Putting some music on and getting the coloring pens out is a great family activity - a rare moment when you can all be round the table, tv off, chatting, doodling - and all doing the same thing together.
My kids really remember these precious times - I see these times as little injections of self esteem - when they get our full attention, it helps them know how important they are - more important than the hoovering, the mobile phone......
Coloring books are so 'on trend' at the moment, and we all know the relaxing benefits of switching off for a while.
However, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best and we don't always need expensive art materials and coloring books to keep kids creatively occupied.
I grabbed a roll of tape and a biro and started playing........
I filled a couple of pages with circular patterns, using the tape as a stencil to draw round.
The doodles look great with oil pastels.....especially on coloured paper.
The process has been quite addictive - if you scroll down this blog post, you'll see some more examples, using lids, tiles - any simple-shaped household objects will do.
I've experimented on music paper, old stamp album paper, maps - all to be found in local charity shops - the older and more yellowing the better!
If you enjoy doodling and art making with your kids, have a look around my website, check out my free summer printables collection - from flipflops to lollipops, teepees to sneakers, blank postcards, journal covers, geckos and more.
If you like my ideas, have a browse around my ideas-packed Teachers Pay Teachers Store - lots of handy art packets for all year round fun in the classroom or at home
- hope to see you again!
Have a fun summer,
Diane
A couple of weeks on, I'm still experimenting with doodling and drawing around basic shapes that I'm finding around the house - it's really relaxing!
Here are a few more simple ideas .... I'm thinking this would be a great rainy day holiday activity as such few materials are needed.
27.7.15
Today I tore some pages out of my dad's old 70's yellowed, A-Z of London with the idea of doodling on maps.
Again, drawing round a roll of tape with a biro and then colouring in the circle.
They came out looking quite 'Mondrian'.
7th August
My latest doodle has come from finding an old plastic lid - the shape reminded me of lemons and limes - I drew some overlapping shapes and experimented with pattern and colorblocking using felt tips, pastels and watercolours.
September's here and I'm thinking about Autumn / fall doodles, here's a manuscript maple leaf
Head over to my Autumn page for free printables and templates.
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