New Book! Art Lab for Kids


I recently received for review a copy of Art Lab for Kids, Susan Schwake's new book which is a treasure trove of creative art making projects for kids from drawing, painting, printmaking, paper and mixed media. Although focused on children's projects the book could easily be translated for any budding artist despite the age. In fact I may be looking into trying a few of these projects myself.

In Art Lab for Kids each lesson is inspired by 36 contemporary artists who are also featured in this book from Lisa Solomon to  Mati Rose McDonough, Amy Rice to Heather Smith Jones.  The inspiration list is impressive and well-thought out.




Photographed by her husband Rainer Schwake, the book is a collection of lessons Susan has used over the past twenty years of teaching. From projects started at her kitchen table with her daughter Grace, when she was three, to when she opened up her first little art school in a rented space at a local church. Years have passed and the classes expanded and Susan moved into a larger studio where it has grown into a full gallery/studio/school and online shop, artstream.
 
Art Lab for Kids is a fun and easy to use book offering up amazing projects for all ages. Available through amazon.com .





Jan Halvarson

30 comments:

Danie at Pasadya said...

So cute! I love kids' art. :)

Unknown said...

this is great! something for the budding little artist

Melissa@Julias Bookbag said...

what a great find! i think this looks like a must-have!

heather smith jones said...

Woohoo! Big cheers for Susan! Since I have Susan's book Art Lab for Kids, in my possession I can say that yes, it is a must have. It covers a broad range of media that are applicable to multi-ages of children, young adults, and are inspiring to adults. The projects are written in her voice and are clear, easy to understand. Plus the photography is beautiful. Art Lab for Kids is a fantastic book!

Lynda Howells said...

as an art teacher and studio owner..this book is worth it's weight in gold!x
http://chocolatelifeandjazz.blogspot.com
www.artyfizz.com

mimikry said...

that's ao cute! because i still know how much i loved it to paint/create as a child and how i still do!!
it's soooo important for kids to be creative and to express themself!!

WALTER G said...

Absolutely Artastic!
This should not just be for children's eyes... Susan's book has great ideas for all! As a textile designer myself(www.walter-g.com.au), I am always trying to find ways of getting back to basics and finding new inspirations, and crayons is a lovely place to start.... After all, "Life is about using the whole box of crayons"!

xxGenevieve

WALTER G said...

Absolutely Artastic!
This should not just be for children's eyes... Susan's book has great ideas for all! As a textile designer myself(www.walter-g.com.au), I am always trying to find ways of getting back to basics and finding new inspirations, and crayons is a lovely place to start.... After all, "Life is about using the whole box of crayons"!

xxGenevieve

。A 。b 。b 。y 。 said...

The book is really inspiring. It is not just the children enjoy working on all the projects in the book, so do the parents!

Anonymous said...

As a grannie and also a 'helper' at the local primary school, I can see that this book is just what I need!

Micaela H.M. said...

This is such an inspiring book! I used to teach art to children and would have loved to have such a fabulous resource! Wonderful work.

mamatkins said...

Would love to win! Thanks,mamatkins@hotmail.com

moje atoto said...

I dream about this book!!!

moje atoto said...

I dream about this book!!!

Design Lab 443 said...

Looks like an awesome book, perfect for the summer to keep the kiddos busy! My fingers are crossed to win!

syd said...

Forget the kids, I'd love to try out these myself!

andrea said...

ooooh, my daughter would love this book, she's really into art, an learning about artists, we just did some googling to learn who andy warhol is, and she's only three!

Molly said...

I've been lusting after this book for almost a month! I've just got to get my hands on one1

Miss Allison Creates said...

I love it! The plan is to use all of the craft ideas for storytime projects

Amy said...

Dying to get my hands on this! I'm planning on using it for summer projects with our art-crazy 7 year old.

womanundone said...

This book looks like an awesome way to get the kids away from passive into active. I can't wait to explore it and get my hands on a copy. I'm also a high school teacher so I can pass on the name to my elementary teaching peers and parents alike! Thanks for the introduction Poppytalk ;)

womanundone said...

This book looks like an awesome way to get the kids away from passive into active. I can't wait to explore it and get my hands on a copy. I'm also a high school teacher so I can pass on the name to my elementary teaching peers and parents alike! Thanks for the introduction Poppytalk ;)

The Lowe Family said...

This would be the perfect birthday gift for my soon to be five year old boy who spends much of his time creating art.

Unknown said...

This looks really great!
I was looking already for a book like that. Not only for my kids (5, 8 & 10 years) but also for me (schoolteacher).

Tara said...

My six year old artist will love this!

MsDriver said...

Looks like a great book for kids AND their parents... I want one!!

Natasha said...

Wow! what a great book to have to keep the whole family busy.

ronet said...

My 10 year old granddaughter would love this book as shs's is all ways drawing

JT said...

I think I would enjoy this as much as my 5 year old!

Rachel Bancroft said...

Looks like a great book. My kids are always interested in learning about art and using a variety of materials.