Whimsical Owl

Hey there, mama—I see you. You’re sitting there, wondering if you can pull off teaching art at home. You might be thinking, “I’m not artistic enough,” or “Is this even educational?” But let me encourage you, you’re absolutely capable of creating a magical, creative space for your child—and you don’t have to be Picasso to do it. Let me show you how I help families like yours every day.

First, let’s address that fear head-on: Art is more than just pretty pictures. It’s about connection, exploration, and expression. The end goal isn’t a perfect project—it’s the journey of creating something together. And trust me, your kids aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for you.

Start Small: The Whimsical Owl Project

Here’s one of my favorite projects to teach: a whimsical watercolor owl. It’s colorful, playful, and allows kids to think outside the box. They can create an owl in their favorite colors—whether it’s a purple-and-orange owl or a rainbow-striped one. No need to worry about it looking “real”—this project is all about embracing creativity and individuality.

And don’t worry—this isn’t one of those Pinterest-perfect projects that’ll take hours to prep. Set aside just 45 minutes, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Setting Up Your Art Adventure

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need oil pastels, permanent marker, watercolor paints, brushes, paper, and a simple owl template (I provide that of course).

2. Set the mood: Lay out the supplies on a table, and maybe play some calming music to make it feel like a special occasion.

3. Introduce the project: Press play and the kids have a 20+ minute lesson gives them facinating facts with photos and a step by step video to learn how to create their own. After the lesson they usually continue to create their project for another 20 - 30 minutes. Each lessons features lots of encouragement with a calm voice, and the opportunity to pause and rewind when ever they need to repeat instructions.

The beauty of this project is that it’s super flexible. If you feel confident, sit down draw and paint alongside your child. If you’re feeling less sure, guide them while they take the lead. Either way, you’re creating space for them to grow and express themselves.

But What About Cleanup?

I won’t lie—watercolors can get a little messy. But here’s my trick: Place a plastic tablecloth or an old shower curtain under the workspace. Have a stack of paper towels handy, and keep a small container of water nearby. Cleanup is part of the process, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Why Art Matters

Let’s talk about why art is so important. I’ve worked with so many moms who worried that art wasn’t “educational enough.” But here’s the truth: Art builds skills in ways that worksheets and lectures can’t.

• Fine motor skills: Holding a paintbrush or cutting paper strengthens the muscles kids use for writing.

• Critical thinking: Choosing colors and designing patterns sparks decision-making and problem-solving.

• Emotional growth: Art gives kids a way to express feelings they might not have words for.

And it’s not just for them—it’s for you, too. One mom I worked with shared that she felt closer to her son after their first art session. “We laughed so much,” she said. “It wasn’t about the owl at all—it was about spending time together.”

Adding a Layer of Learning

If you’re still wondering how to make art “educational,” here’s an easy tip: Blend it with other subjects. Before starting the project, the video starts by sharing science and facts about owls. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do they see in the dark? Designed to spark curiosity that extends beyond the art table.

In my classes, I always introduce a short lesson about the subject we’re creating. For the whimsical owl, we look at photos of real owls, talk about their habitats, and share fun facts. It’s just a few minutes, but it makes the art project so much richer.

Here's some facts most kids (and parents) don't know:

1. Owls Have Knees (Sort Of!)
   Did you know owls have knees? Though hidden under their feathers, an owl’s long legs include a knee joint. Their legs are built for gripping prey and perching securely—so those fluffy birds are a lot leggier than they look!

2. Owls Usually Have 1 to 6 Babies
   The number of babies, or owlets, an owl has depends on the species and food availability. For example, barn owls often have around 4–6 owlets, while snowy owls can adjust their clutch size based on how much prey is around that year.

3. Do They Stay Close to Home?
   Young owls tend to stick around their parents’ territory for a little while after learning to fly. However, once they grow more independent, they move away to establish their own hunting and nesting areas—sometimes miles from where they were born!

You Don’t Have to Be an Artist

I know what you’re thinking: “That’s great, but I’m not creative enough to teach art.” Let me stop you right there. Your child doesn’t need an art teacher—they need you. They need someone who’s willing to sit with them, laugh with them, and make a colorful mess with them.

And don’t forget—there are tools to help you. I provide templates, online tutorials that guide you step-by-step. One mom who purchased the course was so insecure to try art at home, but after a few projects, she told me, “ My daughter loves art so much and even more—she just loves that I’m doing it with her.”

Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

At the end of the day, art isn’t about creating a masterpiece—it’s about making memories. It’s about sitting together, letting go of expectations, and enjoying the process. Whether your owl looks like a professional painting or a blob of color, it’s perfect because you made it together.

So grab those crayons and paints, mama. You’ve got this.

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