Toddler Activity: Watercolor Bubble Paper

Here we are in mid June. School is either out or just about over and soon your house will have little people filled with big energy. Whether you're a mommy to one cute toddler (here!) or a couple of crazy kiddos, one thing is for sure...they need something to do. I'm all about creating fun, interactive activities that encourage creativity and incorporates a child's personality into the craft.

Bubbles are such a summer time staple. Combined with watercolor paints and large sheets of paper, toddlers and kids of all ages will have a blast blowing colorful bubbles and making art!

Here's what you'll need:

• A quarter or half of an egg carton (depends on how many different colors you want)
• watercolor paint tubes, non-toxic and washable
• bubble solution and wand
• large sheets of white paper (the thicker, the better)

Normally when you create watercolor paint, you mix the paint with water. For this activity, use the bubble solution as a substitute. Fill each egg carton section with about 1 tablespoon of bubble solution. Then add a drop or two of watercolor paint in each, creating as many colors as you'd like. Use a small spoon or a straw to stir the paint into the solution.

For this next step, use your discretion. I have a toddler so I knew that if I laid an old tablecloth on the floor covered in paper, it would be a fun and messy activity that would keep his attention. For older kids, you can just cover a tabletop with the paper. Totally up to you. Or take this activity outside! I will have to try that next time.

Give them the bubble wand, paints and step back, mama! Or just stand by and get sprayed in the face like I did. Show the child how to blow the special bubble paint onto the paper or at least in that direction. You can practice different techniques like blowing the bubbles closer or farther away to get different size drips. David had a much better time going the Jackson Pollock route and flinging the paint across the paper. Well, he flung the paint and it just so happened the paper caught it! Either way, he had fun and improvised when the paint spilled by using his fingers and toes.

See all the cool effects on the paper? It was really neat when the bubbles stay on the paper and David popped them. Now I have to figure out an awesome craft where I can use all this beautiful paper!

Do you have a summer craft bucket list with your kiddo/kiddo?
Share an activity you're planning on doing this season in the comments, I'd love to know.

What Do You Know?

I've realized my blog in the past started getting away from art. Which is sad since that is part of my life and is what I do. Duh "Art By Jacy"!! I don't know why this happened, probably distracted by all the shiny things happening in blog world. Today I figured I'd share some new works with you that are up in the shop. The truth is, I need your opinion...

What do you think of these?? I've never done this type of style before but I'm kinda feeling them. The first one was definitely a hit with the handsome husband. I know I did good when he looks at the paper and blurts out "Wow!" *Pat on my back*

This is also a new style I'm trying and I am so excited about it. I am ADDICTED to quotes. Like, it's ridiculous. I want to start inspiring with art and words, which should tie in with me selling art and books. I'm loving the bright, fun colors too. Thoughts? I am also thinking about providing different colors too...kinda like the ones below...which brings me to my next question...

Have you been letting distractions or fears get in the way of your joy? My art is so important but for some reason I forget to share it with you guys. Is it because I fear you won't like this blog if I didn't offer linkys and giveaways? I want to get back to the heart of passion and to get real. And if I lose some of you along the way, it really shouldn't matter. It's not about that anyway {though I would be sad. honest.}

What do you know about your passion? Are you willing to share it or do you let fear steal your joy?

I'm a Trendsetter...{Shop Update}

Before I shamelessly/excitingly share with you some of the fun art shtuff that I've been up to, I just wanted to take a moment to welcome all the new followers!! You guys are super-duper awesome, thanks for not just stopping by, but deciding to stay a while :) {Hope it's worth it haha}

Okay, so, I've been working my tail off updating my new online shop! I'm still over at Etsy, but honestly, I'm too poor and cannot afford paying any more fees! {ya'll feel me?!}
Then thanks to my girl Alissa over at Rags to Stitches, I heard about Storenvy. I'm still getting the hang of how they do things, but seriously guys, they rock so far! Haven't had a sale yet so I don't know how that part goes but the updating process for products/photos/listing descriptions etc is soooo much easier {and social media friendly too, yay!}

Here are some photos to preview what I have in my shop thus far {click on the image to be linked}:

Pretty fun, huh?
I've been having a blast with these!!

The thing is, I'm not sure how to organize my shop tabs...should I keep it, by category/theme OR go by print size/original art/etc? I'm just wondering if my tabs are too cluttered looking? You tell me!! Please click on the link below {or the "Shop" tab at the top of the blog} to be forwarded to my online store, then come back and leave a comment with a critique/opinion. Who better to trust with this decision then my amazing readers?? :)

Can't wait to hear what you guys think!!