a more sophisticated art kit: Kimmel Kids

It’s pretty amazing what you can do when you have the right building blocks. Or, in the case of Kimmel Kids, the right stencils and pencils. Karen Kimmel began the project as a series of creativity workshops – encouraging participants to make their own creations using the same basic forms and shapes. It grew into so many things – in particular, the Kimmel Kids’ line of stencils, pencils, activity book, and resulting artwork. The simple organic shapes can be layered, traced, repeated, colored, etc. in a zillion unique combinations. And of course, since creativity is the goal, I’m sure your kiddos will devise new uses for these supplies that we haven’t even thought of yet. Add other raw materials, and the sky is the limit. They’re also featuring a few classic DIY projects on their website – I hope they add more!

Kimmel Kids graciously sent us one of their newest stencil sets – the Kimmel Colors Forest Set ($45) (image up top). And I gotta tell you, this stuff is top notch. When I opened up the package I actually thought it was a handmade gift from a high quality etsy shop, not your average art supplies for kids. The canvas pouch is roomy, with little details worthy of an evening clutch. the Lyra pencils are extra chunky and luscious. The stencil shapes are beautifully detailed. My only concern? The stencils are extra-thick chipboard, not plastic, so Birdie did bend one trying to stuff it back into the pouch, but she is only three. There’s a great range of prices and products available on the site – from magnet sets  and mini stencil sets to full-on kits.  I can’t decide what I like best, the sophistication and abstraction of the forms and shapes, or the subtleties of the color palettes. With these sets, you almost can’t be disappointed in the finished product, everything will turn out gorgeous.