Podcasts about deep space sparkle

The Coronavirus is certainly shaking things up. It's early on in the cycle of school closures, social distancing and home-based learning and people are just plain confused. Folks deal with these types of events differently. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to stay put, not travel, hoard toilet paper and stock up on Chardonnay. So I thought it might be helpful to offer you a permission slip to slow down, calm down and take this pandemic day by day. There are so many opportunities lurking behind every bored moment, teaching challenge and frustrations. You never really know when you'll hit your stride of capturing moments for your students and children during this disruption. This episode shares insights on how boredom is the biggest precursor to creativity. How pulling back maybe the best way to ignite children's creativity. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What I did to develop and nurture my own creativity when I was a child. - How giving your child unstructured time to think about what they like will lead to so many good things - A simple exercise you can start using today with younger students - Why you don't need a lot of tech or equipment to connect with your students while they're at home - What possibilities exist when children are home for an extended period of time - What I recommend you do (and don't do) while home during this time LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: How the Enneagram Broke Me Wide Ame: AME 130 www.deepspacesparkle.com/enneagram-broke-wide-open-ame-130/ The Art Pantry Website www.theartpantry.com/diy/e-guides/ Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I'd love to hear your main takeaways from this week's podcast. www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you're grading children in art class, or why your art looks the way it does? You're not alone. One of the biggest challenges for many art teachers, classroom teachers, and art volunteers is setting expectations for your art program. This is an often overlooked part of your program and if not addressed early on, can lead to some very uncomfortable conversations. And believe me, I've had a few. If you struggle with any of the above, then I'm happy to say that the solution is easy. Today, I'm sharing how a communication plan will empower you with a clear message that will virtually eliminate any confusion with parents, teachers and your administration. Download my worksheet below that will help walk you through each step of your communication plan. "When you are confident in your approach, art philosophy, rules and procedures, you can bet others will be confident in YOU." - Patty Palmer WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to draft an effective communication plan - Why it's never too late to send out a communication letter to the parents - How you can use social media to get your message out - Why this practice has been a positive experience for me - What can happen if you delay sending this information - Which topics to cover in your communication letter LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Click the yellow button below to download my worksheet to help you draft your own art program letter: Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I'd love to hear your main takeaways from this week's podcast. www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

As art teachers we have BIG goals for our art programs. Extensive year-long themes and curriculums require many class sessions to complete. And the more classes a project requires, the more likely it is that kids will fall behind. And that means a portfolio of unfinished work. One of the most effective ways to tackle unfinished work is to schedule a make-up art day for your students. Not only are they helpful in building the confidence level of your young artists but they’ll have more finished art to choose from for your annual art show. It’s a win-win! Why you should schedule a Make-up day: 1. Students can select which project means the most to them 2. Students feel a sense of accomplishment 3. Portfolios reflect the full body of work the student has created 4. More projects to select from for the art show HOW: 1. Set up your space to reflect how students will move through their projects. 2. Pull our portfolios and lay on table 3. Determine the projects that have the most unfinished work 4. Set up individual tables with the supplies to work on those projects 5. Allow children to move from table to table Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I'd love to hear your main takeaways from this week's podcast. www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Podcasts mentioned in this episode: How to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148 www.deepspacesparkle.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-school-art-show-ame-148/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you sometimes feel that there is a spark missing from your art room? Maybe your students are acting bored, apathetic or disruptive? Don't throw out your behavior management plan just yet. All you might need is a change in how you engage with your students. Here are my favorite - and slightly unconventional ways - to connect with your students so your art room is engaging, happy and fun. 1. Get to know your students There is always a story behind the struggle and sometimes the most gentle way to show a child you care is to sit and ask them about their day/interest/hobbies. 2. Become aware of personality profiles Even younger children demonstrate a tendency towards a certain personality: who is the team player, who is the perfectionist, who is bossy, who demands attention. Play into these strong traits with humor, affection and acceptance. 3. Aim to connect with 1-2 kids each class Pick out 2 kids per class with whom you will sit with and give attention. Sometimes, this act allows you to really see a child for who they are. 4. Practice the Clean Slate Model In my mind, this is a game-changer for building trust, authority and compassion. If you have a classroom behavior plan and implement it, making sure to use the Clean Slate Model afterwards is essential. 5. Help kids be responsible for contributing to the class dynamics Determine who gets to help with prep or clean up or who gets to be the model for portrait demonstrations. Showcase or hi light a student's work of art. Develop a practice of critiquing each others works with kindness and curiosity. Anything that can build on the team dynamics of a class contributes to its overall effectiveness. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Join us in the Dazzler Facebook Group for the Aftershow discussion with your favorite way to connect with students. I'd love to hear your stories! Books mentioned in this podcast episode: Classroom Management for Art, Music and PE Teachers by Michael Linsin: https://amzn.to/32t0qVx The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile: https://amzn.to/2Pq41OI Join the waitlist to be notified when our next enrollment opens! You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

Hosting an art show is undeniably the best way to celebrate your student's year long efforts in art education. But the logistics of an art show can be overwhelming. Whether you're excited to put this together (or expected to) it's always a good idea to plan ahead. In this episode, I'll take you through each step to prepare yourself and what you can do to make sure your art show is a success. Download my Art Show Checklist below and follow along with me in today's podcast. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to select the right projects for display - Who you should contact to help coordinate your event - Why student portfolios are important - What are the most important things you'll need to do one month, one week and a day before the show LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure to DOWNLOAD my free guide to setting up your own art show. Add your name and email and we'll send this PDF straight to you! Join us in the Dazzlers Podcast Aftershow Discussion to chat more about art shows and share your best art show successes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ Podcast's mentioned in this episode: 3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084 https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/3-steps-successful-art-show-ame-084/  Art Inspired Instagram Accounts: Sparkler Krista Hillman's Instagram: https:///www.instagram.com/artsatplaceracademy/ Sarah Krajewski's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artroomglitterfairy/ Additional Resources: Art Show Guidebook: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/shop/art-show-guidebook/ (*Sparkler Club Members, you can access to this in the TEACHER AIDES) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

When you demonstrate a project, your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students. A demo lays out the steps, so each student can fully understand the steps and complete the lesson. The question is how do you do that? In this episode, I'll go over my experiences with different tools and technology that I've tried for art demos (what worked and didn't work.) Plus, classroom management tips that will really help you nail your art demo. Join the Dazzlers Facebook Group Podcast Aftershow to talk more about these demo tips + share pictures of your demonstrations style. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ Need some more art lesson inspiration? Click below to check out more lesson posts on my blog: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/category/art-lessons/ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Answers to the most common questions I get about art demos - How you can switch up your demos for different grade levels - What you can do to command their attention during a demo - How to teach a guided drawing to a class - The pros and cons of using a document camera versus demonstrating on your whiteboard and teaching around a table LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Yvette Ackerman's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ackermans_amazing_artists Emily Gould's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sierramadres You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

I read so many comments from teachers in our Facebook Groups expressing how their students behavior has changed. Some teachers feel like kids aren’t able to work on the same project for extended periods of time — even as little as 30 minutes. They get bored or anxious, so they rush through the project in a haphazard way just to get to the next activity. If this is the reality then perhaps we can reconsider how we engage with our students. To hold a child’s attention, a new strategy might be the best way to get them excited to participate in the lesson. In this episode, I’ll offer my tips and tricks to keep your class focused and teach your students how to enjoy the creative process by slowing down. I've included a free handout for early finishers below, because there's no magic formula for timing lessons just right. This is a gift from us to help you with your early finishers. This is a condensed lesson from our Quick Activities for Early Finishers Bundle. Join us in the Facebook Dazzler Group - after show discussion to discuss your process in the art room. What are your tips to engage early finishers? What's the pace of your classroom? We want to hear what works for you, or maybe what areas you want to improve in. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to keep early finishers engaged - How your energy affects students (*if you get this down you're golden) - How to help kids make a connection to art using different mediums - How to encourage students to be invested in the project and develop craftsmanship LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: DOWNLOAD a PDF from the Quick Activities and Early Finishers Bundle by clicking on the the yellow button below! Learn More About the Sparklers Membership Club Podcasts & blog posts mentioned in this episode: Perfect Timing: Solutions for Early Finishers: AME 029 What to do with Early Finishers Easy Tissue Paper Art Project for Early Finishers You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

When I was getting started as an art teacher, I was excited. But, I didn't really know what I was doing. I had little to no experience - a few sessions in my kid's classroom crafting quilt squares, but no elaborate art projects. I felt like I jumped into the deep end without any preparation... But what I did have was a vision for what I wanted to accomplish. I knew I had a unique opportunity to inspire these kids. I knew it could be fun, exciting, and I knew I could make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself to making art class special for them. I backed my ideas up with lessons, then plans, and finally a curriculum that I was proud of. As the years went on, I recognized that I was getting better and I started to ask myself what's next? I created goals and identified milestones for myself. I wanted to maintain focus and stay confident in my teaching skills, without getting stale. In this episode, I'll walk you through the 5 Stages of Teacher Growth and give you the tools to move to the next stage. Listen in as I share my roadmap and help you identify where you might be in your teaching career, and how to start creating your own milestones. Be sure to download a copy of my 5 Stages of Teacher Growth below. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to define a Stage One teacher, and the way that their passion for art leads them to teaching. - What the goals and milestones are for Stage One teachers, including art fundamentals. - How you develop your style and start using different media and techniques as a Stage Two teacher. - Why a Stage Three teacher focuses on building confidence and adopting an art philosophy. - What ways a Stage Four teacher shares their expertise with others. - How Stage Five teachers can use his or her mastery to set and use processes. LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Click the yellow button below to DOWNLOAD my free, 5 Stages of Teacher Growth PDF. Add your name and email and we'll send it straight to you! About Guided Drawings: AME 125 Don Massey Art You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

My word of the year for 2020 is: clarity. For most of us, January is all about change: being a healthier, happier version of yourself. But that isn't always the case. We don't have to radically reinvent ourselves in order to find happiness. To quote one of my favorite authors, "the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it." - Eckhart Tolle The most important thing that you can do for yourself, to live a happy life is to be present. Don't worry too much on what will be in the future. Don't dwell on what was in the past... But be happy in the now. In this episode, I'll share my recipe for inner peace. Part of that is finding clarity, and using that clarity to help you create a more focused and intentional lifestyle. In this podcast, I will talk to you about how I use "I CAN" statements in my own life to help cultivate happiness and give you advice to help you align your thoughts with your goals. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook Group to share your 'word of the year' for 2020 and let me know what kind of online course you'd be interested in. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What lead me to choosing my word of the year, and the different approach I use for reflecting and planning. - Why our thoughts are so powerful, and specific examples of how they can change your life. - Why I don't like to use the word "resolutions" (and what I say instead). - What it means for me to have clarity going into 2020, and beyond. - And more! LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Oprah & Eckhart Tolle: A NEW EARTH Brooke Castillo Podcast You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

In all of my years of teaching, there is one thing that has lead me to scratch my head literally every single time I hear this phrase... and that's "cookie-cutter art". It really drives me nuts. It used to send me into a tail spin of feeling upset and discouraged about myself as an art teacher. But today I see it as judgemental and feel that it's time we have a very frank conversation about what it means when we say "cookie-cutter art" and what do we really mean to say. This episode is for all the newly hired art teachers to the well experienced art specialists, who can benefit from learning the various expectations we have of teachers, because we could all use more tools in our tool box that we can get! So we're going there... sharing how I think the term "cookie-cutter" should be used and the truth behind it's connotation. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook Group to share your thoughts on how we can better support each other for the upcoming 2020 new year. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - What are people implying when they say "cookie-cutter art" - My personal definition of "cookie-cutter art" - How so called "cookie-cutter art" can be a perfect platform for growth - How the many nuances of teaching art creates different results for every child. - Why we need to give grace and support to all the new art teachers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES TAB: Teaching for Artistic Behavior Join the conversation about today's episode in the Deep Space Sparkle Dazzler Group You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Being successful as an art teacher means more than teaching kids how to draw or paint. It means getting kids to listen and sit and follow directions so that they have the capacity to learn to draw and paint. It isn't easy. If you've been feeling a bit discouraged with how your students are behaving in your art room - especially if their behavior is really causing you to rethink your occupation-- then it might mean it's time to take a step back and give yourself a little check up. Even if everyone tell you that you're doing fine or you're doing the best you can, sometimes there is a knowing that we can do better. Have you ever felt that? It's super hard to articulate. It can feel sticky ...that something isn't right but you brush it off and hope it goes away. I see it happening to member in my groups. It comes out of frustration. Something relatively easy to fix or solve feels monumental to the teacher. When that happens to me...when I get frustrated, or super annoyed or starting to really complain about someone...I know I'm blocked or unable to shift my perspective. Basically, it's on me to fix it. So this episode is all about the stickiest of things: behavior management (or lack of) in your art room. Yes...I'm going there...sharing what I think teacher need to hear if you truly want to love your job. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook group to share your thoughts on my 3 suggestions and to offer your best strategies for classroom management. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How children are always changing and why we have to adapt how we connect with them - The steps to take to create a classroom management plan (and stick with it) - How building a trusting relationship with your students before getting into the classroom will positively impact your entire year - Why teachers need to treat all students equally, and wipe the slate clean each and every day - How your emotional responses to misbehavior can affect the energy in your classroom LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Classroom Management for Art, Music & PE Teachers by Michael Linsin Smart Classroom Management Website Easy Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Art Class: AME 012 Classroom Management Strategies that Work for You: AME 088 Join the conversation about today's episode in the Deep Space Sparkle Dazzler Group You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Moving from the state of solopreneur to the CEO role in our business takes more than a mind-shift. It takes setting up systems and practices that keep you out of the day to day and allow you to play the role of leader and visionary in your business. You move from having all key responsibilities lay in your hands to run a growing and scalable business with a team, systems. What does it really take to create a business that runs itself? It starts with a change in what YOU do as the business owner on a day-by-day basis. When you can step into the CEO role in your business you start to create a business that can really have the impact you dream of. Our guest is Patty Palmer of Deep Space Sparkle is a collection of art lesson plans, videos, podcasts and other art resources for teaching art to kids. In this episode we look at: What it means to go from solopreneur to CEO in your own small business The mindset change that helps you transition your thinking and play a bigger game How stepping into the CEO role helps you impact more people The practical changes to make in your business so that you can grow and scale How to step out of the day-to-day into the most important role How to maintain being the face of the business while stepping away from all the doing The ONE thing that you must keep doing in your business to support its the ongoing sustainability Take a listen. And, be sure to subscribefor more great interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs. Here are some popular recent episodes: Clockwork: Design a Business to Run Itself Becoming a Big Deal in Your Niche with Amy Porterfield How to Stop Marketing AT Your Customers and Start Marketing with Them with Seth Godin

Janey Strong is the photographer, writer, mother and early literacy advocate behind Darling Readers. Her passion is finding unique ways to encourage parents read to their children - and children are never too young or old! Janey shares strategies on what to read, when to read, and how to manage reluctant readers. Make sure to download Janey’s Freebie on her favorite books to read before Kindergarten. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - When Janey started reading to her own children and why she says it’s something you should never stop doing - What parallels exist between teaching art to children and reading to them - How reading can be used as a tool to bond with your children - Why you need to be 100% present when reading with them - Janey’s top book recommendations and how the children’s books of today are different than ones from earlier years - What makes for an amazing children’s book, how Janey’s blog is helping so many people, and so much more! LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Darling Readers Website - Darling Readers Instagram - Darling Readers Facebook Page - Janey Strong's Pinterest - What Do You Do with an Idea?* by Kobi Yamada *Affiliate Link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

In this episode you’re going to hear how a multi-7-figure digital actually thinks about business! Patty Palmer is the founder of Deep Space Sparkle, and she shares her internal journey and evolution, and the shifts she had to go through to create what she has today. This is really a story of possibility, and if I could bottle the essence of who Patty is, I’d give it to every single entrepreneur in the world! Our free video training series, The Rise of the Digital CEO, is now LIVE at http://businessbydesign.net/! If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me and Patty, @jameswedmore and @deepspacesparkle. Haven’t left a review yet? I want to incentivize you to do so! One of the best ways to get the word out about this podcast is to get more ratings and reviews, so my team and I have set a goal of getting 1,200 of them on Apple Podcasts by July 29th. All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/itunes, submit a rating and review and email a screenshot to Rose at customersuccess@jameswedmore.com. You’ll get an instant direct link to my mini training program all about the 8 blocks that are holding real entrepreneurs like you back. Once we hit 1,200 ratings and reviews, we’re going to do a raffle where one lucky winner gets the grand prize: a set of Apple Air Pods, a year supply of the 90x Goal Planners, and a set of our famous “Business Angel Affirmation Cards.” If you’ve already submitted a rating and review, don’t worry! Just go to Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot and send it to the email above, and you’re entered to win too. Good luck! Don’t forget to check out my new segment on Instagram called “Coaching Over Coffee” happening each Tuesday morning! Our virtual two-day workshop “Nail Your Niche” is happening! For more details visit http://businessbydesign.net/niche. I want to invite you to help contribute to this podcast by submitting a question for the Listener Question of the Week edition of The Mind Your Business Podcast. All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/QA and record a question (under 4 minutes or less) that could be featured on an upcoming episode! In the episode you’ll hear: What Patty’s business model use to look like, and why she decided to apply for and join our mastermind How she started to really “connect the dots” with her business and where it is today, as opposed to 4 years ago Why a membership site has been such a great business model for her and the role that her members play in the development of it The reasons that it’s not necessary to execute a perfect marketing plan all the time Patty’s transition to the CEO role and why it’s been more difficult than she expected Her best advice for other entrepreneurs and the long-term vision she has for her brand and Deep Space Sparkle For full show notes and links, visit:  http://mindyourbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/279 

Do you have a studio based art business? If so, my conversation with Meri Cherry will be a game-changer for you. She doesn’t just offer strategies on filling your classes or how to decide what art to create--she goes much, much deeper. We chat about how to know if you’re ready to expand, and at the same time, how to slow down. We talk about the bigger issues of running a studio program for students: intention, environment, energy…all the good stuff! And of course, we talk about her new book, Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - What Meri’s journey of growing and expanding has looked like - How you, too, can be ready for that next step - Where to begin transforming, scaling, and growing - Why word of mouth advertising and the power of ‘moms’ is so important to your success - How your environment will become your third teacher LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Meri Cherry's Website - AME 039: Success Secrets of a Process-Based Art Studio - Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook by Meri Cherry - Send screenshots of your rating & review on Apple Podcasts to support@deepspacesparkle.com *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

Kristin is a full-time public school art teacher who is passionate about living a balanced and mindful life. She’s been practicing yoga, mindfulness, and meditation since 2007, and has been teaching it since 2014. Growing up and moving around a lot in the public school system, she experienced 23 different classroom settings by the time she was 28. She noticed the tense or chaotic nature of some classrooms vs. the calming and nurturing feel of others. It wasn’t until recently, at her own school, she noticed just how much support teachers needed when it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety, and how those feelings transfer over to the students. She made it her new mission to help teachers reclaim the joy in their classrooms. She can help you to create calming learning environments while also reducing your stress, by incorporating simple mindfulness practices into your daily routine. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - How the relationship you have with yourself will impact the relationships with those around you, especially your students - How you can attempt to transfer negative energy away from you -  Why you absolutely CAN create your own environment - Kristin guides us through a mindfulness practice! - How gratitude has evolved and why it’s so important for each and every one of us to practice LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure to download Kristin’s Weekly and Monthly Planner below - Live an OMazing Life - a 5 Week Online Mindfulness Program for Educators - Kristin's Website You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

Felicia Merrick is a veteran classroom teacher of 22 years before becoming an art teacher. It’s a position she feels embodies all that she loves: creativity and children. But a series of devastating losses lead to a debilitating battle with anxiety and depression. Through daily calming practices, the right medication, and a full self-help toolbox, Felicia is determined to manage anxiety. She hopes that by sharing her story, other art teachers will earn to identify the trigger points and to find the necessary help. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - Felicia’s journey to become an art teacher - How she deals with anxiety and the best tools available to help others do the same - What effect influential people will have in your life - Why it’s so important to say “goodbye” to challenging times in your life and career - How Patty finds her calm and reenergizes LISTEN TO THE SHOW Felicia's Autobiography: Being the youngest child, I always wanted to be “the boss” and was given an opportunity in Kindergarten. I was determined to be a teacher. I became a 2nd grade teacher and did so for 22+ years. After graduating from SDSU, my husband (of 32 years this month) and I moved to Northern California to get a teaching job, because I refused to be a sub! I loved it! I felt alive. I was in control. I had it all going on. I did a job-share for 10 years with many fabulous teachers, (some questionable) while I had my 4 children...Teaching was my passion. I was right where I belonged! Unknowingly, my path led my family and I to relocate to Southern California. For the past 5 years, I have been an ART teacher at the elementary level. This, amongst other roles I play, mom, sister to 8 other sisters and 8 brothers, friend, colleague, etc. I became an Art teacher! Who would’ve thunk? I guess I did! I didn’t even know it! As well as 2nd grade and ART, I have taught “Computer Coding” and “Health and Wellness” (both in which I am not formally trained). I am so thankful I have DSS as my go-to for art instruction and realtime art teacher support. I have a loving God. I have a loving family, (both immediate and extended) that have supported me 100% thru this journey called life. I do know that this thing we call Art is more than just that. It is a healthy, healing boat to be on, and I am embarking on it “full steam ahead”! I do intend to “sail around the world” of art and share it with my students who have not had such an amazing path to follow, strong support, or a loving ocean to sail on. May I be a conduit to help these young humans recognize this through “this thing called ART” as I boss them around. LINKS & RESOURCES: - AME 136: Finding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens - Summer Beach & Biz Book Reads - An Unquiet Mind* by Kay Redfield Jamison - The Power of Now*  by Eckart Tolle - A New Earth* by Eckhart Tolle - Calm.com *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

Cassie Stephens joins Patty for the second time on Art Made Easy. And this time, we’re pulling back the colorful curtain and diving into why she wanted to write a second book, why starting a podcast feels right, and why it’s important to put social media in its place. And, just for the fun of it, a behind-the-scenes peek at what it was like to be a contestant on Nailed It. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: -- What’s happened in Cassie’s life since she was last on this podcast - How she’s learned to overcome her fears and start a new podcast (and more!) - Why she feels social media is a “Catch 22” and what she does to navigate this new world - How her appearance on a Netflix series came about, and the lessons she learned from this experience - What to say “No” to, and the opportunities to give a “Yes!” - What has sparked the most joy for Cassie, and what she says has been the biggest challenge for her LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Cassie Stephens' Blog - Cassie Stephens' Instagram: @Cassy_Stephenz - Cassie Stephens' Podcast: Art Teacherin' with Cassy Stephens - Pre-order Cassie's new book being released on July 23, 2019: Stitch and String Lab for Kids: 40+ Creative Projects to Sew, Embroider, Weave, Wrap, and Tie* - Clay Lab for Kids: 52 Projects to Make, Model, and Mold with Air-Dry, Polymer, and Homemade Clay* by Cassie Stephens - Art Teacherin' Episode 6: Discovering Your Art Teacherin' Identity - The Art of Education University - AME 004: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Art Room & How To Teach Collaborative - AME 044: Avoiding the Comparison Trap - Nailed it! on Netflix - Get Your Teach On *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

I love listening to podcasts and over the past few years, mentions of the Enneagram personality test has popped up over and over again. Last Fall, I decided to explore it further and happened upon a podcast interviewing Ian Cron. I was intrigued. The podcast shared how valuable knowing your team’s personality profile and how it can help the team as they interact with each other. Being the team enthusiast that I am, I sent all of Team Sparkle a link to take the Enneagram Test with the expectations that we would share our results at our Team Retreat. We did and it was really fun BUT…as I explored the Enneagram a bit more, through Ian Cron’s book The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, I felt a sense of awakening that I never experienced before. And that’s why I decided to make The Road Back to You, the Deep Space Sparkle’s book pick for Spring 2019. I can’t wait for you to listen to how this book impacted how I think about myself and the work I do to understand myself better but also how it has helped improve how I interact with my team and my loved ones. So What Exactly is the Enneagram? It's basically a personality test on how people are wired, both positively and negatively. Results are surprisingly accurate. The Enneagram isn’t just a personality inventory like Myers-Briggs. It’s a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth that has many layers. The Enneagram is based on 9 personality types, but it's more than just the numbers. It is structured to determine not only your basic personality type (we are all born with a dominant type) but also factors in how as children we adapt to this personality type. There are many nuances to the Enneagram, like how healthy you are in your dominant personality trait or number and how your Wing factors in. Here are the 9 types: 1  The Perfectionist is principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and a perfectionist. 2 The Helper is generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, and possessive. 3 The Performer  is adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious 4 The Romantic is expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental. 5 The Investigator is perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated. 6 The Loyalist is engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious. 7 The Enthusiast is spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered. 8 The Challenger is self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational. 9 The Peacemaker is receptive, reassuring, complacent, and resigned. Here are a few basic assumptions of the Enneagram: 1. People do not change from one basic personality type to another. 2. The descriptions of the personality types are universal and apply equally to males and females, since no type is inherently masculine or feminine. 3. Not everything in the description of your basic type will apply to you all the time because you fluctuate constantly among the healthy, average, and unhealthy traits that make up your personality type. 4. The Enneagram uses numbers to designate each of the types because numbers are value neutral— they imply the whole range of attitudes and behaviors of each type without specifying anything either positive or negative. 5. The numerical ranking of the types is not significant. A larger number is no better than a smaller number; it is not better to be a Nine than a Two because nine is a bigger number. 6. No type is inherently better or worse than any other. The last is the most important factor to understand and overcome…when I tested using the Rheti, I initially didn’t like my number…. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: - What is the Enneagram and how it can serve you personally and professionally - What the nine personality types are - How my Enneagram number shaped how I perceived myself in a new way - Why taking the test not only helps you, but helps you see see others in a different light LISTEN TO THE SHOW

One of the small details that often gets overlooked in the art room is whether or not to cover your art tables during art class. You might be wondering: What type of placemats work best? Should the whole table be covered in paper? Fabric?  It took me a few years to figure out this placemat thing but when I did, it streamlined my prep and clean up substantially. Today's episode answers a question from Katie inside the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Group. I thought it was such a great question, I decided to go a bit deeper, answering the WHY behind which placemat is best. Katie asks, Does anyone have an inexpensive way to make clay mats? My budget for the year has been used up, so I'm looking for out-of-pocket affordable solutions. Any cheap and quick ideas? I totally hear you, Katie! This episode is for you and all the art teachers who are wondering: - what type of placemats work best - when to use placemats - when NOT to use placemats - best mats for clay and ceramics Here's what other teachers had to say to Katie's question: Fiona Coulter I use the cheap but sturdy blue paper drop cloths from the hardware store. One side is more plastic and the other side more paper like. I use the plastic side for clay and the paper side for any painting and drape them over the entire table grouping (8) desks. Works like a charm and lasts a long time. Laurie O'Connell Longberry I use the plastic flexible cutting mats that you can get 3 for $1 at the dollar store. They last for years! Tina Leggs Maloch I use a canvas drop cloth from Lowes and cut it into 10 x 12" pieces - I have been using the same ones for 9 years and they work great.   I love the inexpensive version of using what I already have. At the beginning of the year, I would add an extra 50-100 sheets of 18" x 24" sulphite paper to my inventory order. This works out to be about $15. I found regular drawing paper works great for underneath most painting and coloring projects. At the end of the year, I would take the paint-splattered placemats and cut them into strips and shapes. These because extra media for collage and paper projects for the following year. For ceramic projects, I used basic paper as well as tablecloths but found that tightly woven canvas or indoor/outdoor  fabric works best. I found some Sumbrella fabric at a rummage sale, cut the bolt into squares and used them for years. Easiest clean-up ever! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to start going "back to basics" in the art room and why this can be beneficial for you and your students - When and where not to use placemats in the classroom - What you can do to creatively reuse your paper placemats - What has, and hasn't, worked for me with this project LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Tru-Ray Sulphite 18" x 24" paper Watercolor Easter Eggs blog post You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

Are your students coming to class attentive, respectful and ready to learn? Or do you spend most of your time battling challenging students? No one wants to admit that there are days - maybe weeks - when the students wear you down so badly that you sink to a low point of frustration. I know I've been there. And believe me, there's no worse feeling than knowing you let down the students and yourself. Today's guest, Team Sparkle's own Amy Clay shares 4 powerful management strategies that will help you get your class back on track. Her years of being a sub empowered her to tackle classroom management head on. She shares her passion for being an art sub and ways you can ensure that any substitute teacher who walks into your art room is welcomed and ready to create art with your students. Make sure to download the free Art Substitute PDF. It's filled with helpful forms and worksheets that will allow you to feel confident during those unpredictable sick days. Amy Clay heads up the lesson development for Team Sparkle. She dreams, designs and creates the lessons that go into the art bundles inside our membership, The Sparklers Club. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How substitute teaching gave Amy insight into classroom management - Why setting expectations for your students and following through is crucial - How you can be fair with your students, a protector and an adult - How our Sparkler's Club Substitute Plan Bundle can help teachers prepare when needing a substitute - How to implement seating charts into your classroom - Where to start with creating a classroom management plan LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Download my free Art Substitute Information Binder by clicking the purple button below. Type in your name and email and we'll send it to you! Podcast mentioned in this episode: Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088 How to Assess Student Artwork & Qualities of a Great Art Teacher: AME 003 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you ever wonder what it takes to become teacher of the year? According to today’s guest, Barbara Hua, it wasn’t about having amazing art skills or years of experience — she had little of both. Instead it was something she didn’t realize was noticed —  and her answer may surprise you. Barbara Hua, an art teacher from Conroe, Texas is a member in our Sparklers Club and is our featured Sparkler of the Month.  What we love about Barbara is her fresh approach to learning, staying curious and celebrating children’s creative expression. Her road to becoming an art teacher started with a decision to go to school in her forties. And she’s been paving the way ever since. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:  - How Barbara started her career as an art teacher - What Barbara considers are the biggest challenges faced as an art teacher - How to arrange a classroom with lessons for all children to be included - What you can do to handle the issue of politically sensitive books and art lessons - How to find art projects that both boys and girls will be engaged in creating LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

I’m diving deep into how to cultivate your creativity with daily practice and awareness by following the exercise in Twyla Tharp’s book The Creative Habit…our first book in the DSS book club! This book isn’t what you think it is. It’s not a quick checklist of creative activities to do so you feel like you accomplished something. This book goes deep into the psyche of how creatives think. Not just visual artists but musicians, writers and dancers. It stabs you with truths and realizations that really make you think. So much that reading this book didn’t happen quickly. I would stop at a sentence and allow the words to sink in. It was hard to pick my favorite exercises and take-aways  but I managed to select my Top 5 Big A-Ha's from the book. After the episode, join me over on the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook page for a discussion on what you thought of The Creative Habit. Patty's 5 biggest takeaways from reading The Creative Habit: Learn it and use it for Life by Twyla Tharp:  1. Twyla's 5 Big Creativity Fears - people will laugh at me - someone has done it before - I have nothing to say - I will upset someone These are so universal, aren't they? I share my thoughts on these inside the episode.  2. Muscle Memory How copying and repetitive action leads to personal inspiration and mastery. I literally LOVE this one so much. It's an undervalued an underestimated practice.  3. Start with a Box The power of collecting ideas so they won't be forgotten is just so liberating. It helps creative folks "capture:" their ideas so they are free to move on with their day knowing their idea won't be lost. Such a powerful exercise.  4. Scratching Permission to do research and the hunt for nibbles of ideas. Go with an intention of not stopping until something triggers inside you.  5. Skill The importance of building skills in order to develop creativity means that sometimes you just need to step outside your comfort zone. "Success will happen by consistently doing the work of feeding creativity. Not judging the process. Not analyzing but just feeding, the sifting. Basically, experimenting without expectations." - Patty What do you think? Please join me over on the DSS Facebook page for a conversation about the book. Look for Book Club in the events. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Cézanne Still Life Artwork Henri Matisse Apples on a Table Artwork AME episodes mentioned in this podcast: My Mini Burnout and How I Plan to Recover: AME 120 The 6 Stages of the Creative Path with Nicholas Wilton: AME 112 Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Have you ever considered what it must feel like to be overweight? Most of us can understand how it feels to be 20 pounds over-weight and even underweight, but weight on a grander scale - like 100 lbs. might be more challenging to understand. Today's guest, fellow art teacher and friend Cindy Ingram, bravely opens up to share her story of what it was like to move through the world with the challenges she carried around: not just her weight but suffocating debt. Her story is inspiring and uplifting and shows that with the right mindset, you can accomplish anything. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The struggles Cindy faced and her ability to conquer them - How losing a significant amount of weight has benefited Cindy personally and professionally - Cindy's three main goals with her weight loss, debt reduction and building a business - What has been the biggest business challenge she's faced and the mindset shifts she's made to get to where she is today - What advice Cindy has for others experiencing similar situations and how she is pursuing her next big goal LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES For more information on the Art Class Curator, visit their Website and Podcast. Podcasts and blog posts mentioned in this episode: How to Talk to Kids about Art: AME 019 Art of Simple Podcast James Wedmore Podcast Keeper of the Home Travel Blog You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

It's the end of January and while many of you are well on your way to integrating new year's resolutions into your life, I feel like I'm lagging. Two months of family, work and holiday bustle has left me worn out and uninspired. But today is a new day and it's because I realized one important thing: the cause of my depletion was actually depletion. The lack of creativity (or not enough of) had a profound effect on me: weight gain, lack of tolerance and the feeling that I just wasn't myself. I started to spend more time on social media seeing what others were doing and then feeling the opposite of inspired. I noticed I was cooking less and eating out more. NOT my normal preference. Watching TV every night instead of reading. OK for a few nights, but a whole month? Nope. Not me. I knew what was happening. I've always been diligent about my daily habits: 1. Rest, which means a full 8 hours a night 2. Eat healthfully with treats in moderation 3. Create something daily: art, food, blog post, etc. 4. Spend at least 1/4 of my day alone doing the above (the introverted me requires this) And when one of these is eliminated, I know I've gone off my own little rails and need to make a change. And the solution lies where all solutions lie...in a good book. But I need your help if I'm going to get my creative mojo back. Join me for my very first Deep Space Sparkle Book Club selection and how I plan to use it to help me banish my creative depletion. In this episode, I share 3 ways to identify burnout and what to do about it. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why I felt the need to take a break from the podcast - How my recent experiences could apply to you, and help you in your own situation - What are 3 telltale signs you're ready to take some time off - How I've noticed I've been changing, as a result of not being creative enough - What I plan to do to refill my creative cup and a special invitation I have for you to join me on this journey - Why you won't want to miss next week's special Art Made Easy episode... DOWNLOAD THE FREE BOOK CLUB CHECKLIST LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you suffer from chronic overwhelm syndrome? Or as I like to say, do you know how to ask for help? If you’re like most women, the thought of placing a burden on someone else is downright unthinkable. Or, you may be of the belief that its far easier to do the task yourself rather than take the time to explain it to someone else. This episode shares the secret benefits of reaching out for help, ways to ask for help that benefit everyone and insights on how asking and receiving help has helped me become a happier teacher and business owner. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to tell if our pride is getting in the way of asking for help - Why it all starts with you giving yourself the permission to ask others for assistance - What the benefits of asking for help are - Where to begin when asking for help - How you can address your fears and limiting beliefs LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Podcasts mentioned in this episode: Behind the Sparkly Curtain: AME 114 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you deal with disrespectful students and general low engagement in the art room? If you just raised your hand, you are not alone. There has been a flurry of advice-seekers in our Facebook group recently that are struggling with this very problem. So what's an art teacher to do? An effective classroom management plan is necessary yet sometimes our plan is not clearly defined or easily attained. In fact, we may start the year with a great plan only to have it waver. Students test the system and soon you find yourself immersed in a situation that isn't benefiting anyone. The first thing we might do is try new strategies: a new reward system or a new game only to find the class back where we started. When practical solutions are no longer serving you, it helps to take a look at what's going on in your own head: Here are some questions I used to ask myself when I felt a bit threatened in my class: 1. Is it my ego talking or is this student truly evil? Another way of saying this is: Have I looked for solutions for this problem or justifications of my feelings? 2. Am I qualified to help this student? Have I reached out to my peers or admin for assistance? 3. Is my art room set up in a way that meets the needs of this particular group of students? WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to tell when your losing control of your classroom - What role your ego plays in your classroom management process - Why there's power in confiding in your fellow teachers - How to determine if your art room is set up for the needs of your students - How past episodes of AME can help you with your classroom management skills LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure you participate in our 7 Sparkly Days Giveaways Podcasts mentioned in this episode: Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088 How To Cultivate Craftsmanship in Your Art Room: AME 092 Head, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managing Young Artists: AME 090 6 Factors for a Successful Management Plan: AME 053 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you have an art degree? What about a teaching credential? I'm always surprised at how many of us have found our dream job of teaching art to kids by tapping into our creativity and allowing our intuition to lead us to the perfect job. Today's guest is Sparkler Jackie May Hiller who after a career as an occupational therapist, followed her bliss and began teaching art in her children's school. Jackie and I talk about where we get our energy, the value of online classes, the importance of community and how to cultivate online friendships in the art teaching world. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to introduce different styles of learning techniques to your students - Why earning trust with children is key to teaching - What to do to recharge yourself and help balance your life - Why planning and enjoying the process will allow time to develop and grow with your students LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Join the waitlist for The Sparklers Club You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Are you looking for ways to cultivate creativity, choice and personal expression in your art room? Today's guest, Kat Clarke shares the five questions she asks her students as they work through an art project. If you need an injection of inspiration or an alternative way to approach teaching art, I invite you to listen to today's episode. Kat's journey to becoming an art teacher wasn't easy. She didn't have a curriculum or guideline in which to develop her program. Perhaps like many of you, she had to come up with her own lessons and teaching style. Her philosophy of "start by making a mess" and "do it your way" evolved quickly because of her innate ability to see art through the eyes of her students. Today's episodes shares Kat's 5 Step Framework that she developed to help her students think about their own creativity and to provide lifelong skills that children could use beyond the classroom. It's a brilliant process and we're happy to share it with you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What allowed Kat to have confidence and courage in her creativity - How she got started in the school system and what led her to becoming an art teacher - Why seeking out creative a community was important to Kat's development as an art teacher - Kat's 5 Step Framework that she uses for every lesson in her art room LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD Download a free 5 Step Framework PDF by clicking the image box below. Enter your name and email and we’ll send it to you! LINKS & RESOURCES: 100 Painters of Tomorrow by Kurt Beers on Amazon You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Many art teachers dream of running their own art studio. The freedom, the creativity and the chance to impact children on a deeper level appeals to many of us. Maureen Marks, a member of our Sparklers Club, shares how she went from teaching art in a public school to running a successful art business in her home town of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Maureen shares what made her decide to move out of her home and into a rented space, what she charges for her classes, what her biggest challenges are and her own special take on paint parties. If you’re an art teacher considering the big move outside your art room to owning your own business, this episode is for you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Maureen got her start in the art industry and what led her to owning her own studio - What services Maureen offers to her community and her strategy around pricing - What Maureen's biggest struggle has been as she builds her art teaching business - Why she enjoys teaching adults and how she uses mixed media in her classes - Why becoming friends with other small business owners is important LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Keep up with Maureen Marks through her Website, Facebook Page, and Pinterest. You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

While I've been asked a hundred times, I rarely go out of my way to talk about it. Mostly, I'm afraid of the unwanted attention it would create. Or the feeling that I was abandoning my art teacher identity or that somehow my intentions were misguided. The it I'm talking about is how I transformed an art teacher's side hustle into a thriving business that employs nine people and impacts thousands of teachers worldwide. The it is Deep Space Sparkle. Today, I'm taking you behind the Sparkly curtain to share with you how I run DSS. From sharing how my early mentors influenced how I created content to how my current business coaches have literally changed the trajectory of my life. In the past two years, I retired (or liberated as he puts it) Neil from corporate America, hired 7 ladies and developed a membership site that has over 5000 active members. It hasn't been an easy road but it was one fueled by passion, purpose and instinct. If you know anyone who could benefit from this podcast, please share! It's really easy. Just open up your podcast app on your iPhone, search for Art Made Easy and click the share button. And while you're there, please consider adding a rating or review. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How I got started selling my first few lessons and why I was so excited with the possibilities - What I gained from taking an online course and how it's influenced what I create now - How to know when it's time to focus more effort on your side business - What going "all in" with Deep Space Sparkle looked like, including renting office space and hiring a team - Who influenced me the most for building my dream business LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Watch How Neil and Patty grew Deep Space Sparkle HERE Find out more about my mastermind coaches, Stu McLaren amd James Wedmore Deep Space Sparkle Shop and Teachers Pay Teachers Shop Join the Waitlist to be apart of my Sparklers Membership Club Podcast's and Bloggers mentioned in this episode of AME: Holly Becker Blogging Your Way Amy Porterfield Podcast Pat Flynn Podcast You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Krista Hilmen is a former high school English teacher turned art teacher at her children's charter school. Learn how Krista raises funds for her art program through a successful art auction. She shares what the most popular projects are, how her auction committee manages the tasks and how she decorates the venues. If you are considering doing an art fundraiser, this episode will leave you inspired! We selected Krista for November's Sparkler Spotlight and as a result, she gets to interview me! Krista asked these questions: - Is there a medium you really dislike using? If so, how do you work around that in the classroom knowing it's best to expose the kiddos to as much as possible? - Do you have a favorite artist, art movement or genre? - Your lessons are always successful with my students and one of the reasons I use them time and time again. What is your process for creating these and testing them to be sure you have created something with such guaranteed success? WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Krista transitioned from teaching English to Art - What Krista has done to generate revenue for her classroom by running shows - How she got started using Instagram and the ways she uses that platform to build support for her program - What is my own process for creating art projects and a big mistake that I see many teachers making - What Krista's best tips for classroom management are and the reward systems she uses with her children LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Download Krista's free resource, Cozy Holiday Cats by clicking the image below. Type in your name and email and we'll send it to you! You can connect with Krista on Instagram at artsatplaceracademy Deep Space Sparkle projects & podcasts mentioned in this episode There's a Dragon In My Art Room Blog Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088 Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

Do you dream of the day when you can spend all your time sipping tea and working on your art? For most of us, it’s a long-term goal and one in which Nicholas Wilton is far to familiar with. Nicholas calls this the Hibernation Stage, which according to his 6 Stages of the Creative Path is the stage practically everyone is in: those who wanted to make art but can’t seem to find the time. Can you relate? Nicholas offers a strategy that helps us understand the natural flow of creativity and how to move from one stage to the next. And even if you are not a working artist or have no desire to be one, his insight into our creative process can be applied to most anything we do. About Nicholas… Nicholas is the founder of Art2Life, an online platform that strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community. His online programs provide artistic, business and creative coaching to artists. With over 20 years working with creatives, Nicholas has developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process. He speaks and writes extensively on the subject of creativity, purpose and inspiration. Wilton’s paintings are seen in yearly gallery exhibitions, International Art Fairs, and are included in numerous private and corporate collections in both the United States and Europe. His paintings have also been used on the covers of the national bestseller “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Brene Brown’s “The Gift of Imperfection.” Recently, the US Postal Service issued a stamp featuring Wilton’s artwork. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to identify and move through the different learning stages of art - How to integrate your knowledge and preferences into your art work - How your creativity and confidence will increase when your intuition comes into play - What his membership group can do for you, no matter what stage of your career you are in LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Nicholas Wilton by checking out his Website, Facebook page, & Instagram                       Books mentioned in this podcast The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly by Brené Brown You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Need a little art room make-over? Yvette Ackerman is passionate about making her art room feel like home. By using warm, textural elements and a strategy for student inspiration, Yvette's art room is a dreamy example of what's possible. Yvette is a former classroom teacher turned art teacher for her local Charter School in Northern California. Yvette is also a brand new Sparkler having joined the membership last August and turns the interview to ask Patty questions about work-life balance, what's in the future for Deep Space Sparkle (BIG reveal here) and strategies for art assessment. Check out Yvette's Bulletin Board ideas with links to Pacon paper products in the Show Notes below! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - What was the biggest challenge for Yvette as she started teaching art - How to communicate with the parents via Instagram while also using it as a tool to get kids excited about learning - Why Yvette puts so much effort into decorating her art room and making it fun, comfortable space for her students - How to truly make your space "your own" - What Patty does to balance her work and home life, and the BIG surprise for Deep Space Sparkle LISTEN TO THE SHOW Check out Yvette's Bulletin Board ideas she displays in her art room, using the Pacon Bulletin Board Background Paper to decorate her boards.   LINKS & RESOURCES Follow Yvette on Instagram Art Made Easy posts mentioned in this episode Word of the Year: AME 077 How to Assess Student Artwork & Qualities of a Great Art Teacher: AME 003 A Chat with Team Sparkle Marisa Gebert: AME 048 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today on AME, I’m continuing with my series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the reason behind one of my biggest art preference …why don’t I use pencils in the art room. As Deep Space Sparkle reaches more and more teachers from around the world, I get asked a few questions a lot and one of them is why I don’t use pencils in the art room. This episode shares the 3 big reasons why pencils just don’t work for me. But don’t worry, I’m not a pencil-hater. I feel there is a time and place for pencils and I’ll share when and why I draw that line. To listen to the first and second podcast of my Book Chat Series, listen to Directed Line Drawings and How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - The 3 main reasons I don't recommend the use of pencils - How to encourage children to draw larger without the use of pencils - Why I feel that pencils promote perfectionism - Why pencil techniques are more appealing to an older age group LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES Click here to purchase Patty's book Draw Paint Sparkle via amazon Patty's favorite paint brushes Royal & Langnickel Art Brushes Check out these blog posts How to Get Children to Draw Big You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Are you a relatively new art teacher who’s trying to figure it all out? Guest teacher, Tamara Evans shares her how she gets her students to help with prep and clean up. And it’s pretty easy! Tamara Thomas Evans, teaches K-8th art in Hendersonville, North Carolina after a long career as a dance instructor. Tamara is a Sparkler and was invited to share her experiences as a relatively new art teacher. In the first half on the show, Tamara shares her systems for keeping her classroom calm and her students engaged as learners and helpers. Then, we switch the tables and Tamara asks me how to keep children practicing craftsmanship, how to carve out creative time and how to submit lessons for publication within the Sparklers website. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why Tamara decided to take the opportunity to become an art teacher after years of teaching dance - How to be prepared in the classroom, stay organized and finish your day, all while having a strategy - What will keep the children engaged with a project that can take two or three lessons - Why we put so much pressure on ourselves to create, be creative and force ourselves to get inspired - What kills creativity and the number one tool Tamara uses that makes teaching art feel easy LISTEN TO THE SHOW   LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you have enough time to prep? Are you able to enjoy your job? When do you sit and breathe? I teach over 850 students at my school. There is little time built into my day to lesson plan, grade, hang/take down work, clean the room, and what ever the next thing is that admin assigns to me. This was a question posted last week in the private Sparkler Facebook group. Perhaps you feel the same way? I know that at one point in my career, I had similar thoughts. And I suspect most art teachers would say this would be true. But does it have to be your reality? That’s what I want to explore today on the show: moving beyond technical tips or strategies and digging a bit deeper into the origins of this question. We’re heading down the woo-woo path as I share my experiences with the Law of Attraction and how I used it to make me happier in my art room, happier at home and how I found my dream home. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The approach I recommend to art teachers who are developing a curriculum - How your own energy will affect your happiness level and the children that you serve - What happens when you change your behavior towards children and the importance of consistency - What the Law of Attraction is, my early experiences with it in the classroom and why things really “happen” to us - How positivity can change your life and the way I got started on my journey of self-awareness Tips to Help Overcome Frustrations: 1. Find a Mentor - who at your school seems applicable 2. Accept what you can’t change but change what you can - resist leads to frustration and blame 3. Remember you are the teacher. Children look to you for guidance, energy (calm, fun, inspiring) and above all to teach.   LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Christy Whitman Teaching Kids to Paint: AME 083 Quantum Success: 7 Essential for a Thriving, Joyful, and Prosperous Relationship with Work and Money Jess Lively You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today on AME, I'm continuing with my new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids. I taught in an elementary art room for 13 years before going full time with Deep Space Sparkle. And over the past few years of writing this book and helping parents in my membership program, the Sparklers Club, I realized that teaching or facilitating art at home is different than teaching large numbers of students. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 tips that will reveal a few secrets that will set both YOU and your child up for art at home success. This will help your art-making sessions to be fluid, creative and stress-free. Real quick before moving to number 3, if you’re a parent who loves to do art with your children or recognizes that your child needs more art in their lives, you’ll love my new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle. You’ll discover easy ways to get started with art-making with basic supplies and flexible instructions. Create art based on celebrated painters like Van Gogh, Monet and Pollock and explore engaging subjects inspired by nature and animals. Be sure to head over to the book’s website: Draw, Paint, Sparkle to download a free art project and then, if you like it, order the book. After you buy the book, come back to the website to access your bonuses: 27 Drawing Guides that you can download, print and use with your kids. Like the book? I’d love for you to write a review on Amazon, which helps the distribution of the book so more parents can create art with kids. You can buy the DPS book from Amazon, Barns and Noble and wherever good books are sold. To listen to the rest of my Book Chat Series, click to listen to All About Directed Line Drawings and Why I Don't Use Pencils in the Art Room WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The importance of trying your projects first before your students - How to develop a relaxed approach with art supplies to give children the freedom to experience art - Why children will get frustrated and what we can do to help - What playing music can offer for everyone’s experience at home LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today on AME, I starting a brand new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids. Today’s episode talks all about Directed Drawing. While directed drawing, or guided drawings, are a gateway of possibilities for a child, sometimes a child or a parent is resistant to the idea. I share my experiences working with directed drawings at home, help you navigate the often murky waters of creating art with your child and tips to avoid conflicts or frustration. Draw, paint, Sparkle Creative Projects from an Elementary Art Teacher is written by Patty Palmer and published by Roost books. You can buy the book from Amazon, Barns and Noble and wherever good books are sold. After you buy the book, head over to Draw Paint Sparkle to download your book bonuses: 27 Drawing Guides that you can download, print and use with your kids. And while you’re there, why not write a review on Amazon? This helps the distribution of the book so more parents can create art with kids. To listen to the rest of my Book Chat Series, click to listen to How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home and Why I Don’t Use Pencils in the Art Room WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What is directed drawing - How to foster more art at home for 5-10 year olds - What to do when you face resistance from the children - How everyone can be an artist - How to build confidence with a directed drawing LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle *To download your book bonuses for directed drawings You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

You probably know someone just like today's guest. Someone who is passionate, dedicated, creative, and organized. She's the gale that takes on everything and does it so well. You may even find that she reminds you of YOU. Ashley Bruce is our Sparkler Spotlight for September. Ashley started her own art business in San Diego, California and visits local schools to help start and support art programs. We chat about how her business started and how it impacted her life then and now. And because she is a featured Sparkler, Ashley turns the table on a typical episode to ask me questions. And this is where is gets good. I'm pretty passionate about a few things when it comes to teaching art and running a business. Can you guess what some of them might be? Ashley and I go deep on valuing your time, yourself and art. If you've been hired to start an art program in your school, you'll find Ashley's experience, ideas and resilience inspiring. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Ashley's very first steps in starting her school's art program - What Ashley's goals for the program were and how it's affected the classroom teachers at her school - How to develop from a volunteer to a paid position - What significant mindset shifts Ashley had to make when it came to charging what she's worth - How to structure your business to impact all of your students - How to successfully balance your family time with work LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD Download my free Art Teacher's Toolkit PDF by clicking the yellow box below. Enter your name and email and we’ll send it to you! LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that you can't teach art unless you have some sort of management plan in place. Art is really exciting for kids and often you'll have eager students ready to create art, but it's also very common to experience predictable issues like these: - Talkative students - Disruptive or disrespectful students - Students who refuse to work - Absent or continually tardy students - Loud of out-of-control behaviors Doesn't matter what type of teacher you are: one who values organization and control or one who values connection, fun and chaos. Everyone experiences one or more of the above. To manage the amount of frequency of the above behaviors, it’s all about setting expectations, establishing a flow and being consistent. This episode of Art Made Easy, is a recording of my featured presentation at one of my in-person art teacher workshops in Santa Barbara. Besides making art, I really wanted teachers to walk away with a few management nuggets. In this episode, you’re going to hear my approach to engaging with kids and how I use a positive mindset to create a safe, inspiring and efficient class. If you are a member of The Sparklers Club, the video for this presentation plus handouts, extra management video tutorials and worksheets are available under TRAININGS. Plus, you get a certificate for 1 Clock Hour. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - The purpose of creating a management mindset - The time in your schedule when you have the most influence on your students - How to set your expectations for your students - When remaining neutral works to your advantage - My secret strategy: The Ten Minute Rule - What can happen when you truly engage a child with art LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Interested in more classroom management tips? Listen to: Art Made Easy # 053 6 Factors for a Successful Management Plan Listen to: Art Made Easy Easy Classroom Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Class with Michael Linsin Classroom Management for Art, Music, and Pre Teachers by Michael Linsin Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle Publication Date August 21 The Sparkler's Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

What is the ONE thing you want most this school year? A healthier lifestyle? More money? A more organized classroom? While I can't claim to hold the secret to achieving these things, I can share the one secret that I know will transform your school year...if only you stay open to it. The biggest impact for me, in both my personal and business life, has been asking for help. Knowing when my desires were too big to do alone or that my obsession with doing it all wasn't working anymore, wasn't all that easy to figure out. Asking and accepting help runs deep. I see the resistance everywhere: in my family, friends, business friends and especially art teachers. We think we are meant to do it all. But I think there is a better way and in this episode, I share my journey of when I started saying yes to getting help and the impact it has had. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - The one thing that holds many people back - How to get clear about what you're saying 'no' to - Why getting help early on was so critical for me in my own journey as an entrepreneur - What happens when you give yourself permission to not always be good at everything LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle Publication Date August 21 The Sparkler's Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Connecting with children through art is an essential ingredient in the success and longevity of artist, Jill Hatcher. Jill teaches children ages 4-12 in a public school, does after school art classes and hosts private classes in her home. And she doesn't hold a teaching degree! It's hard to imagine where she finds the energy until you meet her. Jill is enthusiastic, warm and loves connecting with both her students and fellow teachers. We spotlight Jill in our Sparkle magazine and asked her to share her story on Art Made Easy. This episode is for anyone who is not a credentialed teacher and wants to learn how others went from artist to art teacher. Patty answers a few of Jill's questions including an explanation of how Team Sparkle creates, designs and structures The Sparklers Club library of art lessons and what big things are in the pipeline for Deep Space Sparkle. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Jill made her way into teaching art organically - The ways her experience has differed from teaching in the school system to teaching at home - What she says were the biggest struggles she's faced in her career teaching art - How Jill handles her classroom management - Where Jill's own creativity and inspiration comes from LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist Art Stories from Around the World - China: AME 057 Art Stories from Around the World - Bahrain: AME 058 Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India: AME 059 Manifesting Your Ultimate Goal: AME 085 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

DRAWING WITH CHILDREN WITH MONA BROOKES: AME 100 I wondered how to make this milestone episode special. When I thought back to all the episodes, there is one thread that runs through them. And that is that no matter where you teach art, how you teach art, or what stage you are at in your teaching journey...you are not alone. We're here for you. When I began teaching art in 2004, and had no idea how to teach kids, there was someone there for me, too. An hour after I was offered the job, I went to borders and bought Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes. I knew I struck gold. I flipped through the pages and chapter headings caught my eye... Giving the artist the permission to unfold Creating a Supportive Climate Talk like an adult, with non judgment How we see... The book didn't focus on standards or academic tie-ins, it shared a strong philosophy on how to teach children to draw. It was about what was possible. I read the book in a few nights and felt so confident about teaching that I literally didn't plan any lessons other than drawing with the kids for the first few weeks. That was then, and I still refer to Mona's instructions every now and again. When we finally secured an interview time, I was giddy with excitement. I wasn't sure how the interview would go. We talked about the evolution of the book, Drawing with Children, and how it was created...the publicity, the backlash, and how it ended up a franchise. It's a fascinating story of how one idea channels into so many directions until in the end, it circles back to the origins. I hope it inspires you to push, dream and circle back. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Mona Brookes began her journey teaching, and why she says her first attempt as a teacher was a "failure" - Mona's philosophy for teaching young children to draw and how the ability to draw can be learned - How Mona went from teaching art to branding her own methodology and selling franchises - How technology has changed everything for Mona and her business - Where the battle between art philosophies stems from - How Mona is still impacting the world at the age of 80 LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist Monart Website Monart Books Monart Training Pre-Order Patty's new book Draw, Paint, Sparkle You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you have a mantra that you live by each day? As creatives, we often gravitate towards specific sayings or guideposts. And in Mary’s case, she adopts her own. Mary Crowlie taught in a classroom for 20 years before changing paths and becoming the art teacher for 800 children in grades 1st-5th. This was her realization of nabbing her dream job. But it was more challenging than she expected. To keep her spirits and energy up, Mary adopted a mantra that she uses to both inspire, humor and keep her radiant outlook. I love this episode because it shines a light on an educators who is truly making a difference, yet mostly go unheard or acknowledged.  Her positive energy and years of experience really shine through in our conversation. It feels as though we were sitting across from one with a glass of Rosé! Mary is a member of our Sparkler’s Club and was featured in July’s SPARKLE magazine. As a guest Sparkler on Art Made Easy, Mary selected a few questions to ask me. We chat about our art philosophies, the evolution of Deep Space Sparkle, what inspires our lesson plans, and art philosophies. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:  Why Mary believes we can all do it all!  Some of the biggest challenges she had when beginning her career as an Art Specialist  Why teachers and other professionals are starting to see the need for integrated art Mary’s rules when it comes to creating art What “Product Versus Product” means to Mary LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD LINKS & RESOURCES: The Sparkler's Club Waitlist Patty's video that details the evolution DSS Immaculate Heart Art Department Rules You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Do you want to write a book? Chances are, you do. It's a dream many of us share until you sit down and stare at an empty screen. Perhaps you wonder if you have it in you. The endurance to see it through to the end. Maybe you do and maybe you don't. This episode will share 5 action steps that I think are critical to you success as a writer. A few years ago, I was asked to write a book. I considered the invitation, said yes and went through a process of writing a book proposal, waffling between self-publishing and traditional publishing and being both frustrated and fulfilled during the process. This episode is for anyone who is thinking about writing a book and a few action steps to help you say yes! Top Tips for writing a book: 1. Read what you want to write 2. Start writing 3. Don't wait for inspiration 4. Spend a lot of time on you book proposal 5. If self-publishing, join a critique group Want to read more about my journey as a published author? Listen to AME 085 Manifesting you Ultimate Goal...how I became a published author. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why you should be reading what you want to write - How to start writing and tips for improvement - Why you shouldn't wait for inspiration to come to you - Patty's best tips for beginning to work on your book proposal - What are the differences between a publishing house and self-publishing LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE   LINKS & RESOURCES: Head, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managin Young Artists with Sally Fowler: AME 090 Manifesting You Ultimate Goal: AME 085 Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India with Celia Fisher: AME 059 Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Draw, Paint, Sparkle Pre-Order You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

After volunteering in her children's classrooms teaching art, June Wood decided to take a stab at pursuing a paid position. After approaching a few schools in her district, June was offered the job as an art specialist. If you ever wondered what opportunities are available for those who do not have a teaching credential, this episode is for you. June and I chat about her unusual approach to managing her schedule, what projects she uses as a cornerstone for her skills and what advice she would give others looking to move into teaching art. As a Sparkler Spotlight recipient in The Sparkler's Club, June complied three questions she wanted to ask Patty. We chat about ceramic tile murals, how to gauge how long a project will take a child and a class and how I transitioned into a paid position.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How June began her art education journey and how she got the confidence to start teaching - The challenges of working at different schools - June's experiences in teaching art from a cart - How June is able to adapt her lessons with the limited time available in each classroom - Why there are disadvantages to introducing more choices into your curriculum - June's advice for brand new teachers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Cuteware Davis School Arts Foundation Ceramic Tile Mural Projects You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

As an artist and a teacher you have the unique ability to inspire kids...to help THEM become artists, critical thinkers, decision makers and creators. As art teachers, we strive to be completely original, to inspire passion through process and pattern, and hopefully our students will appreciate our efforts. But if it's our goal to generate original ideas and projects that lure children away from their iPhone's and back to their sketchbooks, we have to work hard. It's hard to develop a program that addresses the emotional, creative and academic needs of all kids. Not to mention the requirement to provide rubrics, assessments, scope & sequence and essential questions. It can get a little crazy! You may start to wonder WHY you became an art teacher in the first place. I put this show together because I sense some friction. I'm in a position to hear from many, many teachers...who teach in a variety of situations and locations. I sense that there is a desire to move towards teaching art the right way. You want to inspire kids by day but come back to your own life at night...to come home inspired from teaching. To have the emotional and physical energy to enjoy your family, your friends and fill your own creative well. One way to find a path that allows you to teach from the best part of you is to identify what your strengths are and to hold onto them. Perhaps one of the three types of art teachers resonates with you?  1. Academic  2. The Artist  3. The Volunteer In today's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing how these three types of teachers can not only help each other but reveal how you can live your best life. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - The many reasons why we may look to a career in teaching art - Why we strive to be original as art teachers - The three processes in which you came to becoming a classroom art teacher - Why we need to know our limitations and use the tools that are available for us LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  Now, it's YOUR turn....WHY did you become an art teacher?  Share your responses below...

Which statement rings true for you: summer is too short OR summer is long enough? If you're like most of us, you probably feel as though it is way too short. By the time you're back into the classroom in August or September it can feel as though you never left. So how do you make the most out of your time? Do you tackle all the stuff on your to-do list early on so you can relax later? Do you completely veg and catch up on Netflix? Our summer plans feel differently for all of us, because we are all unique in how we restore ourselves. If you're coming off a busy teaching season into an even busier summer, an introverted teacher can feel completely overwhelmed. If you have nothing on your plate or your days are unstructured, an extroverted teacher may feel completely unfulfilled. It's also possible for both personality extremes to over-estimate what you can accomplish in this relatively small parcel of time. Introverted and extroverted personality types may require radically different summer agendas, so keeping in mind both personalities, Here are my top 10 tips for making summer feel restful, enjoyable and energizing... WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why learning new perspectives is the quickest way to become happy - How you can recognize the small happy moments that occur every day - How to choose one goal you want to accomplish - Why we need to schedule alone time, become more active and in the process, gain more energy - What to do if you are not getting enjoyment out of what you are doing LISTEN TO THE SHOW Download my free Summer Planning & Creating Guide PDF by clicking the white box below. Enter your name and email and we'll send it to you! LINKS & RESOURCES 16 Personalities Test You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Have you ever heard of Flow Learning™? It’s a technique that Joseph Cornell from the Sharing Nature Foundation developed to help children channel their natural tendencies and curiosities into focused learning. A fellow Sparkler, Chandi Holliman, shared this approach with me and I was immediately intrigued. In this episode of Art Made Easy, Chandi shares how she used this approach with her pre-school and young Kinders in the art room. Chandi is a brand new Sparkler and is our featured Sparkler Spotlight for May. What I love about Chandi is her calm, intentional approach to children’s art making and her vigorous passion for arts, children and creating new opportunities. This episode is for anyone who is interested in how meditation, yoga and calming practices help children grow into keen observers and makers. Here are the basic tenets of Flow Learning ™: 1. Awakening Enthusiasm: how to introduce a lesson through warm-up exercises, reading a story, or playing a game. 2. Focused Attention: Using details from the warm-up to concentrate their focus. 3. Direct Experience: Handing out materials, pairing the right set of children together, playing music, moving from a silent flow into the main art lesson, or by asking for a calmer classroom. 4. Shared Inspiration: Asking students to share their experience and asking questions. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How Chandi went from being a Nanny to building her own school - Why she incorporates yoga and meditation with her children - How awakening enthusiasm builds engagement - The reasons why literature can be a main source of inspiration - How business decisions are easier to make when guided by a powerful mission LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Joseph Cornell, Sharing Nature Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 Charge What You're Worth: AME 093 Ananda Sangha The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life I Am Yoga  You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today on AME, I'm talking all about money...specifically how it applies to art teachers who run classes or workshops or have a product to sell. I'm revealing my strategies for determining how to set the right price for your product service. After 10 years of running an online business, I've learned a thing or two about what price to charge for products. And although I didn't always get it right, I did learn that business - any business - has 3 main components: 1. Business strategies are the easiest to implement as they are things you can learn: management systems, email list, software, websites, marketing, social media, etc. 2. Personality is what frames your offer. This is the what and who you are. This is the energy and style you bring to whatever you are selling. 3. Limiting beliefs are literally what holds you back. It's the stories you tell yourself that have a DEEP impact on any type of business you run: big or small. Identifying your limiting beliefs will help you answer your money questions. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Why people expect your products to be available for free - The three main facets of running a business - What's a beta project and how it can help you when you are first starting your business - What charging low prices might look like to your potential customers and why premium pricing is beneficial - How to look at competition and build a spark for your customers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES James Wedmore's Mind Your Business Podcast How to Know When It's Time to Open Your Art Studio: AME 086 Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today I'm talking to an art teacher who confesses to being focused on the end result. Before you judge, listen to how Britt Curley, from the blog, Art Room Britt, sets her intention with her students as they work through mediums, learn techniques and create a beautiful piece of art in the process. Britt puts a lot of attention on a finely tuned finished product. Craftsmanship, neatness and detail are integrated into her art classes and children respond with enthusiasm and confidence. Britt shares how she came to teach children in her home, growing from one class with only a couple of children to sold out classes and waiting lists. You can learn how and what Britt does in her art class during our Draw, Paint, Make Summer Workshop in July. Her presentation, Cultivating Craftsmanship takes a deep dive into setting expectations for children, best tips for creating nuanced, layered art and a walk through how she does one of her most detailed projects. You can learn more HERE. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: This show is perfect for anyone who is interested in hearing how teaching techniques and introducing mediums within a structure class environment works in a small group environment. - How Britt built her art business from the basement of her own home - What Britt did to organically grow her business -  Britt's approach to introducing mediums and techniques to her students -  The benefits of having high expectations of her students - How jumping towards an art career opened the door for new and exciting opportunities - What Britt does to engage the children in her classes - Why her art is academic-based and product-oriented LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Art Room Britt Blog Art Room Britt Instagram Join Britt and other artists at the Draw, Paint, Make Art Workshop....click for more details Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today I'm talking to acrylic artist Anna Bartlett about all things acrylic paints, art studios, paint parties and how to make the easiest sketch books ever. Anna is an artist from Queensland, Australia and the owner of Shiny Happy Art. We met through Instagram and instantly connected over our shared love of bright colors and happy art. Anna shares her journey of transitioning from an accountant to art studio owner and how she positions her business as a premium service. For anyone who struggles with charging enough to run a profitable business, Anna's thought process just might convince you to start charging what you're worth. Anna is a presenter at our online summer workshop, Draw, Paint, Make. To learn more, click the link in the show notes down below. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Anna started her own art business and evolved it into a successful career - How Anna uses positivity and The Law of Attraction to help shape her business to what it is today - The importance of choosing whether to become a premium product - The benefits of using good quality acrylic paints with your students - What strategies Anna uses with her scrapbooks and notebooks LISTEN TO THE SHOW: In the show, Anna shows me the sketchbooks she uses to map out certain projects. While I couldn't find the same sketchbooks or plastic covers in the United States (I believe they are only available in the UK and Australia), you can make a similar scrapbook. I was so excited to use this inexpensive type of scrapbook for my own personal use, that I created my own. Simply take 8-10 12" x 18" sheets of white sulphite paper and fold in half. Make the crease strong by running a ruler along the fold line. Using a long arm stapler, staple the pieces of paper together at the crease. Use Gesso to paint the front and back cover. this make the cover strong and feels like a real sketchbook. I'm using my hand-made sketchbook for Anna's 15 Flowers Acrylic painting class. I already completed the Sunflower and Lily and next up is the Daisy. These are the acrylic paints Anna loves...   LINKS & RESOURCES: Save $40 using  the code DEEPSPACESPARKLE on the 15 Flowers e-course from 26 April - 30 June 2018 Shiny Happy Art Website Shiny Happy Art Instagram Shiny Happy Art YouTube Golden Acrylic Paint Crayola Acrylic Paint Mont Marte Studio Acrylic Paint Set Painting Party: Acrylic Painting for Beginners Tempera vs. Acrylic Paint Join Anna and other artists at the Draw, Paint, Make Art Workshop....click for more details Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Sally Haughey Fowler brings absolute wonder to her students through the Waldorf environment. She walks into an art room with intention, passion and enough drama to rival a Disney production. In this episode, Sally discusses her 10 tips for teaching art to kids with emphasis on the Waldorf approach to art. She shares her three art teacher superpowers that reveal exactly how children think. Sally was a featured presenter at the Deep Space Sparkle 2017 Art Workshop in Santa Barbara. I loved her workshop presentation so much that I wanted to share it with you and the Art Made Easy audience. Click down below to download Sally's information packed slide deck so that you can waltz into your art room and share your superpowers with your kids. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Sally's top 10 tips for successful classroom management - How Sally came to realize the ways to speak to young children most effectively - Sally's key "superpowers" for managing young artists in the classroom - Benefits of storytelling in your classroom and ways to bring life to art materials - The power of the "Rule of 3" for successful learning retention in young children DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION SLIDE DECK To get Sally's presentation slide deck, click on the yellow button below. Add your name and email and we’ll email it to you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop Sparklers Club Waitlist Fairy Dust Teaching How to Engage, Inspire and Create Art Room Magic with Sally Haughey: AME 042 You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Wonder what it's like to step into the art room serving 500 kids a week after being in a classroom for 20 years? I was curious too, so I asked Crissy Harvey if she would share what that experience was like for her. Crissy is a Sparkler in The Sparklers Club. What she was sharing in our private Facebook group was blowing me away. As a first-time art teacher, I was amazed at the attention to detail, the variety of lessons and the courage to tackle painted paper for the first time. Deep Space Sparkle selected Crissy for our Sparkle Spotlight in April and as a featured member, she asked me a few questions. We talk about: What art supplies are must-haves in your art room How to teach 30 Kinders and 1st graders without going crazy What to do when kids miss art class   This episode is for anyone who is a first time art teacher, teaches hundreds of kids a week and is interested in being the creative lead in a school production. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Crissy's biggest transition going from classroom to art teacher - How Crissy's school has allowed her to craft a curriculum - How Crissy decides which projects to do with her class - The logistics in creating a school production while running an art class at the same time - Tips for working with younger kids and suggestions for children who have missed class - Which art supplies is recommended for longevity in the art room LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop Sparklers Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WORK FOR YOU: AME 088 Wouldn't it be nice if we could step into our art rooms and spend the entire session creating art? Not likely, right? Managing behavior, creating management plans, enforcing rules and asking children to stop talking consumes most of our energy. And when our classroom management plan is no longer effective, any effort is literally exhausting. It's easy to say, do this or do that and your problem will be solved. Managing the behavior of your students, your art room, your community requires a highly individualized effort. Kaitlyn Edington knows this feeling well. As a first year art teacher at a rural Title 1 school in South Carolina, Kaitlyn had to forget all she knew about management and create a system specifically for her unique group of students. Today's episode shares what she did and how she did it... IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - The effects Kaitlyn's elementary school art teacher had on her future art career - How Kaitlyn connects and builds trust with her students - Why positive reinforcement is more impactful than disciplining students - How to incorporate sketch books in the classrooms - Kaitlyn's top 3 classroom management tips including her amazing points system using popsicle sticks - How Instagram has successfully impacted Kaitlyn's career LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop Sparklers Club Waitlist Kaitlyn Edington's Instagram Dirty John Ted Radio Hour How I Built This with Guy Raz Classroom Management: A Step in the Right Direction You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com      

Michelle Gifford, a second-grade teacher from Thousand Oaks California, confessed to failing miserably with her first attempt at teaching art. She had followed her school's purchased art program but never felt confident that she was giving her students the best art experience. After a miserable open house, where parents expressed disappointment with her art attempts, Michelle plucked up the determination to learn how to teach art. After learning all she could, Michelle went all in with her art education and is now known as the teacher who does "all the art". This episode is for anyone who doesn't consider themselves an artist or fears they don't have the skills or resources to teach art to their students.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN - How Michelle was able to become a confident classroom art teacher - Why supplies can make a difference in the pleasure and experience of a project - How Michelle benefits from practicing art projects before teaching them to her class - How support from parents can go a long way - Ways she improves her classroom by tying in lessons from other subjects - How to keep your creative cup full by staying educated and informed LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Want to brush up on your art skills? Summer is the perfect time to get in some PD hours especially if it involves creativity. I invite you to join me and 7 artists and art teachers as we present inspiring ways to take your teaching to a new level. This one-day online event focuses on learning the techniques that engage students on a richer, deeper level so that they can become more aware of craftsmanship and their own connection to their art. For teachers, we want students to be engaged, to take pride in our work and often that starts with us...showing them what's possible and what's really exciting. You'll learn printmaking, watercolor, using tempera paint in unique ways, how to make colors pop, how to make dynamic projects with just crayons, using colored pencils and markers and so much more. Make sure to enroll before April 13th to secure your early bird registration of only $119. Regular price $147. If you're a Sparkler, please make sure to use your special Sparkler link to grab your Sparklers-only price. Check out the details in the show notes down below. Regular fee: $147  Early Bird Fee: $119 until April 13th Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop LINKS & RESOURCES Sparklers Club Waitlist Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers Creative Bug You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

If you've ever wondered if opening your own art studio is the right path for you, today's guest, Arielle Goddard from Art Camp, will share what factors played a significant role in her decision to transition from an art teacher to creative entrepreneur... Arielle will share how she transitioned from a program director and teacher of an art academy to a sole entrepreneur of her own art studio. She will share how she transformed her home to an inviting creative space, how she determines her fees and what triggered her decision to step out of what was comfortable to the great creative unknown. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - The differences in teaching art to adults versus children - How Arielle used art as a healing modality for herself and her students - All the logistics for your first home workshop - How the idea of operating a mobile art studio came to be for Arielle - The way Arielle recommends dealing with perfection as a creator and entrepreneur - How to determine pricing - Arielle's strategy in curating a stunning Instagram feed LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Art Made Easy listeners will recieve a 20% discount on any Art Camp's Art Box. Use code SPARKLE at checkout. Art Camp LA Website Art Camp LA Facebook Art Camp LA Instagram Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Monart Keith Haring You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

In episode 29, we chat with Patty Palmer of Deep Space Sparkle about how she went from teaching art to kids to eventually running a super successful membership site for art teachers. Patty shares how it all started by following her curiosities and how small, inspired moments lead her to big things. It's so refreshing to hear Patty's joyful approach to business and that success and ease can go hand in hand. We also talk about joining a mastermind, building a tribe, tips for starting a subscription membership program, and working with your spouse. This episode is packed with all kinds of inspiration and food for thought. After chatting with Patty, whenever a question came up for us, we would ask each other WWPPD? What would Patty Palmer do? Show notes can be found at www.museandthecatalyst.com/podcast/episode29

Do you have a dream that you've been working towards? The goal that when accomplished, will fill your bucket list and give you permission to say, I did it? What if, after working tirelessly for years on this one dream, you decide to abandon it...give up. What would that say about you? Are you a quitter? In this episode of Art Made Easy, I'm sharing my book publishing journey...how it started, what I learned and ultimately, how different my dream looked in the end. This episode is for anyone who wants to pursue writing a book and how the process looked for me. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How a childhood passion became the catalyst to my ultimate dream - Why learning all you can about your chosen path leads you success - How it feels to let a dream go and allow the universe take over - How to know if your hard work will pay off - When to know if you are trying too hard - Alternative ways to view "giving up" LISTEN TO THE SHOW CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE LINKS & RESOURCES A peek inside my Greenwood School Binders My post about my Oprah weekend Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Outlander book series by Diana Gabaldon Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Pre-order Draw, Paint, Sparkle: 25 Creative Projects from an Elementary Art Teacher: Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

This is a special bonus episode in response to a beautiful outpouring from a Sparkler inside our private Facebook Group. Her anticipated art show generated only a few attendees and as we can all imagine, low attendance just doesn’t feel great. I know I’ve coordinated many art shows that ranged from just a few parents here and there to shoulder to shoulder crowds. This episode shares 3 simple steps to ensure that your definition of success doesn’t start at the opening of the show. 3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: 1. Keep it simple 2. Get help from unlikely sources 3. Release expectations IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: How you should define “success” before you hold your art show What tasks your children can help with and why they can be such a great help in preparing for the show What matters more than just the number of people that attend the show LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Prepping for School Art Show Artomé You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today I'm answering the most asked questions I receive about teaching kids to paint. This is the second episode in our series, Questions You Were Afraid To Ask. If you want to know how to prevent your paper from curling, wonder why the salting technique doesn't work for you or whether you should buy acrylic or tempera paint, this episode is perfect for you. Make sure to download the free PDF that lists each question and answer plus offers bonus videos for you to view on Deep Space Sparkle. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Why I feel it is precious to be present when teaching children - What to do about "goopy" water colors - The best ways to use salt with your watercolor and the supplies that work best for this technique - How to stop your paper from curling - How to make your use of Tempera paint more vibrant and the differences between liquid Tempera paint and Tempera cakes - What are the differences between acrylic paint and Tempera paint LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD THE Q & A GUIDE To get the Art Classroom Q & A Guide, click on the yellow button below. Add your name and email and we’ll email it to you. LINKS & RESOURCES Crayola Acrylic Paint Crayola Premier Tempera Hand Makery 5 Tips for Making Vibrant Paint Colors Tempera vs. Acrylic You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

We're going back to basics today to answer 5 questions that you may have been afraid to ask about teaching kids to draw. I've been sharing how to teach drawing to kids for a long time but what I noticed was the same 5 questions were asked over and over again by my audience. These questions are the direct results of diving into an art project but experiencing a reaction from a child that was unexpected. Situations like being frustrated, drawing too small and experiencing perfectionism can leave even the most experienced teacher bewildered. Make sure to download the complete Q & A guide from Deep Space Sparkle. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - What to do if your students want to copy pictures from books - How to get kids to draw bigger, and what to consider when it comes to the size of the drawing - My secret approach to use when students want to start their drawing over - Ways to implement sketch books in the classroom - What to do when children "shut down" during a lesson DOWNLOAD THE Q & A GUIDE To get the Art Classroom Q & A Guide, click on the yellow "Download PDF" button below. Add your name and email and we'll email it to you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES All About Guided Drawings Draw Paint Sparkle by Patty Palmer (Coming August 21st) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

The fine art of art demonstrations is not something we learn at school. Often, teachers are plunked in front of a class without knowing exactly what to do. Do you show a finished project? Where do kids sit? Do you have supplies on the table or do you offer a self-serve approach? Believe me, I've been there! This episode is in response to a question posed in our Sparkler Facebook group: I'm curious, how do you all demonstrate a lesson? I'm on a cart and don't have access to a document camera. The flow of my lessons feels a little chaotic and I feel it is part due to students not understanding how to create the projects. I usually give verbal instructions and perhaps demonstrate a technique on scrap paper, but then those in the back have trouble seeing. Such a great questions, right? This episode reveals my strategy of how I staged my demonstrations in my art room from how children enter the art room to working on a project. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  - How I use my white board to prepare for a lesson - Ways I managed my classroom to allow students to have a calm state of mind - How I get children to listen - Why document cameras or powerpoint presentations aren't my thing - What to do if you forget to talk about a step in the lesson - Why you should always be aware of the dynamics in your classroom DOWNLOAD A SEATING CHART (Fillable) To get the Seating Chart PDF, click on the yellow "Download PDF" button below. Add your name and email and we'll email it to you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Draw Paint Sparkle by Patty Palmer (Coming August 21st) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

In this episode, I share why I feel so strongly about supporting and sharing with others. Why it's good for me and how sharing, collaborating and being positive shapes my life. I call it living with abundance but it can also be called The Golden Rule: Do to others what you would want them to do for you. This episode shares a few stories about how giving and sharing has made a huge difference in my happiness, prosperity and job satisfaction and ways it can work for you, too. I'll talk about... • What “abundance” means to me • How living with abundance and giving to others enhanced my own life • Why you should strive to be the person you want to have in your life • Why “the less you expect, the more you receive” is true • The reasons why joining a mastermind is such a great idea And speaking of sharing, here is a list of people I think are amazing. I want acknowledge them and share their goodness with YOU! Ami Mayes Colorado, Hand Makery Allison Jensen Missouri, Orange Easel Art Anna Bartlett, Shiny Happy Art Arielle Goddard, Art Camp LA Robin Long, Balanced Life Sisterhood Jasmine Star, Instagram 180 & The Social Curator Tiffany Lee Bymaster, Lights Camera Branding Anna DiGillio, Simple Skilled inSecond Jessica Balsey, Art of Education   LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Oprah Super Soul Sunday James Wedmore Pat Flynn, Smart Passive Income Amy Porterfield Online Marketing Made Easy Rick Mulready Upcoming Free Challenge You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

AME 079: How to Protect Your Creative Content Do you offer tutorials, projects or handouts on social media, but get uneasy when someone swipes your idea? Protecting your creative content, from your Insta-Stories to your blog posts takes consideration. I know exactly how it feels when someone posts your content as their own and it’s not great. Today’s episode shares 3 options to consider when deciding HOW to share your content without feeling like you got ripped off. Also, a few updates on a Sparklers meet-up in Seattle, our upcoming Art workshop this summer and what I took from hearing Condoleezza Rice speak. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • How social media has changed the art industry and allows you to join tribes of like-minded people • Why you should always been learning, growing and experimenting with different ways of teaching art • When protecting your content, start with stating your intentions • How to set up shop and charge for your content • What I got out of sharing freely for years LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Teachers Pay Teachers Olympic Sports Icon Project The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Art Meets Storytime My favorite way to transition a classroom full of kids to an art class is to read a picture book. I've been a longtime fan of children's literature and art so when you put the two together, you have a enraptured audience. Today's guest is Julia Linsteadt, the co-founder of KidArtLit, a subscription box company that delivers storytime and art kits every month to young families. It's really two of my favorite things. Julia shares her story of how she began her business and why she thinks it's so successful. Make sure to click over to the blog to get a special Art Made Easy discount code for your first order of your subscription box. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: • Why Julia’s childhood and artistic parents were perfect grounds to support her artistic side • How Julia transitioned into an art educator and the ways she now educates and interacts with smaller children • How Julia and her business partner met and what steps they took to start an online business • Why, as a new online business owner, you’ll need to learn as you go and have mentors help along the way LISTEN TO THE SHOW KID ART LIT DISCOUNT CODE! We are happy to offer our Art Made Easy listeners 10% off the first-month order of the renewing 1, 3, or 6-month subscription options. Discount Code: SPARKLE10 KidArtLit Website Note: This code does not apply to our gift options. Families may cancel at any time. LINKS & RESOURCES   KidArtLit Instagam KitArtLit Facebook Page The Subscription School The Artful Parent by Jean Van't Hul You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram

What’s Your Word of the Year? In today’s episode, I’ll share how I use mine and how you can incorporate a Word of the Year into your life.  There are parts of this conversation that move past picking a word to represent how you want to feel or what action you want to take in the new year. My word evolved because of a bad situation in one of my past art classes. In order not to repeat the scenario, I created an intention that I still follow today. I’d love to hear what your Word of the Year is, if you have one and how it has changed how you use in every day. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • How I define my Word of the Year and who inspired it • Why the practice of setting a word for the year can be helpful • What things you can do to stay hyper-aware of your word throughout the year • What happens when your students begin to trust you • Which words I've used throughout the years and why LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINK & RESOURCES The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

CLASSROOM TEACHERS GUIDE FOR TEACHING ART You may wonder how you can teach art to your students if you don’t consider yourself an artist.  Here’s the thing…I don’t believe you need to be a great artist to teach art to kids. You just need a little bit of help. This episode of Art Made Easy offers you the tips and tricks (and the toolkit) to help classroom teachers teach art effectively when you don’t have an art room, lots of ideas or supplies. Be sure sure to download the Classroom Teachers Guide Toolkit through the blog for links, tips and checklists. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: • Why templates and directed drawings can be beneficial for getting started on your classroom art lessons • How you can organize your supplies for easy access and alternatives to a chalkboard that you can use as dedicated art spaces • Why I recommend liquid water colors for every grade level if you’re a classroom teacher • What big misconception exists about using chalk and ways you can start using it in your art room • Ways to create the right environment for your students to create their art LISTEN TO THE SHOW   LINKS & RESOURCES To learn more about The Sparklers Club > SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE VIDEO SERIES: Create Your Dream Art Program You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram  Classroom Teacher’s Guide to Teaching Art Teach Art In Your Class Art at Home Toolkit and Guide: AME 068 4 Steps to Designing Your Perfect Art Program: AME 064 The Organized Art Teacher: AME 037 Tips to Help Gauge if an Art Project is Right for Your Class: AME 006 Nutcracker Art Lesson Christmas Car support@deepspacesparkle.com

Have you ever felt frustrated or flustered at work? Perhaps a bit anxious or uncertain? Creating art lessons, prepping supplies, managing behaviors and dealing with uncertainty can challenge even the best of us. Today’s episode of Art Made Easy takes a look at how one book, Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield changed the way I approached my day. As a writer, it made a huge difference in my productivity and as a teacher it allowed me to look at my job with more focus and less distraction. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: • How having a professional mindset can help you in the art room • What are the real differences between amateurs and professionals • Why looking into the future can be just as limiting than looking into the past • Whether or not you need to offer many different mediums in your art program • Why I believe you can be both a creative and a business owner • What I say before my students walk in the door   LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Enrolling new Sparklers on January 3, 2018 To learn more about The Sparklers Club You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram  Turning Pro & The War of Art by Steven Pressfield AME 007: How to Create a Thematic Unit with Laura Lohmann

Occasionally, our efforts to make an impact show up in sweet love notes from a first-grader or a required essay to a favorite teacher. Sometimes it’s larger and grander in scale like your annual art show.  Other days, the monotony of daily routines, sassy kids and challenging schedules make it hard to tell if what we are doing is having any impact at all. On this episode of Art Made Easy, Patty shares 5 likely ways you are making an impact without even being aware of it. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: • How many children our members are impacting worldwide • Why you have to pay attention to how you are showing up each day • The special challenges art specialists face, but how they can be turned into opportunities • What really happens when you demonstrate your enthusiasm for art • How sharing about your own life can open up a world of possibilities for your students • My favorite quote and what it says about how I feel about being a creative person LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Enrolling new Sparklers on January 3, 2018 To learn more about The Sparklers Club Videos on DSS Facebook Page Quote by Martha Graham   You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram

Whenever I explore cultural art projects, I wonder if the lesson I plan will reflect on the values and traditions of the designated country. There have been so many times when I’m knee-deep in Google searches that I wish I could just call someone and have them tell me the most popular art styles in their country. Today’s interview is that type of conversation. I spoke with Sparkler, Payal Wachhar, an art teacher from India who teaches in Australia. Payal and I talk about her passion for inquiry base learning and her favorite Indian art influences. Oh my goodness….the details, descriptions and her passion! So contagious. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  All about Payal’s journey from India to Australia, and how she picked up so many different art skills along the way that she incorporates into her teaching today Why she initially “hated” the idea of becoming a teacher (and what changed this) Payal’s art philosophy and non-traditional ways of teaching art to her students How customizing her teaching to her students needs is leading to a higher level of trust and more engagement from the kids The ways she would design a curriculum around teaching the art of India Why you should be paying attention to your own zone of genius and working the things you are good at into your lessons How consistency in my lessons and being fair to everyone were keys to my teaching experience (and why I personally didn’t use any technology in my classrooms) LISTEN TO THE SHOW   LINKS & RESOURCES Payal's favorite DSS lessons: Chinese Dragons Chicken Little & Henny Penny Art Project Metallic Robot Drawing Videos and Freebies for the 10 year Deep Space Sparkle celebration can be found at: Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Page Deep Space Sparkle Party Page

Patty Palmer, founder of Deep Space Sparkle, is the creator of The Sparkle Club, an online community of over 3,000 teachers around the world. She is devoted to helping teachers educate their students on art. Patty, her husband Neil, and their team consistently create content, courses, and workshops for their growing audience.   Patty shares how she created her membership site and the pros and cons associated with running a membership program. She explains how her business has evolved from selling 200 digital products to launching her membership program, the challenges she faced early on, and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey. “It's not a short-term win. It's a long-term game.” - Patty Palmer In This Episode of The Sigrun Show: How Patty transformed her business from selling art lesson plans online to creating her membership site How starting a membership site allowed her to scale her business Bundling products to offer exclusively to your members How she structured her sales funnel to grow her membership program Setting price points Types of membership programs How much time you should expect to commit to communicating and engaging with your members Creating content for your program Strategies for marketing your membership site Why Patty prefers the “closed launch model” Resources Mentioned: TRIBE online course by Stu McClarin The Product Launch Formula by Jeff Walker   Connect with Patty Palmer: Deep Space Sparkle Instagram Please share, subscribe and review on iTunes Thank you for joining me on this episode of the Sigrun Show. If you enjoyed this episode please share, subscribe and review on iTunes or Google Play Music so more people can enjoy the show. Don't forget to follow and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Get Your Free Training Through my own entrepreneurial journey and by training thousands of online entrepreneurs I've identified 7 STAGES of a Profitable Online Business. Get free access to the 7 Stages training videos and take your online business to the next stage.

I'm so excited to kick off our summer podcast series, Art Stories from Around the World! After starting Deep Space Sparkle's membership program last year, I couldn't help but marvel at what global sharing community we created. We have members from every corner of the globe...Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, France, UK, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India....it goes on and on. What we all notice and appreciate is that we share the same passion. And it is surprising how similar our struggles are. Whether you're teaching around a kitchen table in Wisconsin or at an International School in Wuhan, we can all relate to the joys and struggles of being an art teacher. Lexi Conrad kicks off our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in China. I have always wondered how creativity is taught in China. Do schools embrace art in the same way as we do in America? Is the art focused on realism or rote mechanics? How do the children behave? is classroom management a big deal like it is here? So many questions! Lexi was so kind to walk us through what it's like teaching to her group of international students. She shares what the differences are between private and public schools and the surprising differences in how the Chinese people view art. Make sure to download the Chinese Clay Bells art project that Lexi created for you! Scroll down for the download button. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How the amazing art experiences Lexi herself had at a young age influenced her own teaching style What effects censorship and cultural differences have teaching art in China How the Chinese community at large embraces art What can happen when you have access to beautiful art supplies Lexi’s favorite projects and how she’s introduced art to her colleagues in China LISTEN TO THE SHOW SHOW NOTES Lexi created this clay art project to represent the historical significance of bells in the town of Wuhan, China.  To access this free art project, just click on the blue button below. Subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes so you won't miss the next episode of the Summer Podcast Series, Art Stories Around the World. Next time on Art Stories from Around the World...San Asad from Bahrain shares what it's like growing up in Pakistan, going to design school in a time when art wasn't considered a career and ultimately teaching art in her home.  

Teaching art to kids in your home or at school for the very first time is exciting, but challenging. Developing your teaching style, understanding how children create, and determining what style of lessons to teach can be a slow process. Today’s show features Deep Space Sparkle member, Lesly Chamate from Florida. As a first time art teacher, Lesly joined our Sparkler community to learn how to teach art to kids. Over the past year she has grown from a mom unsure how to teach art to kids, to dreaming of how to expand her small studio to reach even more kids and adults. We chat about how to manage children working at different paces, how to deliver art instructions so all children are eager to participate and how to optimize an art studio with limited space. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: What the differences are between teaching inside and outside of the home How to set the right intention when kids want to do their own thing How Lesly has evolved as an art teacher by constantly learning new things What you can do when your children work at different paces Why a curious teacher is the best type of teacher How you don’t have to do everything when starting out, but build from where you’re at What Lesly is doing to grow as an artist and ways she’s looking to expand what services she offers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Laura Lohmann’s, Painted Paper Art Rachelle Doorley’s, Tinker Lab Creativebug Website Creative Boot Camp with Lisa Congdon Ladies Drawing Night: Make Art, Get Inspired, Join the Party by Julia Rothman (affiliate link) Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way by Jennifer Orkin Lewis (affiliate link) Granny’s Clan: A Tale of Wild Orcas by Dr.Sally Hodson & Ann Jones (affiliate link) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today’s episode is special. Deep Space Sparkle member, Gloria Mathews is the quintessential Sparkler: creative, sharing, and kind. She is always the first one to comment, cheer on and celebrate other’s success in their journey as an art teacher. Gloria is a retired classroom teacher who transitioned to teaching art a couple of days per week to her group of students in grades K-2.  Hear how she designed an art program that suited her lifestyle and goals and how you can do it, too. Gloria and I chat about what makes a children’s book successful, how to get started writing your own children’s book and how letting go of one dream allows you to find the space to achieve another dream. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:  How Gloria designed her life after retirement and how you can, too. How text and illustrations play off each other when writing children's books What is SCBWI and how it serves people who have an interest in writing children’s literature Why it is so hard to publish a picture book How having a tribe of like-minded people fills you up   SHOW NOTES:  Gloria’s Facebook Page  Eric Carl Website Peter Reynolds Website Oliver Jeffers Peter Brown Chris Silas Neal www.scbwi.org Draw with Joan Miro Rachelle  Doorley & Tinkerlab It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond by Julia Cameron (affiliate link)  

Marisa is a former K-8 art teacher from Georgia who was one of over 500 people who applied for a job as a standards writer for Deep Space Sparkle last Spring. Marisa helps teachers all over the world by providing documentation for all of the DSS lessons inside The Sparklers Members Club. Life has changed a lot for Marisa, who went from working as an art teacher to staying home with her newborn so she could work from home. It’s not always an easy transition but she moved through it beautifully. Her positive approach to life has allowed her to make the decisions that have been right for her family. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:  How Marisa stuck with her love of teaching art, against the advisement of others What grades and ages were more challenging for her than others The various challenges of grading children’s artwork Why Marisa always chooses to do what she loves (and how to see the value in that) How your goals and dreams can change with different seasons of your life How taking risks led her to her happiness Why finding time to create art for yourself is so important LISTEN TO THE SHOW:   LINKS & RESOURCES: Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinter Marisa’s Instagram To see what a K-2 rubric looks like for one of our lessons inside the membership, feel free to  DOWNLOAD this FREE LESSON from THE MEMBERS CLUB: INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SPARKLERS MEMBERS CLUB? Public enrollment happens in August and January but occasionally, we have a VIP enrollment period for those on our wait list. To add your name to the waitlist, CLICK HERE. TO HEAR MARISA IN PERSON, join us at our DSS LIVE! event on June 23-24th in Santa Barbara. You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com  

Since the creation of Deep Space Sparkle’s Members Club (join waitlist) last June, I’ve made it my goal to help serve and support teachers on their path as art teachers. One of the newest features of the membership is the Sparkler Spotlight. This is where I share members stories on how they became an art teacher, what they struggle with and where they find their inspiration. I’m excited to announce that my first spotlight is member Kristina Massey! Kristina has her own art studio called Corbie Arts in Washington State and teaches after school classes to a small but growing number of students. She joined The Members’ Club to reduce the amount of work she spent in creating a curriculum for her classes but now is wondering how to best use her time in building a business. In this episode, we’re flipping the format and Kristina is asking me the questions! If you are a studio owner or teach after school art class, listen in as Kristina and I chat about artsy business stuff. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:  Why it is important to identify the intention of your class and attract the people that you want to serve How to educate parents on the style of art that you are using to teach their children How we are living in a time where everyone is revisiting or reconnecting with their creative side How teachers can make more of their time to create more profit Why as an entrepreneur you need to experiment with things to find out what changes are necessary in your business Why if you find one social media platform that is working for you, you have to “double down” on that one! Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.     SHOW NOTES:  Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun (Lab Series) by Carla Sonheim Jasmine Star Creative Brand Strategist Creative Bug online creative classes Art Made Easy Episode 39 with Meri Cherry  

In today’s episode, I answer a question from Ashley, a member of Deep Space Sparkle's Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability? This is such a great question. I've been a volunteer in my children's classes and had the opportunity to work with some of the best parents in the world.  And let me just say, there's a learning curve to both sides. In this episode I help you clarify the message and task list you send to your volunteers and help parents maximize their time spent as a volunteer.   If you are an art teacher, this is what you'll learn: How taking a few minutes to write down what you need help with can save time for both you and the parent Why you need to communicate clearly and professionally what needs to be done (just because they are volunteers doesn’t mean their time is unlimited)! How delegating the right task to the right volunteer will result in a more efficient classroom How having a parent with photography skills can benefit you How any negativity and distractions can disrupt the learning experience Why it’s important to accept the outcome and realize that the job might not be done to the same level that you could do it If you are a volunteer, this is what you'll learn: Why it’s helpful to tell the teacher your parameters beforehand How listening to the teacher’s demonstration and being prepared to help will make you a more effective volunteer Why you need to help every child in the classroom, and not just your own When volunteering, why hiring a babysitter is a good plan How being a worker and finishing the task at hand will allow you to be of the most benefit to the class Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: Artsonia  

Are you feeling overwhelmed? I must admit that this year has been an intentionally busy one for me. In order to prevent overwhelm, I fall back on 5 strategies that keep me focused on what is important, what I value and the most important tasks I need to accomplished in a day. This episode will help you identify when you are about to go down that overwhelm hole and how to get yourself back on track. After you listen to the episode, let me know how you handle overwhelm. Share in the comments below... IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How change can never happen without some level of being uncomfortable How the recent expansion of Deep Space Sparkle is exciting, but overwhelming at the same time The three main factors that contribute to overwhelm When you give yourself permission to alter things with your own twists, the expectation placed on you go way down How saying “Yes” too many times can lead to you feeling depleted How information overload can lead you down the rabbit hole of overwhelm, and how choosing what to focus on can help Why that “little voice” in our head doesn’t serve us How the mind is a powerful tool that can be used to your advantage when facing overwhelm Why going for a walk in nature often solves everything, particularly for someone who is introverted Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.  Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher. SHOW NOTES: AME 016: 5 Mindset Shifts That Made a Difference in my Life AME 026: Unlocking Your Potential with Personality Tests A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61) A New Earth with Oprah and Eckhart 10-part series

To start off Season Two of Art Made Easy, I'm answering a member's question about Guided Drawings. Gloria asks: "Sometimes when I am doing a directed drawing lesson, like the Matisse fish bowl, rabbits, pumpkins or really, whatever …. I'll always get the question from my students Do I have to do it that way? or Can I just do anyway I want? And, frankly I'm torn. I don't want to squash their creativity, but I do want them to stretch themselves and try something new. My teacher friend, who is an artist, says I shouldn't even attempt to do directed drawings but rather bring in objects or photos of what is to be drawn and let the students come up with their own ideas of what that should look like on paper. Is there a balance to be had? And what would you say to those little guys who just want to do what they want and go their own route? Thanks Patty!" Isn't that a great question? In this episode of Art Made Easy, I'm going there...discussing the pros and cons of guided drawings and answering whether or not they can be beneficial to kids or whether they restrict creativity. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - How all art philosophies are good, and there’s really no wrong way to teach art to kids - What exactly a guided drawing is and when is the best time to use one - What are the benefits of guided drawings, especially for younger children who tend draw on the small side - Why your objectives or goals must be determined when considering which methods to use in your classroom - How you sometimes will have to be the authority and not allow a child to draw something that doesn’t fit with your project or theme - What guidelines exist for implementing drawing into your art program - How everyone can draw (it’s really just a series of lines and shapes placed on the paper)! - Why using a variety of techniques to teach children how to draw will build their confidence LISTEN TO THE SHOW DOWNLOAD A PDF I created a simple guide that offers direction on what drawing strategies work best for the different grade levels. I use these guidelines as a way to introduce art projects throughout the year. To download the PDF, click the YELLOW box, add your name and email and you will automatically receive the download. Check your inbox! You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Today is the last episode of Art Made Easy Season One! When I embarked on this podcast journey, my intentions was to test out the platform, see if anyone was interested in listening to what I had to say and to share my love of teaching art through others. I'm proud that the show has over 65K downloads and has been in the New & Noteworthy section as well as the What's Hot section in iTunes (K-12 education) since we began. That means that many of you tune in every week to listen. Thank you! To me there is no better way to begin summer, than to have a stack of books at the ready. Teachers need this time to recharge their creative batteries, take a break from the rigors of teaching and to explore new ideas and pursuits. Books can help take you there...to the place where anything is possible. Today's episode shares three of my favorite books: One to help you form new habits, another to take you on a creative journey and the final one to allow you to step into the life of an artist/entrepreneur. Season Two of Art Made Easy will start in late August. See you then!   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - What I’ll be doing this summer (including exciting plans for Deep Space Sparkle)! - Which book can be used as a guide to help you get past “sticking points” in the creative process - What inspired me in different phases of my life & how creativity is literally a “living, breathing thing” - How visiting museums, libraries and nature will open your mind up to new ideas - What is a “morning writing commitment”? - If you really need to be an artist to teach art to kids - Why you need to listen to your instincts and that little voice inside your head - Why you can do anything, whenever, when it comes to creativity - How really knowing yourself is needed before you change any of your habits - Why you need to understand what others are motivated by   LISTEN TO THE SHOW: SHOW NOTES: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (affiliate link) Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits--to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life by Gretchen Rubin (affiliate link) Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon by Susan Seid (affiliate link) Jess Lively, The Lively Show Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies   & Quizzes  

Art teacher and blogger, Ginger Bowerman-Pacer of Paintbrush Rocket shares how she pushed past the barriers that were holding her back from creating a platform for her teaching resources. In an honest and vulnerable conversation about the joys and struggles of teaching art, Ginger confronts the stories she told herself that prevented her from starting a blog and sharing her talents with others to being partners in an exciting new art adventure. If you love conversations about change, following your gut, taking a leap of faith, pushing away blocks, then you will love listening to Ginger. PS In the introduction of this show, I share updates on where I am now with Deep Space Sparkle and my journey towards publishing my first book. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - Where I am now in my journey as an entrepreneur ( I talk about my road publication, why I joined a Mastermind and why I am starting a membership platform) - How taking a leap of faith can reap big rewards - How Ginger's mom influenced Ginger's teaching style - How being a lifelong learner opens unexpected doors - What Ginger's initial fears were about becoming a blogger and her best advice for new bloggers - How school district policies can limit your online presence and how Ginger navigated through this - Why advocating the arts can be done successfully through social media and blogging - How blogging impacts our global teaching community - Why creating a blogging community is essential as a blogger - How to navigate the murky waters of competition among art teachers - Why competition is good- and essential- for doing your best work - How Ginger builds her student's creative confidence - How working towards a personal goal as a visual arts instructor impacts not only the students but a school community LISTEN TO THE SHOW:    DOWNLOAD THIS FREE GUIDE Click the yellow button below, enter your name and email and you will be sent Ginger's color theory worksheet. SHOW  NOTES: - Amy Porterfield's podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy episode 071 - Cassie Stephens Blog - Laura Lohmann and Painted Paper Art - Art Made Easy Mindset episode 016 - Ginger's time-lapse video of her Laurel Burch-inspired  mural painting - Jessica Balsey and The Art of Education - A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink MEET GINGER: Visit Paintbrush Rocket Connect with Ginger through Facebook and Instagram

Kathy Barbro was one of the first art educators to offer online art resources through her site, Art Project for Kids.  No doubt you have seen or purchased her wonderful artist-inspired collaborative murals for your students to color. After speaking with Kathy for the first time in January, I realized there was so much more to Kathy than how-to-draw handouts. Kathy is a busy gal. Not only does she teach full-time in Southern California and manages her blog, but she runs a thriving after-school art program. This is where we spent some time. Kathy shares her story of how her after-school program works, how she manages the time and how the financial benefit of the after-school program has changed her life. This episode is for anyone wishing to learn more about the logistics of operating an after-school art program as well as teaching tips from one of the best art teachers around. Make sure to download Kathy's free After-School Art Program How-to Guide. She shares exactly how she runs the program and shares what her flyers look so that you may be inspired to do the same. Kathy is truly the most wonderful, giving people I know.  I hope you enjoy getting to meet her. LISTEN TO THE SHOW IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: - How Kathy came up with the idea to sell art murals on her blog Art Project for Kids - What Kathy does to be able to teach art all day, teach an after-school program and run a successful online business - How to add more variety and keep kids engaged in your after school art program - How Kathy uses Model Magic to engage her students - What a typical after school program art class looks like for Kathy - The steps to starting an afterschool program at your school - Why it's so important to do what you enjoy when teaching art projects - Kathy's thoughts on focus time for kids, and the perfect length for each lesson - What kept Kathy motivated with her blog, and the best blog platform for someone just starting out - How to incorporate social media into your business and a resource that can help you do this DOWNLOAD A FREE AFTER-SCHOOL ART GUIDE Download Kathy's After School Art Class Guide by clicking the yellow button below. By adding your name and email, you will automatically receive the Free guide and be added to Deep Space Sparkle's weekly newsletter. If you don't wish to receive the newsletter, you can unsubscribe any time.   Did you enjoy this episode of Art Made Easy? If you did, I would LOVE if you can add a review or a rating in iTunes. It's super easy: just click on the aqua Subscribe in iTunes button in this post above, Click the blue VIEW in ITUNES, a new window will open and this is where you can add a review. Thank you! CONNECT WITH KATHY Instagram Facebook Art Project for Kids