EMMA WALTERS says

    April 1, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    love to try bubble prints 🙂

    Reply
  45. Kinga says

    April 1, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    We have followed the blog for some time now and would love to try bubble print.

    Reply
  46. Jo Jones says

    April 1, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    Bubble prints to try first

    Reply
  47. Katty says

    April 1, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    I like Bubble prints. And would try it first.

    Reply
  48. Catherine McAlinden says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Have tried a few of these already, so next on my list is the suncatchers!

    Reply
  49. Christina Field says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    I would love to win this book ,so I can show my grand children you can have fun,without tech gadgets.

    Reply
  50. Amy Kiely says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    My toddler Ella loves to paint and I think as the weather gets warmer we will be making chalk paint. The sidewalk will be our new canvas!

    Reply
  51. Lauren Jinkerson says

    April 1, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    I’d like to try the body tracing and painting. Sounds like a blast for the whole family. Also I like that it can be used to teach something scientific as well.

    Reply
  52. Karrie Zylstra says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    I’d love to try the shaving cream art. We think it’s a great bath toy and I’m betting more venues would offer more fun. Windows? I’m scared but willing to give it a go:)

    Reply
  53. justine meyer says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Bubble prints for us we love them

    Reply
  54. Allison says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    Body Tracing and Painting will go well with learning about our bodies for science too! Yay, fun art and learning go together! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  55. Karen R says

    April 1, 2013 at 9:52 pm

    Love the Bubble Prints!

    Reply
  56. Jessica S. says

    April 1, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    I follow the blog and would love to try bubble prints among many many other projects. I love the blog and hope I might win! Yay!

    Reply
  57. Debbie Kao says

    April 1, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    I would love to learn how to make bubble prints. My daughter is really into bubbles. How neat to know I can make it with food coloring and water.

    Reply
  58. Elaine Kidd says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:31 pm

    My son was asking the other day to do a life size picture of himself. I was going to get a roll of lining paper so I could trace round him. Knowing my luck he will want to trace round me as well.
    I think we will try making the paper suncatchers when the weather gets a bit better.

    Reply
  59. rachel ringwood says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    with two creative children it has started to get hard to think of new exciting bits to do with them this is a fantastic idea!!!
    bubble paint would be the first thing we would try!!
    love it!

    Reply
  60. Deidre says

    April 1, 2013 at 11:50 pm

    I have to try action painting with cars. . . my son is not into art but my daughter is. I can combine their activities.

    Reply
  61. Janelle McNeill says

    April 2, 2013 at 12:10 am

    How exciting it is to make art come alive in so many ways real for kids. I just know I am supposed to start an art class here in Osaka for my 2.9 year old daughter and the local kids. Art is Life. Art is Learning. Art is Energy. Well Done Jean on allowing all this fun stuff to ooze into our everyday. Thank You. Body Tracing and Drawing is super fun for little ones. We usually do it with chalk on the road, but on huge butchers paper would be even more inspiring! Yes please!

    Reply
  62. Michelle says

    April 2, 2013 at 12:56 am

    I want to do the contact paper sun catchers! I have been meaning to try this one for a while. I can’t wait to check out the book!

    Reply
  63. shelli says

    April 2, 2013 at 5:08 am

    I would love to win a copy of Jean’s book! Thank you!

    Reply
  64. Kieran says

    April 2, 2013 at 6:00 am

    Simon Says, Draw!

    Reply
  65. Francisca says

    April 2, 2013 at 9:53 am

    Hello. I love being among paintings and crafts with my puppy. It gives me joy and I spend delicious time with him . Now that spring has arrived, I’d like to try the suggestions of “artfull parent” related with nature art. I’d like to try the flower prints in Sculpey and in Playdough.

    Reply
  66. Susan Cottier says

    April 2, 2013 at 11:59 am

    All the activities look good but the one we will be trying this week is Simon says draw! I know it will appeal 🙂

    Reply
  67. Dr Mitonaa Chakravartty says

    April 2, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    We would love to try out the contact paper sun catcher,the car tyre printing and the body tracing/painting,sounds like a wonderful book:)

    Reply
  68. Olivia says

    April 2, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    Bubble Prints! We definitely would love to try that one first

    Reply
  69. Kristina says

    April 2, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    The Shaving Cream Window Painting! I need to wash my windows next week and this will be the perfect reason to do it!
    thank you!

    Reply
  70. Sam says

    April 2, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    The shaving cream painting definately! Very messy and a great sensory craft for a toddler!

    Reply
  71. Patsy Desautel says

    April 2, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Bubble prints, my toddler LOVES to play with bubbles in the summer.

    Reply
  72. Carrie says

    April 2, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    Oh, I love the swimming pool ball painting idea.

    Reply
  73. Joanne McGonagle says

    April 2, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    I would like to try the Body Tracing and Painting first.

    Reply
  74. se7en says

    April 2, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    Oh my word… I am so looking forward to checking out this book!!! I would love to body paint with all my kids and make a massive wall of art!!! I did it when my big kids were small… but it may well be time to do it again!!!

    Reply
  75. Cris says

    April 2, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    I’d try the contact paper suncatchers! Especially now that the days are getting longer and there’s more light!!
    Thanks

    Reply
  76. Trisha says

    April 2, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    I would love to learn more about quiet art for downtimes and transitions.

    Reply
  77. Katrina Winn says

    April 2, 2013 at 11:03 pm

    My Grandson would love the shaving cream window painting

    Reply
  78. Kate says

    April 3, 2013 at 1:26 am

    Definitely need ART inspiration here! Sounds like a great resource.

    Reply
  79. Solange says

    April 4, 2013 at 12:12 am

    Bubble prints

    Reply
  80. Fun Mama - Deanna says

    April 4, 2013 at 2:21 am

    I am so excited she has a book coming out! I’ve been looking forward to it for a while.

    Reply
  81. Adele- playfullearners says

    April 4, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    Her shaving foam window art looks great. I love her blog and I have been eyeing up this book since the release. Would love it!!!

    Reply
  82. Louise says

    April 4, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    Think I will have a go at the swimming pool ball painting when the weather gets better

    Reply
  83. Circus Queen says

    April 4, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    I think my daughter would love the bubble prints!

    Reply
  84. Jenny says

    April 4, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    I think Action painting with cars would be the first one I would try with my son.

    Reply
  85. Lisa says

    April 5, 2013 at 4:58 am

    I think my daughter would love Action Painting with cars!

    Reply
  86. Linda Thorn says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:55 am

    would love to win the art books
    but I know I have no luck

    Reply
  87. Katherine of Aurora Spitfire says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Well, there are about 500 different activities that I want to try, but for sure the fabric collage doll house (only ours would probably end up being a firehouse or garage) and the spin painting…I just need to get another salad spinner! This book looks amazing!

    Reply
  88. mansi says

    April 6, 2013 at 10:52 am

    hi, i love the artful parent blog and redtedart. Both of you are an inspiration. I would love to win a copy of her book. I love the bubble print activity from her blog.

    Reply
  89. Chiska says

    April 6, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    I’d like to try the simon says draw. That sounds really fun!

    Reply
  90. kelli says

    April 6, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Self portraits in the mirror! I also want a large chalkboard hanging in the main room.

    Reply
  91. Lynda Sanderson says

    April 6, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    i NEED ANY HELP I CAN GET ……. this is wonderful
    Failed with my children, as I can’t do anything, but I now have the chance with my grandchildren.
    Hope I’m lucky with the book but if not will definetely use this site.
    Thank you

    Reply
  92. Cheryl Lovell says

    April 6, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Action painting with cars!

    Reply
  93. elisa says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:53 am

    action painting with cars or simon says draw – its a toss up!

    Reply
  94. Yvonne West says

    April 7, 2013 at 5:25 am

    Sounds like a great prize. I’d love to get my daughter into more arty activities 🙂

    Reply
  95. shane weir says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:44 am

    action painting with cars

    Reply
  96. linda wiles says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:59 am

    Anything to encourage children to enjoy art is a must

    Reply
  97. Mickie Bull says

    April 7, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Action Painting With Cars

    Reply
  98. Emma Smith says

    April 7, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    I love the idea of bubble printing – sounds like good fun!

    Reply
  99. Catwoman The Geek says

    April 7, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    I think my boys would love the bubble printing

    Reply
  100. Hayley Fountain says

    April 7, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    bubble printing x

    Reply
  101. Helen says

    April 7, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    I would love to try the bubble prints with my granddaughter; it sounds messy but, hey, never mind, we’ll cover up and have a whale of a time I’m sure.

    Reply
  102. Dawn Canning says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    ‘Bubble prints’ look just amazing!

    Reply
  103. DAWN TOTTON says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    The bubble printing sounds fab!

    Reply
  104. pauline jepson says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    this book looks amazing with some really great ideas

    Reply
  105. Sarah says

    April 7, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    simon says draw 🙂

    Reply
  106. Justin Parker says

    April 7, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    bubble printing

    Reply
  107. emma hunt says

    April 7, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    I’d love to try the bubble prints, that sounds like fun 🙂

    Reply
  108. Antonia Rookley says

    April 7, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    Bubble prints! Remember doing them as a child and having great fun!!

    Reply
  109. Deborah Bird says

    April 7, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THE CONTACT PAPER SUNCATCHERS TO BRIGHTEN UP MY WINDOWS 🙂

    Reply
  110. lindsey bluff says

    April 7, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    the bubble prints sound fantastic, me and my daughter love arts and crafts time

    Reply
  111. Isabelle Smith says

    April 8, 2013 at 11:49 am

    bubble prints xx

    Reply
  112. tishist says

    April 8, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    bubble prints

    Reply
  113. marie says

    April 8, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    My daughter is 2 1/2 and she loves to draw around her hands, so I’m sure she would like the Body Tracing and Painting

    Reply
  114. Tammy Tudor says

    April 8, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    Shaving cream painting on the window haha very original looks like great fun must give it a try! 🙂

    Reply
  115. Susie M says

    April 10, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    Bubble prints sound great fun, especially outdoors on a sunny day so we could make lots of mess!

    Reply

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