Every year, our home fills with Christmas magic when our cheeky elves, Max and Tinsel , arrive. For my two girls, ages 9 and 11, the elves aren’t just visitors, they’re part of the family, bringing laughter, mischief and plenty of fun. This year, we will be combining their arrival with Christmas art activities , turning the excitement into creative fun. Here are some of the things we will be doing. Elf Portraits & Welcome Letters The girls draw their version of Max and Tinse

Christmas Tree Cone Art Project As the festive season approaches, Christmas provides a wonderful opportunity to bring creativity, warmth and a sense of celebration into art lessons and projects. Whether you’re teaching Early Years, KS1 or KS2, seasonal projects can spark imagination, support key art skills and fill your classroom with beautiful winter artwork. Below are some inspiring Christmas art ideas and lesson themes, all easily adaptable and designed to complement the r

Choosing the right workshop topic can make all the difference between a good experience and a fantastic one. Whether you’re organising an activity for a school, WI group, community event, or a creative day with friends, the “best” workshop topic is usually the one that brings people together, teaches a new skill, and leaves everyone with something they’re proud to take home. 1. Choose a Topic That Sparks Curiosity The best workshop topics are those that instantly make people

New Art Lesson Plans for Primary Schools – More on the Way! I’m excited to announce that on my website, I’m currently building a new collection of art lesson plans for primary schools , designed especially for teachers who want engaging, easy‑to‑use resources in the classroom. These lesson plans are intended to help you deliver creative, structured sessions with confidence. Each plan will outline objectives, materials, step‑by‑step activities, and extension ideas, all to supp

Willow is a remarkable material, lightweight, flexible, and naturally renewable. Historically, it was used for baskets, tools, and everyday crafts and today it offers incredible potential for sustainable practices in art and design. One of the key benefits of willow is its low carbon footprint . It grows quickly, requires minimal water, and can be harvested repeatedly without harming the environment. Using willow in art and craft projects is not only creative but also a way t

I’m often asked to run art clubs in schools , and while I would love to say yes every time, I don’t always have the time to fit them in. Occasionally, I do accept, especially for schools local to me in Barnsley. For the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of running an art club at Monk Fryston Primary School . The children, aged 5 to 11, explore all sorts of creative projects. I love linking our art activities to seasonal celebrations, creating special projects for Christm

One of my favourite parts of being a visiting artist is bringing new and exciting crafts into the classroom, the kinds of creative activities that often get missed out in the usual curriculum. My creative workshops for schools  give children the chance to explore different materials, learn new techniques, and discover the joy of making something truly unique. Wet Felting One of the most popular workshops I teach is wet felting , a lovely, hands-on way to create pictures using

I always think it’s funny to call myself an artist . When I hear that word, I picture someone with their work displayed in a gallery, surrounded by people nodding thoughtfully at paintings. But being an artist isn’t just about galleries, it’s also about sharing creativity and inspiring others. For me, that happens in schools. As a visiting artist , I get to create art in front of children, and it’s one of the most rewarding things I do. It always makes me smile when I hear a

Hello! I’m Christine, a former primary school teacher and the owner of The Art Room . Ten years ago, while on maternity leave, I had the idea to start a company that combined my love of teaching with my passion for creativity. I wanted to bring more art, imagination, and hands-on learning into primary schools and that’s how The Art Room  began. What started as a small idea has grown into something truly special. Today, I deliver a wide range of art workshops for primary schoo