Weighted Line Drawings

LET IT SAG

Can you give a drawing the illusion of weight

simply by bending your lines?

smallSHOP artists explore the possibilities of line

in this playful drawing exercise.

First, we drew a cute critter ...

... Then used line to make him a cozy, bouncy bed.

It's enough to make you want to 

curl up

and 

sink in

to a pretty, 

pillowy line.

Keep Creating!

always,

smallSHOP

Bicycle Balance Drawings

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE

A surreal still life drawing 
stacked sky high!

smallSHOP Artists tackled a bicycle balance 
challenge with AMAZING results!

First, we put our drawing skills to the test

by rendering a realistic bicycle.

Each artist customized their bike

by stacking favorite personal items on top.

They've mastered a technical mechanical drawing,

added a dash of whimsey and color creating 

an impressively playful composition 

all their own!

Bravo to our incredible young artists!

We also played with watercolor pencils 

to try another version of the 

brilliant bikes.

We're ready to pack a picnic and hit the road

with our amazing smallSHOP artists.

Have a creative day!

always,

smallSHOP

Charley Harper Inspired Birds

BEAUTIFUL BIRDIES

Inspired by Charley Harper

Charley Harper's bold graphic style 
is a feast for the eyes.

We're so inspired by his 
colorfully geometric birds -

we made a few of our own

smallSHOP style!

Birds by illustrator Charley Harper (1922 - 2007)

First, we practiced drawing in Harper's style -

we used minimal lines to capture 
the essence of each bird's posture

then added playful geometric patterns.

We studied Harper's spot on color choices

and designed our own color schemes 
using watercolor pencil and gouache.

Charley Harper Inspired Birds by 7 year old artists:

Simple and Sweet

Keep Creating!

Always,

smallSHOP

Mini Landscapes

LOVELY 

LITTLE LANDSCAPES

What could be sweeter than 

a lovingly painted landscape?

This holiday season our 9 and 10 year old 
smallSHOP artists surprised their families 
with beautifully detailed 4" x 4" landscape paintings.

We learned how to show perspective 

in a painting using foreground, 

middle ground and background-

And included lots of details and 

color variations to bring life to our paintings.

Even our 6 year old little artists joined in on the fun!

We are SO proud of our smallSHOP artists' 

hard work and imagination

and 

so in love with their gorgeous paintings!

What a joy it is to make something beautiful -

and gift it to the people you love.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

always,

smallSHOP

Silhouette Ornament DIY

Make Your Own Keepsake Ornament

In 4 easy steps

YOU WILL NEED:

Mini canvas, paint, ribbon, x-acto knife, hot glue, mod podge

and a mini print out of your child's profile

Extra fun...

Add on glitter, collage pieces, metallic pen, stickers - get creative!

STEP 1 - The Silhouette:

Snap a photo of your child in profile.

Print it small on card stock and carefully cut out with an X-acto

STEP 2 - Paint and Decorate!

Paint the mini canvas any color or colors you would like. 

Cover the silhouette with black paint and set aside to dry. 

Add glitter, collage pieces, stickers, anything to the canvas. 

STEP 3 - Seal with Mod Podge

Glue everything down and cover with a coat of mod lodge -

(Don't worry it dries clear)

STEP 4 - Add Ribbon to Hang

Run a line of hot glue down each side of the canvas

and press the ribbon into place

How about one for each sibling?

What better way to spend the 

holiday than crafting together?

Have A Creative Day!

Always,

smallSHOP

Elf on the Shelf Madness... want to join?

SONNY'S BACK

We had so much fun with Elf on the Shelf 

last year, we thought that we would share 

some of our favorites for you to try. 

smallSHOP's elf is named Sonny. 

He is mischievous and fun. 

Please use some of Sonny's escapades 

as inspiration for your little elf, if ya got one!

Tree Elf

Wreath Bound

Mission Elf-possible

Brushing

Masterpiece

Hanging with friends

Hipster Elf

Who stole the cookies?

Pumping Iron

Spooning

Snow Angels

Cuddling with the critters

Sunday ride

Bubble bath heaven

Smack Down

The gingerbread house got Elf'ed!

Walking his pet

Holding court with the King. 

Gone fishing

The night after the raging elf party

It's December!

Get your holiday on. 

and

Keep creating!

Always, 

smallSHOP