It all started with figs. In 2010, siblings Nate Padavick and Salli S. Swindell launched the website They Draw & Cook (TDAC). The duo came up with the idea during a family vacation. Padavick had been trying to replicate a fettuccine recipe with figs while Swindell was using her watercolors to paint the fruit in its crate. This led them both to realize how fun it was to illustrate food. Today artists from around the world submit their work to TDAC, making it the largest online collection of illustrated recipes. TDAC has generously shared several recipes with Girls That Create. Take time to create these delicious dishes with your family (click on recipe images for larger view). Jungle Critter Pancakes by Sue Mattero (website, Instagram) Harvest Apple Kale Salad by Lisa Lane (website, Instagram) Butternut Mac & Cheese by Lisl Christie Grandma Susie’s Ranger Cookies by K. We Recipe books can be purchased on the TDAC site. Swindell and Padavick are also behind the website They Draw and Travel, which is a collection of illustrated travel maps created by artists from around the world. More recently they launched Illustrators for Hire, an online global directory of creatives. Across all three sites the founding principle of TDAC is as true today as it was 10 years ago: to promote the careers of freelance illustrators. They Draw & Cook Website Instagram Pinterest Salli S. Swindell Website Instagram Nate Padavick Website Instagram Images provided by They Draw & Cook More Girls That Create posts: Kate Allan: Q&A With Author and Illustrator …

Sometimes the universe sends us a message. The most recent (for me) is this graphic from the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It’s a strong reminder on why I created Girls That Create and believe in its purpose with my entire heart. I’ve been trying to figure out how to financially support Girls That Create with an online platform. Several weeks ago I was chatting with a dear colleague who suggested I look into setting a Patreon account. What is Patreon? They’ve put together a great video to explain. Basically Patreon allows you to directly support Girls That Create on a monthly basis at predetermined giving levels (tiers). Based on the tier level you support, at the end of every month (and in some cases every three months) your support is rewarded with special offers that only those giving through Patreon receive. As written on the Patreon page, “Our platform provides thousands of creators the opportunity to create on their own terms.” Right now there are 200,000+ creators on Patreon. In a nutshell, if you like the content appearing on Girls That Create and want to see the project grow – become a Patron. If you feel strongly about balancing out representation in mainstream media and seeing more women in leadership positions in the arts – become a Patron. If you want to help artists and inspire the next generation of artists – become a Patron. You can stop being a Patron at anytime. Click HERE to see the different tier levels, they …

It’s safe to say a lot of us are doing porch drop offs this year when it comes to gifts. Why not spruce up your present for a special girl with one of these free printable Powerful Girl Gift Tags?!? There are eight different gift tag designs included in the printable. Just print, cut, and write to and from on the back and you’re good to go! Click to download Free Printable Powerful Girl Gift Tags Things you should know before downloading: Girls That Create printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own If you’d like to share this project, credit must be given to Girls That Create and linked back to this post For best results, print the gift tags on cardstock paper. More Girls That Create posts: Self-Esteem Activity for Girls: What I Like About Me and Picture Books With Women and Girl Main Characters www.girlsthatcreate.com

Did you know the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts is in Washington, D.C.? With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. The museum addresses gender imbalance in the presentation of art by bringing to light important women artists of the past. It also promotes great women artists working today. This fall the NMWA is presenting a lineup of innovative online programs to connect visitors to women artists. See the calendar for dates and times. More Online Engagement The museum’s blog Broad Strokes informs online visitors about women artists in the collections, helps them explore exhibitions in greater detail, and provides vital information about gender disparity in the arts. The @WomenInTheArts social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram amplify the museum’s collection, programs, publications, and advocacy by connecting with global audiences. The award-winning #5WomenArtists campaign raises awareness about gender equity issues in the arts and has initiated tangible, real-world impacts for artists and arts organizations around the world. Free Online Activities See For Yourself Cards: Create your own museum experience using these fun, interactive art cards. See for Yourself cards correspond to selected works from NMWA’s collection and special exhibitions. Use them to engage with artworks and discover fascinating facts. Art, Books, and Creativity (ABC) Curriculum: The ABC curriculum consists of 14 lessons, which combine visual arts and writing activities. ABC introduces students to artworks by women, as well as basic art vocabulary and …

Looking for a wonderfully quirky indoor planter to shower with creativity? Then the Face Plant is perfect for you. When my oldest daughter and I saw a picture of this little square of joy, both of us knew we needed one to live permanently at our home (full disclosure, 30 Watt sent me a sample of the planter to review). Planter With a Happy Face So what separates this planter from the thousands of others out there on the market? You can personalize it with facial expressions and messages using any dry erase marker. I also love the minimal design and its built-in nose and ears. Those little details mean you can store favorite sunglasses, eyeglasses or simply change the planter’s mood for the day. The girls and I have had fun dressing ours up: At $16, this little planter is a great gift. It is made of 100 percent ceramic and has a drainage hole in the bottom for proper plant care. The Face Plant is available online at www.30Watt.com. The company prides itself on manufacturing unconventional products and gifts that empower people to be clever. Happy creating and planting! More Girls That Create posts: Make Your Young Girl An Art Space and Unique and Thoughtful Gifts. www.girlsthatcreate.com

Growing up, I lovingly lined The Baby-Sitters Club (BSC) books numerically along a closet shelf. While my collecting volumes ended decades ago, the affection I have for BSC remains strong. That’s why I was thrilled to receive a screener invite for episode one of Netflix’s new THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB series. Hosted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (GDIGM), the event included a follow-up Q&A with Showrunner Rachel Shukert and Director and Executive Producer Lucia Aniello. Enduring Popularity THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB follows the friendship and babysitting adventures of five best friends in Stoneybrook, Connecticut. In the initial announcement about the show’s release, author Ann M. Martin said, “I’m amazed that there are so many passionate fans of The Baby-Sitters Club after all these years, and I’m honored to continue to hear from readers – now grown, who have become writers, editors, teachers, librarians, filmmakers – who say that they see a reflection of themselves in the characters of Kristy and her friends. So I’m very excited about the forthcoming series on Netflix, which I hope will inspire a new generation of readers and leaders everywhere.” During the Q&A hosted by GDIGM, Shukert pointed out this is the first adaptation of BSC to be made by people who grew up with the material. Both she and Aniello were obsessive about the books as youngsters. In fact Aniello shared she often shies away from working on reboots or reimagining old material. When her agent asked what project she’d never turn down, the answer was BSC. It’s no coincidence the main character Kristy sits down …

Are you looking for picture books where female artists are the main characters? Well look no further, here is a free printable listing 20 picture books that all star a woman artist. You will find painters, sculptors, photographers, dancers, musicians, singers, and filmmakers. List inspired by Girls That Create post Picture Books With Women and Girl Main Characters. Click to download Free Printable Picture Books About Female Artists Things you should know before downloading: Girls That Create printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own If you’d like to share this project, credit must be given to Girls That Create and linked back to this post Other Girls That Create posts: How Real Stories Help Girls and Creator Spotlight: Jessica M. Rinker and Daria Peoples-Riley Top image Daria Shevtsova from Pexels www.girlsthatcreate.com

A wordless picture book is a great tool for developing a child’s love of storytelling. Free of reading levels, there is no wrong way to read these works by five talented women illustrators. The tales have the ability to teach story structure and further vocabulary development. When reading with your child, allow her to examine the pictures and tell you what SHE is seeing in the story. You might just be surprised by the answers. Five Wordless Picture Books by Women Illustrators Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle Molly Idle considers herself both an author and illustrator; she is living the best of both worlds. Flora and the Flamingo, about the budding relationship between an awkward young girl and a graceful flamingo won the 2014 Caldecott Honor. There are several more Flora adventures, including Flora and the Peacock (see video below). The Red Book by Barbara Lehman In school author Barbara Lehman used to stare at maps and wish she could look right into a map itself and be able to see the actual places they represented and the people who lived there. This book is about a very SPECIAL book that takes readers on a magical journey without a single word. The Red Book is a 2005 Caldecott Honor Book and dedicated to Lehman’s father. She credits him with giving her a love of books. Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu Tao Nyeu is the creator of Wonder Bear, which won the Founder’s Award from the Society of Illustrators and a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award Honor. The book follows …

The number one furniture item for kids art space is a table. Credit Maria Montessori with introducing child-sized furniture into learning environments. The concept gives kids more access to learning materials and greater opportunities to explore. Plus, having a table specifically for your kids means you’re less likely to find marker streaks across the heirloom dining room table. Here are five kids art tables with storage ideas that will give your kids space for their creativity to bloom. This post contains affiliate links. Five Kids Art Tables With Storage Aspen Table & 4 Chairs Set This high-quality birch wood table and set of 4 chairs in a durable clear finish adds a fun touch to any play area. Table measures 23-1/2″L x 23-1/2″W x 19″H Chair measures 12-1/2″L x 11-3/4″W x 21-3/4″H with an 11″H seat Assembly required Star Table and Chair Set with Bins Perfectly proportioned and kid-sized, the natural wood rectangular table has built-in storage bins in blue, green, red, and yellow. Bins are conveniently tilted for easy access and are easy to reach from either end of the table. Two chairs are finished in a combination of natural wood and red and blue lacquer. Table and chairs have whimsical star cutouts. Table is 30 1/4″L x 22 1/4″W x 20 1/4″H Chairs are 12″L x 11 3/4″W x 20 1/4″H and seat is 11″H Assembly required Our Spot Table & Chair Set (this is the table I used with my girls) The unique “x” leg design provides great stability. High quality and …

I have been a fan of Kid Made Modern for years and love their mission to create the next generation of creative thinkers. Here are some of the fantastic products they’re offering to make your family’s world even more colorful. FYI affiliate links are used in this post. Kid Made Modern Art Supplies 1) Tired of kiddos running off with your paper for their latest masterpiece? Set them up with Studio in a Box. It has canvas boards, watercolor paper, mixed paper and more. You can also pick up some plain paper Artist Pads (48 sheets). 2) Do you have paintbrushes that suffered a sad fate because someone forgot to wash them? Consider the Brush Library. There is also a Washable Paint Set (set of 12) that includes brushes and paper. 3) Up your craft stash with the Arts and Crafts Supply Library or Rainbow Craft Kit. For youngest crafters, consider My First Arts and Crafts Library. 4) Are the crayons the way to your kiddo’s heart? Then she’ll love some Giant Crazy Crayons, Confetti Crayons or a Crayon Gem. I am also a fan of the Gem Jackpot Crayons. 5) If you have an aspiring jeweler in the household there are several kits, including Mystic Jewelry Kit, Petal Party Jewelry Making Kit and Rock Star Jewelry Making Kit. Kids Made Modern also has free projects on their Go Make Stuff Blog. Kid Made Modern Free Activities and Printouts: Cardboard Rainbow Craft Gratitude Letter Coloring Sheet Unicorn Crown – Free Printout DIY Cardboard Rocket Ships Printable Happy Birthday Poster DIY Happy creating …