Sailboat at Sunset: A Chalk Pastels Tutorial

Sailboat at Sunset

This chalk pastel tutorial is Nana’s third lesson. One of our favorites from the archives, more than two years ago… Nana came by with a surprise. She had her latest pastel picture from class. This sailboat on the ocean, the sunset reflected in the sandy beach – a delight! Nana said this picture was influenced [...]

10 Creative Summer and Beach Art Projects

10 Creative Summer Art and Beach Projects at www.hodgepodge.me

With only a few school things to tie up, my thoughts turn to summer. Projects you can enjoy at home or the seashore! The Art of the Drip Castle – How to Make a Drip Sand Castle. Maybe the backyard sandbox? How to Make a Homemade Handprint Crab T-Shirt Beach Umbrellas Chalk Pastel Tutorial At [...]

Path to the Beach: A Pastels Tutorial

Path to the Beach - A Chalk Pastels Tutorial

The very first time Nana taught us a pastel lesson was a little over two years ago, in February 2010. That day, we created one of our favorite subjects: the beach! Funny thing was, she was snowed in at our house. Inches of snow were piled up outside. But inside, we created puffy clouds, an [...]

10 Easter and Spring Arts and Crafts

Easy Art Projects for Spring at www.hodgepodge.me

Sharing arts and crafts to compliment all things spring! Bird’s Nest: A Pastels Tutorial Tornado: A Pastels Tutorial Handprint Easter Lamb Three Little Chicks: A Pastels Tutorial   Bubbles: A Pastels Tutorial Queen Anne’s Lace: A Pastels Tutorial Wedding Shower Paper Chain Book Lover Wreath (Wreath made from paperback books) Decorate a Trash Can with [...]

Christmas Ornament: A Pastels Tutorial

Christmas Ornament Chalk Pastel Tutorial at Hodgepodge

This lesson is quick enough to enjoy this week before Christmas. A present to you from Nana and the Hodgepodge! Begin by choosing your favorite two ornaments. Place them on your table where you can get a good look while you use your pastels. Take your black pastel stick and draw the simple, ball shapes. [...]

Christmas Tree in Snow: A Pastels Tutorial

Christmas Tree in Snow Chalk Pastel Tutorial at Hodgepodge

We had just finished up making some Christmas mixes when Nana offered a pastel lesson. As in other lessons, she sketched off the steps for the children to follow. Just six simple steps, starting with the colors above… You may want to turn your paper so it is vertical to have more room for a [...]

Tree Silhouette: A Pastels Tutorial

Tree Silouhette Chalk Pastel Tutorial

We were admiring the maple tree in the backyard… …noticing how beautiful the yellow leaves were against the gray sky. Nana said she could show us how to capture the beauty of the tree in chalk pastels. Using an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper, we drew the line for the ground about 3/4 [...]

Leaf: A Pastels Tutorial

Leaf Chalk Pastel Tutorial

This lesson is ablaze with fall colors! We just couldn’t help it. The leaves are just glorious and we had to make a pastel version of the outdoor oranges. And would you believe? Pink? This tutorial is short enough to finish in five minutes. Even two-year-old Lil’ Buddy joined in for a few swipes. Nana [...]

Coca-Cola: A Pastels Tutorial

Coca-Cola Chalk Pastel Tutorial

Being from the south, all things that are syrupy and carbonated are called Coke. Especially here in Georgia, around the Coke capitol of Atlanta. Just last month, we went as a family to the World of Coke for Middle Girl’s birthday. All that said, we thought it appropriate to enjoy a Coca-Cola pastel. Nana helped [...]

Beach Umbrellas: A Pastels Tutorial

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From last summer’s archives…We sat at the coffee table and looked out at the view. The brilliant teal blue water and the colorful beach umbrellas. Yes, we really had made it to the beach. And on this afternoon, Nana showed us how to capture the brilliant colors in pastels. Not only did we learn how [...]

Fudge Pie: A Pastels Tutorial Plus Recipe

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Are you ready to whip up a fudge pie? Well, guess what? Today, you can either stir up a pie on your paper or use the recipe below to bake one in your oven – or both! I’m sharing Nana’s latest pastels tutorial plus the recipe for Fudge Pie at Heart of the Matter today. [...]

Weather: A Pastels Tutorial

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“Beauty puts a face on God. When we gaze at nature, at a loved one, at a work of art, our soul immediately recognizes and is drawn to the face of God.” ~ Margaret Brownley This pastel lesson was inspired by the above photo. That tiny figure out on the beach is my brother. Two [...]