Blog
My Must-Have Travel Art Supplies ✈️🎨
Looking for the best travel art supplies for sketching on the go? Whether you're heading on a big trip or just sketching in the park, this guide shares my favorite portable art supplies for painting, drawing, and creating anywhere. From compact watercolor sets to waterproof pens and the perfect travel sketchbook, discover the must-have tools every artist should pack.
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My Favorite Watercolor Sets (and What I Actually Use!)
Discover my favorite watercolor sets for artists of all levels—including pros and cons of tubes vs. pans, liquid watercolors, and portable kits perfect for art teachers, hobbyists, and creatives on the go.
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My First Mini Course is Here: Botanical Silhouettes 🌱
Two years ago, I painted a silhouette of my daughter filled with blooming botanicals—and had no idea how much that single painting would change the course of my creative journey. At the time, it was simply a personal piece, created with love as I watched my daughter start to grow into the little lady she was starting to become. I decided to share this painting on my Instagram and was blown away by the reaction! Something about this painting seem to resonate with my followers: fellow moms, teachers, art admirers and soon after, I found myself sharing the process with others through my first ever adult art workshops. These workshops then morphed into online workshops and before I knew it, I had taught this lesson to hundreds of people—from fellow teachers to complete beginners—each one creating beautiful, heartfelt works of art inspired by someone (or some pet) they love. Teaching this lesson to other adults who have maybe always bee interested in art by rarely made the time for it lit a spark in me: I loved teaching adults. I loved teaching busy moms. I loved that I could create a special time for each of my attendees to look inward, focus on their own joy, practice and experience. I was also surprise to learn that after 15 years of teaching kids under the age of 12, that I could experience all of the same feelings of price and joy that filled my cup when teaching kids- but on a peer to peer scale. After teaching my Growth Mindset workshop over 10 times both in person and online, I am now thrilled to share that my first ever mini course is officially here! Introducing: 🌿Botanical Silhouettes: A Growth Mindset Mini Course 🌿 This self-paced course invites you to create a meaningful silhouette painting of a loved one using gouache, layered with plants and symbols of growth. It’s inspired by the idea that, like nature, we are constantly growing—especially when we allow ourselves to slow down, get creative, and make space for learning. What’s Included: ✔️ A detailed supply list (perfect for beginners)✔️ Pre-recorded video tutorials you can pause and rewatch anytime✔️ A Plant Painting Guide to build your confidence with gouache✔️ A step-by-step presentation that breaks down the whole process Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this project is a beautiful reminder that creativity and growth go hand in hand. I hope it brings you the same sense of peace, joy, and connection that it brought me when I painted that first silhouette of my daughter. One thing I know is that when you finally say yes to your creative side, so much more than your art will start to grow. If you're interested in creating your own gouache masterpiece, click here to begin! 🌿 Happy making!
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How a Simple Sketchbook Practice Changed My Life (as a Teacher and a Mom)
Nine years ago, I was a new mom battling postpartum anxiety, trying to balance teaching full-time and caring for my baby. Everything changed when I picked up an old sketchbook and made a small promise to myself: 20 minutes of creative time a day. What started as a simple act of self-care turned into a daily sketchbook practice that transformed my mental health, reignited my passion for art, and eventually led to a thriving creative career. In this post, I’m sharing how my sketchbook became a lifeline—and how it might just do the same for you.
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Introducing Our New Quell Sketchbook: Your Creative Companion Made with Heart
Discover the new Quell Sketchbook—an A5, hardbound artist-quality sketchbook with smooth 157gsm mixed media paper and a lay-flat design. Perfect for drawing, painting, journaling, and sketching on the go. Loved by artists and kids!
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DIY Sun Catcher: An Easy and Colorful Art Project For Kids of All Ages!
Looking for an easy and colorful art project for kids? This DIY Sun Catcher lesson is perfect for art teachers, classroom teachers, and parents! Using black glue and markers on transparency film, students can create beautiful stained-glass–inspired sun catchers that brighten any window. Fun, affordable, and simple to set up—perfect for spring art projects, classroom activities, or creative afternoons at home.
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The Best Budget-Friendly Acrylic Markers for Artists and Creative Kids
Looking for affordable, high-quality acrylic markers that work for both kids and professional artists? In this review, I’m sharing why the Ohuhu Brush Tip Acrylic Markers have quickly become a favorite in our home. With vibrant colors, smooth brush tips, and a budget-friendly price, these markers are perfect for mixed media projects, classroom use, or sparking creativity in young artists.
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Easy Coffee Filter Flowers Craft for All Ages! 🌸
Looking for an easy and engaging spring art project for kids? These colorful coffee filter flowers are perfect for art teachers and parents alike! With simple supplies and a big visual payoff, this process-based craft explores color mixing, creativity, and sensory play—making it an ideal addition to your spring arts and crafts lineup.
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The Artist Bag That Goes Where You Go: Meet Quell’s Newest Must-Have
The Quell™ Artist Bag is the ultimate solution for artists, creatives, and art teachers who want to make art on the go easier than ever. Designed with a sleek, minimalist style, it features smart compartments for sketchbooks, supplies, and essentials—perfect for plein air painting, classroom travel, or creative adventures. Whether you're commuting, exploring, or teaching, this compact yet spacious bag keeps you organized and ready when inspiration strikes.
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Celebrating Women’s History Month Through Folk Art Portraits
Looking for a meaningful Women’s History Month art lesson for your classroom? This Folk Art Portrait project is a powerful way to help students celebrate influential women through portraiture, storytelling, and research. Perfect for elementary and middle school art teachers, this lesson encourages students to honor women they admire—whether historical figures or personal heroes—while exploring bold colors, patterns, and symbolism in their artwork. Discover how this engaging, easy-to-adapt art project fosters creativity, student choice, and conversations about representation and resilience in your art room!
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8 Practical Tips For Making More Art as a Busy Adult and Parent
How to Make Time for Art—Even When Life Feels Too BusyFeeling too overwhelmed to be creative? Between work, parenting, and life’s never-ending to-do list, making time for art can feel impossible. But the truth is—you don’t need hours or a fully stocked studio to build a meaningful creative practice. In this post, I’m sharing 8 realistic tips for how to make art a part of your daily routine (even with kids!) using simple tools, habit stacking, and self-care strategies. Whether you’re picking up a sketchbook for the first time or reigniting an old creative spark, this guide will help you build a consistent, low-pressure art habit that actually fits your life.
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How to Make a Textured 3D Tree for Your Classroom or Art Show
Creating a large, textured tree is a beautiful, dynamic project that can be used year after year to create an immersive experience for an art show or your classroom. Whether you're celebrating the seasons, creating a backdrop for an art exhibit, or just looking to add some creative flair to your space, this DIY tree project is a perfect fit. Here’s how to make it step-by-step. Materials Needed: Painter's tape Brown kraft paper Foil (for texture) Hot glue gun Brown paper towels (for paper mache) Paper mache paste (homemade or Elmer's glue paste) Cheap green plastic tablecloths Paper clips or binder clips Pool noodles (optional for branches) Streamers or twisted green bulletin board paper (for vines) Paint and brushes (for embellishments) Step 1: Set the Base Start by finding a column or bump-out wall space to use as the tree's base. Secure brown kraft paper onto the wall with painter's tape to form the trunk of the tree. This will provide a sturdy foundation for the rest of your project. Step 2: Add Texture with Foil Crinkle some strips of foil and hot glue them onto the kraft paper base. This adds texture and gives the tree a more sculptural, realistic look. Foil is lightweight but can still give the appearance of rough bark or tree texture. Step 3: Paper Mache the Trunk Next, use strips of inexpensive brown paper towels (perfect for this project and commonly found in schools!) to create a paper mache layer over the foil. Dip the strips into paper mache paste (you can either make it yourself or use Elmer's glue paste) and apply them over the crumpled foil. This layer adds both texture and strength to the trunk. Step 4: Create the Tree's Leaves For the leaves, use green plastic tablecloths from the dollar store. These are cheap, easy to work with, and have a nice flowing texture. Attach the tablecloths to the ceiling using paper clips or binder clips, letting them hang down to form the main body of the tree’s leaves. Step 5: Make Vines to Hang from the Tree Create some fun vines by twisting green bulletin board paper, streamers, or strips of tablecloths. Drape them around the tree to give it an extra layer of whimsy and realism. You can even have your students help create these in bulk for efficiency! Step 6: Add Branches with Pool Noodles If you'd like to add branches to your tree, pool noodles work wonderfully. Cut them to the desired length, then wrap them in crumpled kraft paper and secure them using hot glue or more paper mache. This makes for flexible, lightweight branches that can be arranged however you like. Step 7: Embellish the Tree Trunk Once the basic structure is in place, it’s time for some finishing touches! Use a dry brush technique with different shades of brown paint to add texture to the trunk. You could also paint in a critter in a hole in the tree, or get creative with other ideas to personalize the look. Step 8: Bonus – Reuse Your Tree for Different Celebrations One of the best parts about this project is that it’s versatile! You can reuse the tree year after year for different themes or school events. For example, I used this tree as part of a Mister Rogers-themed art show. The possibilities are endless when you think about how to incorporate the tree into different celebrations or art show themes! This DIY tree is a fun way to add a creative element to your space, and the best part is it can be used for multiple purposes throughout the year. From art shows to classroom decor, it’s sure to be a hit! Happy crafting!
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