Pearl at Home
​Our Pearl at Home art projects are designed for family fun, for adults and children ages 5 and up, and can be completed with easily-accessible art materials or items found around the home. This program is partially funded by support from the AT&T Foundation.

​These are intended as a starting point for your imagination – feel free to add your creative spin! Share your work with us on social media using #pearlathome. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
FABRIC QUILT STARS
Have some extra fabric lying around the house? Use it to make your own fabric quilt star – no sewing required!  Follow our step-by-step instructions to fold a star out of four strips of fabric. Turn your star into an ornament, use one to make your gift wrapping extra special, or add a touch of handmade decor to your desk.
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CALDER STABILE SCULPTURES
American artist Alexander Calder is best known for his sculptures, including mobiles and stabiles – stationary sculptures usually made out of sheet metal in the form of simple, abstract shapes. Make a mini version of a stabile in our latest Pearl at Home project! Keep your color palette simple, like Calder – or mix it up with a variety of colors and patterns. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
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VARIATIONS ON THE ILLUMINATED LETTER
In this Pearl at Home lesson, artist Evelyn Bouley presents a series of four projects that delve into techniques used by the masters from centuries ago. Illuminated letters from ancient times are still vibrant with luminous colors, brilliant gold accents, and historic grandeur. Evelyn reviews different materials that can be used for these projects, and also provides ideas for how educators can apply this lesson in the classroom.

​Click on the blue links in the Materials list to see where you can purchase the specialty items used in this project.
Materials:
​• Derwent Inktense pencils
• Prismacolor colored pencils
• Grafix Double Tack mounting film
• Mona Lisa Simple Leaf - Gold
•  Powdered tempera
• Egg yolk 
• Pencil   • Scissors
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DECORATED MONOGRAMS
In this Pearl at Home lesson, artist Evelyn Bouley presents methods to create monograms using watercolor and gold leaf. Learn how to transfer designs with mounting film, how to apply gold leaf, and get ideas for how to personalize your own monogram design.

​Click on the blue links in the Materials list to see where you can purchase the specialty items used in this project.
Materials:
• White tag board or watercolor paper
• Watercolor brushes and paint
• Grafix Double Tack mounting film
• Mona Lisa Simple Leaf - Gold
• Pencil   • Scissors
Optional:
​• Inktense pencils  
• Tracing paper
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TREE COLLAGE: THE MIGHTY OAK
Branch out and make a different type of self-portrait in our latest Pearl at Home art project! Inspired by Mary Huntington’s embellished quilt, The Mighty Oak, this project includes painting and collage elements to create a symbolic representation of the artist – you! Learn more about the project from instructor Evelyn Bouley in the video lesson at the link below, which also includes tips for K-12 educators on how to incorporate this lesson into their curriculum.
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MONARCH BUTTERFLY WATERCOLOR PAINTING
Check out our new Pearl at Home VIRTUAL Art Lesson! Follow along with artist Evelyn Bouley as she guides you through a watercolor project inspired by Emily Parson’s quilt, Trio – a butterfly-themed contemporary art quilt currently featured in our exhibition Stitched. 

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to “suggest” the colors of a butterfly using a “wet-on-wet” painting technique. Once it has dried, the familiar framework of the majestic monarch butterfly will be painted upon the colors using a “dry brush” technique. This project is a great introduction to watercolor techniques, and is perfect for teens (ages 12+) and adults alike! 
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Click on the video below to watch the lesson, and download the instructions and templates using the button (below the video). 
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STYLIZE WITH LINE
Experiment with stylized art in our latest Pearl at Home art project! Indigenous Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau was known for his designs that rely heavily on simple flat shapes, bright colors, and thick lines. Create your own work inspired by his style using the painting medium of your choice.
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FALL PASTEL LEAVES
Spread the colors of fall in our latest Pearl at Home art project! Use soft pastels to create a color burst around a fall leaf stencil, and take it further by layering several leaves together in one composition. Use one of our provided patterns, or find an interesting leaf to trace as a stencil. ​
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PALETTE KNIFE TREE
Grab a palette knife and ditch the brush for our latest Pearl at Home art project! Explore how to add paint with texture and create the illusion of movement in your tree branches. No palette knife? No problem! You can create this same effect using the back of a simple spoon. ​
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HIDDEN ANIMALS
Explore the relationship between warm and cool colors in our latest Pearl at Home art project!  While people often use either all warm or all cool colors in a project, using them both together can have interesting visual effects. In this project, the contrast of the two color groups makes it appear as if an animal is popping out against the background – it’s not longer hidden!
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BLOCKED OUT PAINTING
Engage your creative side with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project! Pick your own subject matter, then practice loosening control of the art-making process as you create an abstract background. White gesso – normally used to prime canvases for painting – will instead be used to “block out” your background. Only the subject of your painting will be in full color!  ​
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SUNSET BLENDS
Wish you could capture the colors of a glowing sunset? Learn how in our latest Pearl at Home art project! Discover tips on how to blend acrylic paint for a background, and follow along step-by-step to build the elements of a vibrant, abstract evening scene.  ​
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MISTY MOUNTAINS
Be inspired by an ancient art tradition in our newest “Pearl at Home” art project! Embrace the simplicity of a limited color palette in an art project inspired by Chinese brush painting. Instead of the traditional ink or pigment, use regular acrylic paint with brushes and sponges to create a landscape painting of your own. Suggested for ages 10 and up.
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CLAY TILES
Work with your hands in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project! Use air-dry or polymer clay to make your own unique tile, and experiment with different methods of embossing designs. Make a set of tiles and hang your own art installation!
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NOTANS
They say opposites attract…and that’s true in design, too! See how light and dark work together to create harmony in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project. “Notan” is a Japanese concept that involves the relationship between light and dark. Artists use notans to plan and balance out the composition of their work. Explore this concept with our cut paper notan project.
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COMPOSITION X REVISITED
Revisit a masterpiece of abstract art with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project. Artist Wassily Kandinsky thought of art as a musical composition, with the notes – or the shapes – coming together to tell a story. Explore color and shape as you recreate your own version of his Composition X. 
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MANDALAS
Find balance with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project. Create a symmetrical mandala design using colors and shapes that mean something to you, or ones that simply bring you a sense of peace. Use our template to get started, and make it your own!
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SUNBURST COLLAGE
Here comes the sun! Bring the sunshine indoors with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project. Use scrapbook paper, fabric scraps, or other materials at home to create this bright and energetic collage!
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HALF CIRCLE HORSE
Giddy-up, partner! Make your own equine masterpiece at home with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project. Simple materials make this project easy to do at home, and easy to customize.
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FRENCH KNOT TREE
Twist up a tree in our newest "Pearl at Home" art project! Use simple materials from home to craft a trunk and branches, and finish it with French knot-inspired blooms.
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CRAZY QUILT A LA LAURENT
Go crazy with our latest "Pearl at Home" art project!  Make an abstract collage inspired by crazy quilts and the work of contemporary artist Reggie Laurent. This project is a great way for kids to practice composition, shapes, and unity in a design.
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POP ART PAINTING
Explore the style of iconic artist Andy Warhol in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project! Use our templates – or make your own – to create multiple paintings of popular figures or everyday objects. ​
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ART MIX-UP GAME
Need ideas for a new art project? Or are you looking for a way to challenge yourself and try something new? Let us help jump-start your creativity! 

​Try our “Pearl at Home” Art Mix-Up Game, which will give you a random selection of art elements/principles, media, and art movements to incorporate into your work. Try it multiple times and see what you can do!
Paul Cézanne, The Basket of Apples, ca.1893, The Art Institute of Chicago
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MIXED MEDIA DOLLS
Our newest “Pearl at Home” art project takes inspiration from one of the most recognizable quilt block patterns – Sunbonnet Sue. This image of a young girl with her face hidden by a bonnet was popular in quilt patterns and children’s literature in the 19th and 20th centuries, and is still used by quilters today. Use a combination of fabric and patterned paper to create your own “paper doll” mixed media piece.
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CANYON LANDSCAPES
Practice your drawing skills in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project: Canyon Landscapes! Learn how artists use perspective and scale to create the illusion of depth in artwork as we guide you step-by-step in two drawing exercises. Be inspired by canyon paintings from Thomas Moran, an American artist celebrated for his landscape paintings of the American West.
William H. Holmes, The Grand Cañon at the Foot of the Toroweap - Looking East, 1882, {{PD-US}}
In atlas to accompany The Tertiary History of the Grand Cañon District, Clarence E. Dutton, Washington, DC: 1882. 
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3-D LONGHORN
Make an iconic Texas sculpture in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project! Use our templates to build your longhorn, but make it your own and show off your style!
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HAIKU POEM BOOK
Tap into your creative writing skills with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project! Write your own haiku poem – or use one of our examples – and turn it into a displayable book filled with your own illustrations. Make one for yourself, or make one to give as a special homemade gift! 
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ILLUMINATED LETTERS
Brighten up your journals or artwork with this “Pearl at Home” project! Learn about the history of illuminated manuscripts, and follow in this decorative art tradition using materials at home. ​
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NATIVE AMERICAN PINCH POT
Create your own clay “pinch pot” with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project! Learn more about the history of pottery and take inspiration from Native American cultures of the southwest United States. Turn your piece of pottery into something functional – like a jewelry tray, or small bowl to hold paper clips – or simply create a decorative work of art!
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SCRATCH ART
Scratch the surface of your creativity with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project! Learn how to prepare your own scratchboard paper at home, then use sharp instruments from around the house to create your own designs. Try it on cardstock, Bristol board, or even a paper plate cut into an interesting shape!
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WATERCOLOR AND TEXTURE
Experiment with color, texture, and pattern in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project!  Enhance your watercolors with a mixed media approach to creating interesting designs. This lesson includes a reference section with watercolor vocabulary and techniques, and is a great project for both kids AND adults – anyone who’s wanting to up their watercolor game!
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DISC ETCHING
Do you have unwanted CDs or DVDs lying around the house? Recycle them into art with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project! Etch designs onto discs using paint, a brush, and something sharp (like a toothpick!). 
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KANDINSKY CIRCLES
Focus on the abstract in our latest “Pearl at Home” art project!  Slow down and let intuition take over as you experiment with freehand lines, color, and shape in this Kandinsky-inspired project. What combinations will you create? 
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SIMPLE PRINTMAKING: MARKER PRINTS
Experiment with block printing in our newest “Pearl at Home” art project!  Carve designs into foam with household objects, then use markers to “ink” your plate and make multiple prints. This is a great way to introduce kids to printmaking, and it’s fun for adults, too!
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SIMPLE PRINTMAKING: COLLAGRAPHS
Try your hand at printmaking with our latest “Pearl at Home” art project!  Collagraphs are one form of printmaking that can be done easily at home without a printing press. Use items from around the house to build texture on a printing “plate,” and use paint or ink on it to make a print!
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PAINTING WITHOUT A BRUSH
Don’t have traditional paintbrushes at home? No need to worry – you can still make art! Get ideas on how to make your own art tools in our latest Pearl at Home art project. Who knows what kind of “brushes” are waiting to be discovered in your home or backyard!
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DRAWING WITH BASIC SHAPES:
​BLOOMING CACTUS
Does trying to draw leave you feeling a bit prickly? Get tips on how to make it easier with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project!  Learn how to break down images into simple shapes and develop your drawing from a foundation of basic forms. We recommend using a blend of crayons and oil pastels for this project, but crayons alone will also work well.
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ANIMAL PAINT RESIST
You’ve heard the term “oil and water don’t mix” – now see how that applies to art! Try out paint resist methods in our newest “Pearl at Home” art project. Kids can use their imagination to illustrate their own unique creature, or even to create a new “super-animal” to celebrate National Superhero Day!
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HEART MOBILES
Show your love and appreciation for your family and community with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project! Create a flat or 3-D heart mobile to hang in or outside your home, with your own personalized message. Make a mobile to say thank you to our caregivers, healthcare heroes, first responders, and other essential workers – or simply to let somebody know you’re missing them!
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MARBLED EARTH
Celebrate Earth Day with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project!  Show your love for our blue marble on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by putting the “art” in “Earth.” Try your hand at paper marbling, using only shaving cream and food coloring. We know from experience that adults enjoy this project just as much as kids do, so be sure you have enough materials for the whole family! 
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FINISH THE PORTRAIT
Let your imagination run wild with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project! Complete a famous “unfinished” portrait in your own style, changing up the background and action to create your own masterpiece. Will you send your subject on a new adventure to an exotic locale, dress them up in a special outfit, or will they be enjoying activities at home like us?
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3-D FLOWER VASE
Brighten up your home with a fresh bouquet of flowers, with our newest “Pearl at Home” art project! Learn how to make “twisted" 3-D roses and add flowers of your own design to complete your own floral arrangement. This beautiful picture, overflowing from the page with whimsical paper flowers, is blooming with fun for all ages.
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MIXED MEDIA COLOR WHEEL
The color wheel is an important tool that artists use to determine which colors go well together, and which colors can be mixed together. Mix up your own unique color wheel in our newest Pearl at Home art project – and be creative with textures! Add objects you find around the house: beads, paper clips, artificial flowers, wrapping paper – whatever you’d like!
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KANDINSKY TREES
Kan you Kandinsky?
Explore abstract art through color and shapes with this Wassily-Kandinsky-inspired tree art project, using materials found at home.
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MONDRIAN COLLAGE
Color – Line – Action!  Explore these in this Pearl at Home art project, inspired by Piet Mondrian – an artist most known for a style of art that uses simple colors, lines, and shapes. Learn more about the artist, then make your own Mondrian-inspired collage using materials found at home. What will you come up with?
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DRAWING HORSE PORTRAITS
When drawing portraits, the goal is to be accurate in making your artwork look like the specific subject. The first step in learning to draw what you actually see is to recognize the simple shapes within a more complex object. Once you’ve used this method to draw a horse, you can apply it to other animals or subjects!
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HAWAIIAN QUILTS
A Hawaiian quilt is a distinctive quilting style of the Hawaiian Islands that uses large radially symmetric appliqué patterns. Designs often include stylized botanical designs in bold colors on a contrasting background. Instead of fabric, we’ll use different colors of paper to create our own Hawaiian Quilt-inspired project!
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