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The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art and Creativity--Includes over 60 Art Projects for Children Ages 1 to 8
Bring out your children’s creativity and imagination with more than 60 kids' art activities from the creator of www.ArtfulParent.com.
Art making is a wonderfully fun way for young children to tap into their imagination, deepen their creativity, and explore new materials, all while strengthening their fine motor skills and developing self-confidence. The Artful Parent has all the tools and information you need to encourage your children’s creativity through art. You’ll learn how to set up an art space, how to talk to children about their artwork, how to choose the best art supplies (without breaking the bank), how to repurpose and organize the piles of art created, and even how to use kids' art activities to soften everyday transitions.
The more than sixty engaging kids' arts and crafts projects included here are accessible and developmentally appropriate for one- to eight-year-olds, and they’re a far cry from the cookie-cutter crafts many of us did in school as kids. From bubble prints to musical chairs art, these kids art activities allow children to explore art materials, techniques, and ideas as they grow more creative every day. With activities for downtimes, action art for releasing energy, and recipes for making your own art materials, this book is your guide for raising an artful family.
Art making is a wonderfully fun way for young children to tap into their imagination, deepen their creativity, and explore new materials, all while strengthening their fine motor skills and developing self-confidence. The Artful Parent has all the tools and information you need to encourage your children’s creativity through art. You’ll learn how to set up an art space, how to talk to children about their artwork, how to choose the best art supplies (without breaking the bank), how to repurpose and organize the piles of art created, and even how to use kids' art activities to soften everyday transitions.
The more than sixty engaging kids' arts and crafts projects included here are accessible and developmentally appropriate for one- to eight-year-olds, and they’re a far cry from the cookie-cutter crafts many of us did in school as kids. From bubble prints to musical chairs art, these kids art activities allow children to explore art materials, techniques, and ideas as they grow more creative every day. With activities for downtimes, action art for releasing energy, and recipes for making your own art materials, this book is your guide for raising an artful family.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2013
19 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Jean Van't Hul
9 books26 followersJean Van’t Hul is an author, entrepreneur, and coach with over two decades of experience in making and harnessing the power of vision boards to achieve goals and make desired life changes. Her dedication to understanding how to build the bridge between a dream and a tangible outcome has inspired her own life-long quest and work.
Passionate about helping people manifest their dreams, Jean’s mission is to help individuals unlock their full potential and lead a fulfilling life with purpose, authenticity, and abundance. She shares her knowledge, ideas, and processes through workshops, coaching, and writing at LifeDreamery.com.
In addition, Jean is the founder of The Artful Parent website and an award-winning author of several books on children's art and creativity, seasonal crafts, and family fun.
Jean lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her partner and daughters.
Passionate about helping people manifest their dreams, Jean’s mission is to help individuals unlock their full potential and lead a fulfilling life with purpose, authenticity, and abundance. She shares her knowledge, ideas, and processes through workshops, coaching, and writing at LifeDreamery.com.
In addition, Jean is the founder of The Artful Parent website and an award-winning author of several books on children's art and creativity, seasonal crafts, and family fun.
Jean lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her partner and daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 24, 2015
My children attended a nature preschool and one of the most glaring differences I noticed was that the artwork displayed in the kitchens of others was close to perfect, whereas ours was messy and frequently unrecognizable. One of the teachers at our preschool held an art degree. It was she that explained to me (what this book explains) the value of art as a vehicle of creativity, exploration, discovery and hands-on learning. I have spent time every week of their lives coming up with crafts or art projects for my kids, so I had some concern that this book might offer little to me, especially now that my kids are almost seven and eight. I was wrong!!
I love everything about this book, which offers parents a way to connect with their children through art. There are supply lists, instructions, challenges and group activities. There are so many unique ideas. There are pictures of artwork that are beautiful and real. In a world of Pintrest perfect projects, this book speaks to me. I will be heading straight over to Amazon to buy copies of this for myself and a few friends with younger children. What a treasure!
I love everything about this book, which offers parents a way to connect with their children through art. There are supply lists, instructions, challenges and group activities. There are so many unique ideas. There are pictures of artwork that are beautiful and real. In a world of Pintrest perfect projects, this book speaks to me. I will be heading straight over to Amazon to buy copies of this for myself and a few friends with younger children. What a treasure!
May 30, 2024
Really interesting and fun ideas! My favorite chapter is the one on maintaining inspiration where she goes into how to install creative spirit into cooking, gardening, and reading with kids.
July 8, 2013
The message of this book is win-win-win: encourage your children to express their creativity, become more creatively inspired yourself, and transform the world and the future in the process.
From a parent's point of view, this book is a treasure trove of instruction, advice and lessons on helping kids express themselves in a myriad of creative ways. After reading this book, my only wish was that I could become a child again so that I could have a parent who owned this book and followed the suggestions it contains!
As a person who has worked with Jean through my writing classes and book proposal coaching, I glimpsed this book way, way back, when it was just a glimmer in Jean's eye. Suffice it to say, however, that the final version of this book blows away any preconceived expectations I may have had of how The Artful Parent would turn out. This book is a masterpiece that blends art and parenting in a way that has never been so thoughtfully achieved. The attention to detail in this book is admirable and inspiring.
Hearty thanks to Jean Van't Hul and her dedication and perseverance to the book-creation process. Beautiful books like this are not by chance, they are labors of love. And congrats, as well, to Roost Books for being wise enough to recognize a brilliant author, teacher and parent in Jean, and for doing such a splendid job with the production of this book.
I will recommend The Artful Parent to every parent I ever meet.
From a parent's point of view, this book is a treasure trove of instruction, advice and lessons on helping kids express themselves in a myriad of creative ways. After reading this book, my only wish was that I could become a child again so that I could have a parent who owned this book and followed the suggestions it contains!
As a person who has worked with Jean through my writing classes and book proposal coaching, I glimpsed this book way, way back, when it was just a glimmer in Jean's eye. Suffice it to say, however, that the final version of this book blows away any preconceived expectations I may have had of how The Artful Parent would turn out. This book is a masterpiece that blends art and parenting in a way that has never been so thoughtfully achieved. The attention to detail in this book is admirable and inspiring.
Hearty thanks to Jean Van't Hul and her dedication and perseverance to the book-creation process. Beautiful books like this are not by chance, they are labors of love. And congrats, as well, to Roost Books for being wise enough to recognize a brilliant author, teacher and parent in Jean, and for doing such a splendid job with the production of this book.
I will recommend The Artful Parent to every parent I ever meet.
February 3, 2015
This book was excellent and beyond inspiring.
September 29, 2021
I really like the family commitment to art at the beginning of this book. As a child I often felt the pressure to create something ‘perfect’ with the focus on the end result. This reminds you to enjoy the process and that’s what counts, not the outcome - especially for children. The family commitment reminded me of this and also confirmed my desire to join in art projects with my child and have a go myself, which was fun for them and for me.
This book contains lots of fun and easy ideas to try, with a good mix of things for older and younger children. We loved the salty watercolours activity and my child really enjoyed painting on the glass door with shaving foam.
Other things we want to try next:
Splatter painting
Paint blowing with a straw
Monoprinting
Cotton bud pointillism
Styrofoam prints
Paint with flowers and plants
This book contains lots of fun and easy ideas to try, with a good mix of things for older and younger children. We loved the salty watercolours activity and my child really enjoyed painting on the glass door with shaving foam.
Other things we want to try next:
Splatter painting
Paint blowing with a straw
Monoprinting
Cotton bud pointillism
Styrofoam prints
Paint with flowers and plants
July 5, 2019
Didn't get to actually try a lot of these yet, but have paged through numerous times. Great ideas and love the art focus of course!
May 7, 2017
В нашем доме куда не посмотри наткнешься на каталог предстоящего аукциона, каталог с недавней выставки, книгу по искусству и тд.
Моя дочь рисует с 1 года и 2 месяцев. Первый раз мы сходили в музей, когда ей был год. От искусства ей не отделаться;)
Для себя вынесла несколько интересных заданий:
- обвести тень по контуру;
- рисование машинками;
- инсталляции из скотча и веревок.
Полезным показался "цветовой журнал", в котором нужно изображать настроение. Попробуем с 2,5-3 лет
Моя дочь рисует с 1 года и 2 месяцев. Первый раз мы сходили в музей, когда ей был год. От искусства ей не отделаться;)
Для себя вынесла несколько интересных заданий:
- обвести тень по контуру;
- рисование машинками;
- инсталляции из скотча и веревок.
Полезным показался "цветовой журнал", в котором нужно изображать настроение. Попробуем с 2,5-3 лет
March 9, 2017
Handsomely designed book. I kept borrowing it from the library, and finally decided to just buy a copy!
February 17, 2017
Van’t Hul provides an excellent resource for parents and educators. This book is full of great craft ideas that could work one-on-one in a home setting or with a group in a preschool classroom or library program. Van’t Hul also provides helpful recommendations for craft supplies and setting up a creative space in one’s home. Her advice about how to talk to children about their art (strive to engage rather than evaluate) is invaluable. My only reservation is that it could be overwhelming for a parent who is trying to facilitate art for their child while on a budget. Still, the book provides plenty of ideas that could work for little cost. This is a highly recommended resource.
Get The Artful Parent to from the Denver Public Library
- Katie
Get The Artful Parent to from the Denver Public Library
- Katie
February 28, 2013
As an art teacher and someone who strives to make art a priority in my home, I was very excited to review this book.
First, let me tell you a bit about the author and where this book got its start.
Jean Van't Hul is a blogger with an obvious passion for art. Her blog has been featured in FamilyFun magazine and her writing has appeared all over the web and in some print work too.
Her perspective on art is very refreshing. She approaches art in a friendly, child-focused way that emphasizes process and inspires the young and young at heart to let loose and invite creativity into every day. I actually love the way she approaches art and her explanations for that position.
The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life With Art & Creativity is a complete overview of resources and ideas for making art available to children. This book includes information on how to select, store and use art tools. You'll also find a few recipes for making some of your own art materials at home.
The project ideas listed in the book are pretty basic and non-threatening. If you aren't naturally artistic they shouldn't scare you off since they are simple to set up and, best of all, simple to clean up.
My favorite idea in the book was a Color Journal. The purpose of this project is to encourage the artist to express feelings in a constructive way. Since colors mean different things to different people, it also opens up for some self-awareness and promotes open discussion on perspective.
One of my children frequently struggles with his emotions and how to express them in a healthy way. I think this activity would be very beneficial for him.
I enjoyed the material in the book.
If you're artistic (or striving to be), I definitely recommend stopping by her blog and gleaning what you can. Also be sure to sign up for her newsletter.
This book will be available April 9th, 2013. You can pre-order it on Amazon for $13.91.
I received my free pre-release copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
First, let me tell you a bit about the author and where this book got its start.
Jean Van't Hul is a blogger with an obvious passion for art. Her blog has been featured in FamilyFun magazine and her writing has appeared all over the web and in some print work too.
Her perspective on art is very refreshing. She approaches art in a friendly, child-focused way that emphasizes process and inspires the young and young at heart to let loose and invite creativity into every day. I actually love the way she approaches art and her explanations for that position.
The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life With Art & Creativity is a complete overview of resources and ideas for making art available to children. This book includes information on how to select, store and use art tools. You'll also find a few recipes for making some of your own art materials at home.
The project ideas listed in the book are pretty basic and non-threatening. If you aren't naturally artistic they shouldn't scare you off since they are simple to set up and, best of all, simple to clean up.
My favorite idea in the book was a Color Journal. The purpose of this project is to encourage the artist to express feelings in a constructive way. Since colors mean different things to different people, it also opens up for some self-awareness and promotes open discussion on perspective.
One of my children frequently struggles with his emotions and how to express them in a healthy way. I think this activity would be very beneficial for him.
I enjoyed the material in the book.
If you're artistic (or striving to be), I definitely recommend stopping by her blog and gleaning what you can. Also be sure to sign up for her newsletter.
This book will be available April 9th, 2013. You can pre-order it on Amazon for $13.91.
I received my free pre-release copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2015
What a WONDERFUL craft book for kids and the endless supply of homemade art supplies makes this book a MUST have for all families. Thank you for letting us review your book my kids can't wait to start! :-) She also has many references of web sites for children's activities. What can I say I love this book. We home school 9 of our kids and I was always at a lose for art projects. Thank you sooooo much!
July 15, 2013
There are so many things to love about this book - the beautiful, inviting photography, the practical-yet-not-predictable ideas for materials and projects, the realistic approach to helping children create art, and the helpful resource suggestions. Maybe best of all, this book swayed me more in the direction of leading process-oriented art rather than the usual adult-centric product-oriented creations. We'll be using this book as an art curriculum of sorts for the preschool years.
January 14, 2022
In the era of mommy bloggers who seem to do all the crafts instead of their kids, this book is refreshing. It has dozens of easy crafts that don't need special materials, but are still unique and intriguing to parents and kids alike. And there are plenty of photos of imperfect artwork made by actual children.
June 8, 2015
Gives great information about different developmentally appropriate art/craft ideas and ways to incorporate art into daily life.
August 4, 2013
One of the best books I've seen on creativity with children. The projects are all completely accessible and engaging.
September 4, 2013
Helpful ideas for getting kids messy and learning with art projects, great and small. Loved the little projects interspersed with the authors lists of supplies for different aged kids.
October 20, 2017
I called my mom when I was at about the half way point and said, "You have to read this book. You did so many of these things." And of course, she had read and already reviewed this book years ago.
Also, I am reviewing it a few months after finishing it so I don't have my library copy in front of me for all the quotes I loved.
Things I remember: make a space for art both with a location and with your time. It is ok to use planned creativity with more structured projects. The author created a children's art group in order to keep herself actively engaged in making time for art. She also recommends having surprise supplies and materials strategically placed every once in awhile on a table or in a window sill or somewhere your child can "accidentally" come across it and engage in spontaneous art.
There are many kinds of "artful" including the traditional painting and paper but also expanding into music, dance, language, song, drama, etc.
Use what you are passionate about to bring art alive to your children.
I loved the project ideas and explanations. I loved how she made art feel within reach of the less "artistic" parent. I hope I can develop an artful home. Not there yet but working towards that vision.
Also, I am reviewing it a few months after finishing it so I don't have my library copy in front of me for all the quotes I loved.
Things I remember: make a space for art both with a location and with your time. It is ok to use planned creativity with more structured projects. The author created a children's art group in order to keep herself actively engaged in making time for art. She also recommends having surprise supplies and materials strategically placed every once in awhile on a table or in a window sill or somewhere your child can "accidentally" come across it and engage in spontaneous art.
There are many kinds of "artful" including the traditional painting and paper but also expanding into music, dance, language, song, drama, etc.
Use what you are passionate about to bring art alive to your children.
I loved the project ideas and explanations. I loved how she made art feel within reach of the less "artistic" parent. I hope I can develop an artful home. Not there yet but working towards that vision.
February 11, 2019
Adorable ~ Approachable ~ Pretty
tl; dr: Making is easy and essential for young ones.
I taught studio programs for many years for a big museum. My own children used exactos at 5, often being my guinea pigs for projects. I admit that I requested this ARC half-expecting to be too jaded to enjoy it. I loved this book. It is simple but not simplistic. It is attractive but not twee. Mostly, it is approachable. Families who live in fear of snow days should grab a copy to have when cabin fever approaches. But, even more, the author's approach shows how "messy" projects can be part of every life. When I taught, I was stunned at how few families paint at home. And, unlike Pinterest, where every project is supposed to be photo-ready and insanely "unique" this book sets everything out simply. Finally, two more selling points: these are art projects, not cookie-cutter crafts and the author makes clean-up part of the story. Overall, fantastic.
Thanks to NetGallery for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
tl; dr: Making is easy and essential for young ones.
I taught studio programs for many years for a big museum. My own children used exactos at 5, often being my guinea pigs for projects. I admit that I requested this ARC half-expecting to be too jaded to enjoy it. I loved this book. It is simple but not simplistic. It is attractive but not twee. Mostly, it is approachable. Families who live in fear of snow days should grab a copy to have when cabin fever approaches. But, even more, the author's approach shows how "messy" projects can be part of every life. When I taught, I was stunned at how few families paint at home. And, unlike Pinterest, where every project is supposed to be photo-ready and insanely "unique" this book sets everything out simply. Finally, two more selling points: these are art projects, not cookie-cutter crafts and the author makes clean-up part of the story. Overall, fantastic.
Thanks to NetGallery for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2018
I'm so thankful I came across this book! I don't do crafts... I have found them frustrating with my little boys who really could care less about gluing a specific shape to a specific spot, and honestly, I don't care about that either. This book is not about producing cute things. It is about appreciating the process of creating, the value of children making choices about what to do with the materials given them, and how to appreciate children's art in a meaningful way. Then it adds practical things like specific supplies that are good for kids of various ages, and art ideas.
I have found this to be personally liberating too: why do I have to do an internet search on everything? Just roll with it, trust my intellect and heart, BE CREATIVE. Appreciate the scribbles and learning process.
I have found this to be personally liberating too: why do I have to do an internet search on everything? Just roll with it, trust my intellect and heart, BE CREATIVE. Appreciate the scribbles and learning process.
April 23, 2020
Wonderful content about ways to both introduce and include art activities with kids and also ways to approach such activities for grownups and how to talk to kids about their art. As one who prefers structure, the guidance helps to remind me to loosen up and enjoy the process. Mistakes, and messes, are part of the fun.
Slowly working our way through the many projects. Often returning to favorites, which is another reminder to me that it doesn’t need to be “new” everyday. Exploring with one medium over and over provides opportunities for growth and mastery, for grownups too.
Slowly working our way through the many projects. Often returning to favorites, which is another reminder to me that it doesn’t need to be “new” everyday. Exploring with one medium over and over provides opportunities for growth and mastery, for grownups too.
August 28, 2024
It's the loveliest book, wholesome and holistic for parents looking to incorporate art into their families. It's not a basic idea book, it's way beyond. It helped me with a paradigm shift in how thought of art (being difficult to put together for my toddler) I grew up dabbling with art but she helped me understand some very fundamental n crucial concepts like process vs product based art and how they impact our experiences and art journey. This book is packed with wisdom, practicality, beauty, hope, all the while being really simple to grasp and apply.
February 27, 2017
Exactly what I was looking for: art (not craft) activities for children sprinkled with encouragement about why art is important and tips for creating an art-filled environment at home. I thought some of the age suggestions were a little ambitious, but I know all families are different. Can't wait to get going on a lot of these. I checked this book out from the library and may need a copy for reference.
June 13, 2022
Too many great things to list them all! I loved how this book made me feel confident and capable of providing my kids with a life of creative opportunities, even though I don't consider myself artistic. Especially loved the book suggestions, diy supply recipes, and essays from others in the kids-art field.
July 18, 2017
This book is definitely geared towards younger kids .. and I would have loved this even more when the kids were little. However it still had some good projects and is a great reminder to make our home more full of opportunities to create art.
July 20, 2019
Brilliant book- so many ideas for a range of children’s ages with a huge variety of tools.
My only slight complaint is some of the materials are hard to get hold of or quite pricey.
Very inspiring and certainly given me lots of new ideas to try with my toddler and my friends older children too.
My only slight complaint is some of the materials are hard to get hold of or quite pricey.
Very inspiring and certainly given me lots of new ideas to try with my toddler and my friends older children too.
August 10, 2019
Definitely inspiring me to make more space and time for art, and see that this doesn't have to take more energy. Already seeing more art happening around here, fun for my kid to browse for things he wants to try.
June 9, 2020
A great resource! Very clearly defines the object being *art,* not *crafts.* Great ideas for process art, for giving productive feedback, and setting up independent art stations that even toddlers can use. Will be returning to this one over and over.
January 14, 2025
Didn’t expect this book to actually be, well, a book. I thought it was more about activities to do. That said, there are activities and lots of helpful tidbits. It truly made me more aware of art in our home.
April 21, 2025
This was one of the first books we had on our shelves when my daughters were little. Jean has years of art experience under her belt and it shows. Plenty of easy-to set-up activities with photos to guide you and detailed instructions.
Great starter book if you have kids who like to craft.
Great starter book if you have kids who like to craft.
July 29, 2017
Van't Hul's book features beautiful photos and fun art/crafting project ideas for you and your young children. The projects could also be fun for an art class or art party.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews