mini art books

There is such an amazing local art scene where we live and we try to share that with our boys, so how excited were we to have local artist Dallas Berry come and paint WITH them?

kids, art, projects, indoors

Dallas knows firsthand, and we agree that creating art is therapeutic. It’s another tool in the box of expressing tricky emotions, and so we set out to create a way for our kids to express themselves and even our toddlers dove right in! Dallas led the boys through a series of questions and let them paint whatever they felt in response. Whether it was to draw their favorite toy, or how they feel when their friends are nice to them, or even sad things that happened during the day. The results were fascinating!

kids, art, projects, indoors

We also loved the little books Dallas brought each of them, and any day they feel like painting or drawing they can add to the book! If they’re too little, mamas could easily add a line or two about what each painting means to them, and wouldn’t it be such a treasured keepsake to look back on?

As they get older we’re excited to continue what Dallas started, to paint their day: the highs and the lows, if they’re angry, sad, excited, worried, surprised, hopeful, or frustrated, they can express it in their book, and create even more opportunities for that open communication we all desire with our families!

Here are some of our favorite Dallas Berry pieces, you can see some of her portfolio here and read her blog here.

Dallas Berry Art

Do you have any favorite methods for helping your little ones express themselves? We’d love to hear!

11 Comments

  • Brittany
    February 22, 2013 at 10:54 am

    I love that! Sharing art with your children is so important! Not only can they express themselves, but it will give them something to look at later in life and show their kiddos. So cute 🙂

    xo
    brittanykytecreated.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • alondonreview
    February 22, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    This is a super-fantastic idea. I am thinking I need an art book for every year of my lil man’s life. SO MUCH FUN!

    Reply
  • Julie
    February 22, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    When Tamika was little I use to tape butchers paper to the glass sliding doors and she would paint for hours. I still have many of her painting. But I also used a lot as gift wrap. On each art work, I would get Tamika to put her hand print on it in paint and then underneath I would write the date.
    I can’t wait until Jarvis is old enough to paint, at the moment he loves the magnadoodle (it stops him licking the paint)

    http://iliska-dreams.blogspot.com.au/

    Reply
    • Small Fry
      February 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm

      So smart! Love all these ideas.

      Reply
  • Rachel Hagen
    February 24, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    LOVE Dallas’ work. We have three of her paintings in our home…which we bought at bijou.

    Reply
    • Small Fry
      February 28, 2013 at 3:58 pm

      Awesome! She has great stuff!!

      Reply
  • Jeanette Nyberg
    February 26, 2013 at 11:15 am

    What a lovely post! I’m glad to see your boys paint shirtless like my son does 🙂

    Reply
    • Small Fry
      February 28, 2013 at 3:58 pm

      No other way to go!

      Reply
  • Emma Fehl
    February 26, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Hello! My husband and I are expecting our first baby this summer but our friend recommended that the “Puj Tub” is must need for all moms. I have heard nothing but good things about this item. This should be on every registry!

    Reply
  • Shannon T.
    February 26, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    How fun! My daughter loves to do “projects” this would be perfect!

    Reply
  • Nicole
    February 27, 2013 at 11:35 am

    NEW MOM 🙂 iv been given many suggestions of the best and most useful brands/Iteams but by far the boon pedistool high hair has been my most favorite !

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