TinkerLab Art Starts: 52 Projects for Open-Ended Exploration

I've always been a big fan of the Tinkerlab books and website posts. As an illustrator, my own experience with art materials is vast, but my experience in teaching children about them is not. This book does an excellent job of laying out the concept of 'Invitations to Create' as an opportunity for children to explore materials in their own way, allowing for open-ended creativity and thinking. Although it contains 52 specific activities, there is clearly an infinite number of additional ones you can come up with after completing these.Something I've found in my own work that I really like about Art Starts is the limitation of supplies. Despite having an entire studio of art supplies, my best work often comes through choosing a very limited collection of tools and using only those for a specific project. The projects in this book do that too— Each Art Start is a small collection of diverse materials that turn the children into not just artists, but explorers and thinkers too. This is very different than giving your child an art set and telling them to make art. This is: "Here are some twigs, beads, and yarn— I wonder what you can make with them!"The other thing I really like about this book is that it emphasizes the importance of setting up the projects in a way that the child is not constantly being hindered with "NO!" There is no correct response— success is the child exploring independently and by taking a few moments to set up a space where the child can explore without being punished for a little mess, everyone wins.I am so thankful that I’ve been able to use the Tinkerlab approach to creativity with my own children. It encourages problem solving, independent thinking, self motivation, and the idea that the goal often isn’t a finished product— exploration is its own reward. So, clear away the important stuff, put the kids in clothes that can get a few drips of paint on them, and then let your children experience the joy and satisfaction of exploring these Art Starts.Well written and clear. The activities are simple, the results are not. Highly recommend.

This book is such a HUGE time and sanity saver! It's so handy to have this thoughtfully curated treasure trove of ideas around when I'm blanking on what to do or how to start, and there is not a lot of prep work involved because all the required materials are pretty basic or we have something around the house to sub in. And it's not just for kids - I'm always totally inspired to start creating, too, since there's no right or wrong with these open-ended invitations! I love that there are multiple variations on a project theme so no one ever gets bored. Buying for all my friends!

What great advice for caregivers and their young charges. The first 'take away'--set up an 'invitation to create'--such a great start! The next take away--set up YES PLACES--somewhere to be messy and, yes, creative.This is an art book. Yet it is also a primer for those who would make STEM their careers.I sure wish I had this resource when I was young. I am so happy that today's youngsters do have it.Thank you Rachelle!

I love how this book provides meaningful hands-on art projects that can be made with everyday household items such as cardboard tubes, yarn, paint, tape, beads, etc. Especially helpful is how the chapters are sectioned by type of materials needed. For example: wet materials, dry materials, collage making materials, and other building materials. The projects aren't overly fussy and don't require a ton of prep work. They are great for using simple supplies as catalysts to explore and create open-ended art.

I purchased this book as a way to continue my four-year-old daughter's introduction to art, design, and creative thinking. And, I'm excited to use it for my son, too, as he get older! "Art Starts" is full of wonderful ideas -- and the best part? They are easy and simple to prepare for your child. As a working mother, I appreciate the ease with which I can set up the art prompts presented here. And, when I have time, it's fun to do them more actively with my child. Add this to your shelf if you are seeking fun and inspiring ways to support your child's creative habit -- and your own. You will love it!

Really truly a welcome addition to our crafts closet. It helps take the pressure off of having a fixed finished craft in mind and allows kids to be free as they should be! Love this book. We gifted it and have it in kindle to refer to constantly everywhere we go.

What a wonderful book for families and educators. Every page hits that perfect balance of easy-to-set-up and deeply engaging for kids. We started out with black and white drawing projects with copied images... then moved to q-tip painting. Everything has been a hit and is easy to build off of.

I love these thoughtful prompts to generate creative projects and exploration with simple art materials.As always, Rachelle Doorley has great ideas, easily laid out and simple to execute for busy people who want to create positive spaces for creativity.Perfect gift for every preschooler and early elementary school kid in your circle!