WELCOME

Welcome to Artful Mommy! I'm Monica Lee, an art teacher and artist. I created this space to share projects and activities that will foster creativity at home, and at school.

Scroll down for inspiration! Or check out my paintings here.

5th Grade Van Gogh Reproductions!

Are you looking for a fun project that will make students feel successful with drawing and color? My 5th graders are currently working on...

ArtfulMommy

Sep 29, 20223 min read

Increase Learning with Natural Light!

Did you know that children's test scores go up when they are in a classroom that has more natural light? It's true, there have actually...

ArtfulMommy

Sep 26, 20222 min read

How to teach Elementary Art. Tips, tricks and everything you need to know to get started!

I was a high school art teacher for 14 years, and I loved it. We would spend days, sometimes weeks working on projects. The sky was the...

ArtfulMommy

Jun 24, 202216 min read

Painted Leaf Wreaths

A few months ago I took the job of Art teacher at my kids elementary school. Needless to say, it has been a very busy and fun transition...

ArtfulMommy

Nov 18, 20212 min read

Last Minute Easter Egg Craft!

After over 15 years of living in or near the city of San Diego, we recently moved to the suburbs! It was a very busy and stressful few...

ArtfulMommy

Apr 2, 20212 min read

Paint a Pumpkin, a fun observational drawing activity for kids!

Today I set out one huge pumpkin and had the kids paint it, and I've never seen them more focused!

ArtfulMommy

Oct 6, 20204 min read

Watercolor Paper Fans!

My pod of first graders have approximately three zooms each morning, and after the zooms we usually play learning games or do an art projec

ArtfulMommy

Sep 30, 20203 min read

Reflected Name Drawing, a fun first day of school drawing activity!

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci wrote in his journals using mirror writing? He wrote from right to left and it could only be read...

ArtfulMommy

Sep 9, 20203 min read

Simon Says, a fun whiteboard drawing activity!

As many parents and educators around the country are gearing up for pod learning, I've been thinking about fun drawing activities you...

ArtfulMommy

Aug 7, 20202 min read

Being a Brave Artist!

Lately my favorite day of the week is Thursday. That's because on Thursday my daughter gets out of school early, and my son is still in...

ArtfulMommy

Feb 13, 20202 min read

Styrofoam Printmaking for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, that means it's time for Valentine's themed art projects. Kids both young and old love...

ArtfulMommy

Jan 27, 20203 min read

Windows and sky color!

The days are much shorter and we are seeing more sunsets before bedtime here in San Diego. Sunsets make me think of the beautiful...

ArtfulMommy

Nov 12, 20193 min read

Halloween spinning ghosts and cartoon eyes!

Here is a super fun Halloween art project that you can do with your kids at home, or in the Kindergarten classroom. It all started when I...

ArtfulMommy

Oct 12, 20193 min read

Puffy paint on shirts!

Have you ever let your kids paint their clothes? Here is a super fun puffy paint project that your kids will love! I ordered some puffy...

ArtfulMommy

May 9, 20192 min read

Plant Smash Color Stain Nature Art!

It's springtime here in California and after all the rain we had this year, the flowers are in full bloom! I love finding activities that...

ArtfulMommy

Apr 27, 20193 min read

Take Your Kids to Work Day activities!

Have you ever taken your child to work with you? This Thursday is National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. This event takes...

ArtfulMommy

Apr 22, 20194 min read

Treasure Hunt and Map Activity

Spring is just around the corner here in San Diego, the rain has passed and the air is becoming warm again. The birds are chirping, the...

ArtfulMommy

Mar 31, 20193 min read

Clay tree people!

Have you ever used clay with your kids? In all my years of teaching, I've noticed that students get the most excited about clay. There is...

ArtfulMommy

Mar 27, 20194 min read

The 7 books you need to inspire creativity in your children!

Do your kids love books? I'm a little bit crazy about children's books and so are my kids, we love to read. If my kids are ever going...

ArtfulMommy

Mar 20, 20193 min read

Oil pastels verses crayons

Have you ever wondered what the difference between oil pastels and crayons are? Is one better than the other? They are both excellent...

ArtfulMommy

Mar 18, 20194 min read