November Brand Ambassador of the Month!

We are so excited to learn a little more about our featured Brand Ambassador @artwithmrs.e. Kaitlyn is a K-12 art educator and an artist. She focuses on creating colorful artwork both by herself and with her students.

Follow: artwithmrs.e

Q: Tell us a little about yourself! What is the inspiration behind your Instagram page?

Hi! My name is Kaitlyn Edington, also known as "Art with Mrs. E" and I am a certified K-12 art teacher in the Pittsburgh area with 15 years of classroom experience at the elementary level. I started my Instagram back in 2015 as a way to advocate for my art project as well as showcase my students' artwork & connect with families in my school community. I had no idea that I would end up connecting with so many other art teachers, teachers, and art enthusiasts from around the world in this process. Sometimes being an art teacher can feel a bit like you're on an island if you are the only one at your school, so for me, Instagram has really become a special community of amazing art educators who are passionate about helping each other, sharing ideas, and are just generally supportive of one another. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this wonderful, creative online community.  

Q: We have loved seeing your page grow, and all the amazing projects and activities you share, and we learn so much as you incorporate creative work into your posts! What inspired you to want to be a Brand Ambassador?

As an art teacher, I have always loved using Kwik Stix in my classroom, so it was only a matter of time before I bought a set for my own kiddos at home! We love using Kwik Stix on so many different projects and activities so I would often share about these materials with my friends and followers online. When a mom has an amazing hack, you just have to share it with other moms right? It was only recently that it dawned on me that I could become an ambassador, and I'm so glad I did because we just genuinely love The Pencil Grip's products! 

Q: What is your favorite product of ours that you have tried so far?  Can you tell us more about why you love this product, and if you have any tips or tricks when using it or favorite techniques? Is there anything in particular that has helped you blend creativity, play, and learning together with your students and any advice you can provide to others?

I have been a long time lover of Kwik Stix in my classroom, specifically my adapted art classes. They are an amazing alternative to messier paint for children who have specific sensory needs. They quickly became a preferred supply for my students, so it was fun to find ways to incorporate them whenever possible. However, I don't only love Kwik Stix as a teacher, I love just as much as a mom. When we were at home for months on end during the pandemic, I came to depend on using Kwik Stix as a way to occupy my busy toddler. Every time a package arrived, we would turn that box into something fun with Kwik Stix. I felt completely comfortable giving them to my 3 year old to color with, knowing that there wouldn't be a huge mess waiting to be cleaned up. 

Another favorite supply has been the Magic Stix markers! Not only do they not dry out without the cap for a few days, but for me it's the packaging that was a game changer. We like to bring art supplies with us as a way to entertain our kids when we are out to dinner, in the car, etc. The Magic Stix markers case made traveling with supplies a total breeze! I also love the triangular shape of the marker, the rounded tip and how easy it is for kids to take off the lids by themselves. I know it seems like something small to like about a product, but it's these little things that make a child feel confident and excited to create! 

Q: We love that you incorporate amazing videos of your activities on your page! What is one of your favorite projects you have created using our products? There have been so many great posts you have made, and we want to know which stands out to you! 

I would say one of my favorite projects that I've done with Kwik Stix was creating oversized cardboard houses out of cardboard in my adapted art class. Kwik stix are one of my go-to supplies when teaching students with varying special needs, especially if they aren't into getting messy. So for this lesson I had been saving large trifold cardboard boxes for each child to have their own to make a house. We used a combination of tempera paint and Kwik Stix and the results turned out amazing! Basically Kwik Stix on cardboard is always a win! You can learn more about this project on my blog here.

Q: What’s next for you? Do you have any exciting crafts or activities planned for the fall/winter months ahead?!

Well, I am excited to share that I have just started a Patreon where I am sharing so much more about my daily art practices, providing drawing challenges, live maker sessions, tips and tricks about supplies and techniques and best practices when it comes to teaching visual art to children. I also have a few in-person and virtual art workshops for adults coming up as well as courses that are on their way! These workshops and courses are for adults who either used to create art and have gotten out of practice, or those who have always wanted to learn a certain artistic skill but never had the opportunity or the time. I have been beyond blessed to have taught art to children ages 5-11 for 15 years and now I'm really enjoying teaching a new set of learners and it's been so special! But of course what I am most excited about is continuing to spend time with my own children and fostering their creative spirit and through the visual arts. There is nothing I love more than when we sit down to create art together. 

Check out some crafts and artwork created by @artwithmrs.e

Dogs in Costumes

Cat Puzzle

Painting Emotions

Rainbow Sketchbook

Wonder Stix on Glass Table

Magic Stix

Cardboard Houses