Welcome to ART MAKES ME SMART - AROUND THE WORLD

An Art Program and So Much More! Please watch the video below.

  • Boy sitting at table coloring in different types of international flags with markers. Behind him is a paper banner hanging on the wall with different colored international flags.
  • A girl sitting at a dark brown wood table with a painting in front of her of a dragon shaped viking boat. The boat is a light brown color with the tail at the left side and the head of the dragon on the right side. In the middle of the boat are three circle shields one with a blue cross in the middle of it with a round red dot in the middle of the cross. Next to it is the shield with four checkers on it with two green and two yellow squares. The last shield has a red dot in the middle of it and squiggly lines coming out of it. Covering the whole top of the middle of the boat is a sticking out paper that forms a mast that has red and white stripes with blue lines on the edges of the red stripes. Also on the brown wooden table is scissors, various colors of makers, a jar of water, a stack of papers, and two papers next to the painting.There are also three mini flags of various countries

As an intentional parent, you understand the importance of a well-rounded education and believe art is vital in nurturing young minds and hearts. With Art Makes Me Smart Around the World, you'll open the door to a journey that sparks the imagination, cultivates talent, and fosters a love for diverse cultures and people throughout our beautiful world!

  • On a dark wood table a girl is drawing on a design that has a blue paper background with a drawn on woman in an old french aristocratic dress wearing earrings. She is shown from her shoulders up taking over most of the paper. She also has lots of paper scrolls glued on for her wig. Next to her is a design that has an orange paper background with a drawn man in old french aristocratic clothing shown from his chest up also taking over most of the paper with glued on white paper scrolls for his wig. Next to the designs on the table are strips of white paper, scissors, a glue stick, a mini French flag, and a pastel crayon pallet.
  • A kid is drawing a beaver facing forward with black marker for outline and details and brown and pink watercolor to color in. The beaver is cut out and glued to a Canada flag without the charge made of cut out paper. Next to this project is a Canada art packet and scissors.

At Lily and Thistle, we believe art is not just about drawing and painting; it's a journey of exploration, curiosity, and cultural understanding. Art Makes Me Smart Around the World is a carefully curated art program for kids of all ages that goes beyond the brush to immerse learners in the rich tapestry of global cultures. Are you ready for the journey?

  • A mother with a boy and a girl leaning over a kitchen counter. On the counter is a mini french flag with a tray of croissants. The mom is talking with the daughter while breaking apart a croissant while the boy is eating the croissant.
  • A boy is painting a watercolor blue windmill on grass scene with two clouds in the sky. On the border of the plate are watercolor blue round shapes, flowers, and leaves. Next to this plate is a blue marker, pencil, papers, water jar, and mini flag stand.

YES, but so many things get in the way!

SUPPLIES

Gathering and organizing supplies feels like a COMPLICATED task. Not to mention that it feels like a huge mess to clean up afterward.

Time

The days are busy and long, and you feel EXHAUSTED. You want to include art and culture into your lives, but there never seems to be enough time.

research

Trying to find age-appropriate projects plus planning a lesson feels OVERWHELMING! There are too many options, you just don’t know where to start.

  • A boy watercoloring a painting of a roman greek column with a plant looking design on the top. On the background of the column is light blue watercolor. Next to the painting on the table is a watercolor palette with the boy's hand putting his paintbrush in. Also near the painting is a pastel palette, a jar of water, a mini Greece flag, and a stack of papers.
  • A girl sitting at a dark brown table with a black paper in front of her. On the paper is a Russian cathedral with various spires on it and lots of detail. It has green, and teal, and red, and yellow, and blue, and pink colors. Also on the table is a mini russia table flag, various colored pencils, a pair of scissors, a stack of papers, and various colored markers

That's exactly why I created Art Makes Me Smart Around the World!

Just like you, I struggled to find a learning experience that worked for my four children, each with unique learning challenges and styles.

And in all of my testing and research do you know what I found? The more I used art in our education, the more I saw my kids become truly engaged in their learning!

I finally flipped the switch and started with art and quickly realized that the arts hold a magical power to captivate kids like no other method. Creativity is the key to sparking their curiosity and inviting them into a world of education and long-term retention! (It's the same with adults). 😉

So now, I want to guide you on this journey, where art is the gateway to fun, engaging, and effective learning for your child (and you). No more overwhelming research; just the perfect blend of education and artistic expression!

That's what Art Makes Me Smart Around the World is ALL about!

READY TO GET STARTED? CLICK TO ENROLL NOW!
  • Family sitting around table coloring Russian nesting doll outlines while woman in family is talking to them. On the table is various pictures of Russian nesting dolls and different colors of markers and pencils. There is also a mini Russia flag on the table and cut out designs of the Russian nesting doll art project. In the middle of this image is a clear rectangle graphic with the top saying art makes me smart in rainbow bold text in all caps and under in black swirly text saying around the world. In the middle of the the is a earth graphic with a black plane graphic flying out with a black line behind it.

Let's explore the world together through art!

  • On a dark wood table, a child coloring with marker a design of flowers in a flower vase next to another flower in a flower vase design. The design the boy is coloring has a black paper background with a watercolored blue china vase with light pink cut-out flowers accompanied with light green cut-out leaves. The other design has a blue paper background with a different watercolored blue china vase, also with cut out pink flowers and leaves that have watercolored details. Beside these projects are stacks of white papers and various colors of markers and glue stick and paintbrush and scissors and a jar of water and a mini China flag.
  • A little boy wearing a pink shirt is painting two birds under a flower in bright colors on a wrinkled brown colored paper outlined with a frame of triangles and circles also in bright colors. Under this painting is a brown paper with a yellow pencil on top of it. Next to these things is also a paint palette, a pastel palette, a jar of water, and a stack of art makes me smart unit booklet.

What's Included in Art Makes Me Smart - Around the World?

Art

TUTORIALS

Prepare to be delighted with our fun and immersive tutorials. These art lessons will take you on a cultural journey like never before. Your family will creatively explore the captivating history and rich traditions of each country we visit, and you'll all learn some art skills along the way!

Educational Materials

Immerse your family in a world of art, culture, and wonder with our carefully selected videos, delicious recipes, book lists, music, cultural dances, and fun facts. Each offering is a gateway to discovery, presenting an immersive way to explore the culture, beauty, and intricacies of our amazing world.

Simple Techniques

Discover the joy of creating beautiful art with fun and engaging techniques designed for everyone, regardless of their artistic background! Say goodbye to the notion of being a "natural artist" as we take away all the guesswork, making learning a delightful and rewarding experience.

Supplies List

We’ve kept supplies to a minimum to make creating art easy and affordable for you! You’ll generally use the same set of supplies for these projects – plus, we give you lots of great tips to avoid the stress of clean-up with little artists.

Self-Paced

Start, skip, or re-watch again and again. You decide how fast or slow you'll go. All courses in Art Makes Me Smart Around the World go at whatever pace you need. You also have unlimited access to everything for as long as you are a member. This will allow you all the time your family needs to explore, experiment, and learn.

Support

You’ll get access to our private Facebook group, where you can ask questions, find support, meet other members from all over the world, and share your art! Our team is available in this group almost daily to give feedback and answer any questions you may have. It's also a great place to be inspired by other students.

Music anD Dance

Feel the rhythm of each country you study as you immerse yourself in its captivating beats and melodies. Dance along and discover the joy of traditional folk dances, igniting a sense of unity and celebration.

Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey through each country you study with our collection of mouthwatering recipes that showcase the delectable flavors of each cuisine. From classic dinner dishes to delectable desserts, there's something to please every palate.

Booklists

Deepen your love and knowledge of each country you study with our thoughtfully curated book lists that span various age groups. These captivating stories will provide unique insights into each nation's history, culture, and people.

  • A child is coloring in parrot, armadillo, toucan, and leopard animals. On each of these handdrawn animals are cut out eye holes and they are each tapes onto a thin stick so they can be masks. Next to these on the table are colored markers, a jar of water, a Brazil packet paper, and a mini brazil flag.
  • Two boys wearing handmade South African style masks with one boy peeking out of mask and smiling. One mask with bright yellow, red, green, brown, pink, and white colors on a black background and the other mask of the boy peeking out with red, green, yellow, and orange bright colors on a brown background. Behind the boys is a banner of hand drawn international flags hung up on the wall.

Why not try it for yourself?

We're so confident you'll love Art Makes Me Smart - Around The World, we thought we'd give you a free sample, so let's visit China! This is one of the actual projects involved in the China packet.

And all the things we listed above? Those come in the information packets for each country - you can check out China's by clicking the button below.

Download the China Packet here!

Here's what others are saying....

I wanted to personally thank you for how well you break everything down, my 12 and 10-year-olds were engaged and it made sense to them as well as me! Thank you so much!

CHANDA L.

Lily and Thistle has provided an easy stress-free way for the whole family to enjoy making art with beautiful results. You have given all of us the courage to try a new experience and also the confidence to continue creating. Thank you so much!

caryne D.

Lily and Thistle has been nothing short of a blessing for us. My daughter is ASD, EDS, and is visually impaired following an accident. Her self-esteem and confidence with any art was non-existent. My daughter has very complex needs and was suffering with anxiety and depression as a result of being at school, constantly told 'you can't'. Although I had purchased the subscription for my younger home-educated daughter, my older daughter, despite her difficulties, was intrigued to 'try'...Slowly she joined in, at first reluctant, self-critical; and slowly her confidence grew. She said she felt having the classes available at home created a 'safe space' to learn, practice and produce art which she can feel proud of. The 'you cant' turned into 'I can' and, as a result, has now enrolled in an art course at a SEN provisional college and starts this coming September. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for trying with Lily and Thistle; I am truly grateful.

TRACY H.
  • A boy is painting a 3D paper lily pad. On the bottom is a cut out pad leaf with light green marker, dark green marker, and water. On the top is two layers of pink cut flowers that were colored with light pink marker, dark pink marker, and water. In the middle is yellow cut out paper center. Various markers are next to it.

Your Life BEFORE Enrolling in Art Makes Me Smart:

  • You're overwhelmed by doing art with your kids and aren't sure where to start.
  • You don't know which supplies to buy and if they are going to work for your family.
  • You dread the clean-up after art time and don't want to deal with the mess.
  • You want your kids to have a deeper appreciation for other cultures and people but don't know where to start.
  • It feels impossible to find an activity that everyone in the family can enjoy together.
  • YOU want to dive deeper into learning about other cultures and places but can't ever seem to find the time.
  • On a dark wood table, a girl is painting a white dotted outline of a hand on black paper with three white dotted circles inside. Hand is surrounded by dotted outline of dots in various colors starting with an outline of yellow and progressing through light orange, dark orange, pink, dark pink, purple, and blue- filling the whole page around the hand along with smaller white dots on top of the colors making up letter-like shapes around the hand. Next to her is a paint pallete with various colors and a water glass and a mini Australian flag and a stack of papers.

Your Life AFTER Enrolling in Art Makes Me Smart:

  • You feel confident using the tools and guidance in Art Makes Me Smart, and your kids are creating things you'd never imagined!
  • You love the recommended supplies because they work for the entire family, and you’ve learned how to keep them organized to avoid a mess.
  • Your kids are engaged and interested in the world in a whole new way. You’ve already made happy memories thanks to the guidance and easy activities in Art Makes Me Smart.
  • You’re now the “fun mom” equipped with easy-to-do art projects and activities (and shhh, your kids are learning and remembering so much too!)
  • You feel excited and surprised because YOU are learning too and getting some much-needed self-care.

What countries will we explore in Art Makes Me Smart Around the World?

Volume 1

Let's go to Australia and...

  • Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most incredible wonders. As you learn about this marine ecosystem, enjoy our fun and engaging resist art project that celebrates the beauty of its diverse sea creatures and the colors that adorn this natural wonder.
  • Immerse yourself in the rich and ancient culture of the Aboriginal people. Discover their profound connection to the land and the significance of hand art in their heritage. Create your own traditional hand art project, paying homage to the timeless traditions of this remarkable culture.
  • Discover our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Come with us to China and...

  • Embark on a captivating journey into the world of the Ming dynasty. Learn about its rich history and artistic achievements as you immerse yourself in creating your very own blue and white Ming vase!
  • Unravel the fascinating tale of the Chinese dragon, an iconic symbol deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions, as you create your own spiral dragon to hang or play with.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Discover France and...

  • Delve into the incredible history of the Eiffel Tower and create a masterpiece together inspired by George Seurat's pointillist art.
  • Explore powdered wigs and the poignant tale of Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution while crafting your own 3D portrait.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Come with us to Greece and...

  • Learn about the captivating history and symmetry of iconic Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian columns. Get creative and craft your own architectural wonders!
  • Dive into the fascinating history of money as you create your very own Greek coins. Discover the evolution of currency and its significant role in shaping civilizations.
  • Immerse yourselves in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Join us in India and...

  • Unravel the timeless love story and bask in the exquisite beauty of the Taj Mahal as you bring it to life through your own painting.
  • Immerse yourself in the world of the Gond people, learning about their unique and incredibly beautiful art style as you make your own Gond-inspired masterpiece.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Come to Italy and...

  • Unearth the mysteries of the ancient city of Pompeii and its tragic history with our colorful and engaging scratch art project that brings this enigmatic city back to life.
  • Immerse yourself in the intricate art of mosaics and learn how this art form adorned many of the buildings of ancient Rome as you create your own mosaic masterpiece using crayons and watercolor paint.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Come along to Mexico and...

  • Create your own ancestor frame as you learn about the rich history and traditions of Día de los Muertos.
  • Embark on an immersive journey into the world of Amate Mexican Folk Art! Discover the captivating history and traditions behind this ancient art form as you craft your very own Amate painting.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Let's Go to Russia and...

  • Unveil the majesty of St. Basil's Cathedral, and let your creativity soar as you create your own colorful cathedral, drawing inspiration from its intricate design and vibrant domes.
  • Embrace the enchanting tradition of Russian Nesting Dolls, known as Matryoshka, and craft your own using paper and art supplies.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Join Us on a trip to Scandinavia and...

  • Embark on an enthralling journey to uncover the fascinating world of the Vikings. Discover their unique culture of exploration, raiding, and craftsmanship as we set sail in our imagination and create our very own 3D Viking ship, a tribute to their seafaring legacy.
  • Immerse yourself in the unique beauty of Scandinavian folk art, renowned for its nature-inspired motifs and intricate designs. With a paintbrush in hand, let your creativity flourish as you craft your own folk art painting, reflecting the artistry of this remarkable region.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Let's go to South Africa and...

  • Discover the captivating world of Nelson Mandela as you learn about his extraordinary courage and unique fashion sense. Pay tribute to this iconic leader by creating a portrait of him in a traditional Mandiba shirt, capturing his indomitable spirit and the breathtaking beauty of South Africa's diverse landscapes.
  • Delve into the rich culture and artistry of the Zulu tribe, a community with a vibrant heritage. Craft your own Zulu-inspired mask adorned with intricate patterns and colors that reflect the essence of this remarkable culture.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Join Us on a Trip to Spain and...

  • Explore the intriguing language of the Spanish fan and craft one yourself to practice its fascinating gestures and expressions.
  • Uncover the controversial world of Spanish bullfighting and create your own art piece inspired by the beloved character, Ferdinand the Bull.
  • Immerse yourselves in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Let's go to the United Kingdom and...

  • Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Illuminated letters! Discover the historical art of writing as you embark on your own illuminated letter art project, unleashing your creativity in this ancient form.
  • Unravel the power of symbols as we delve into the history of the Coat of Arms. Create your own Coat of Arms, incorporating symbols with profound meanings that reflect your unique identity.
  • Dive into our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.
Volume 2

Let's go to Argentina and...

  • Immerse your child in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Argentina’s world-famous waterfalls, and uncover their significance in the country’s rich history and unique ecosystems. As they paint their own waterfall masterpiece, your child will explore key artistic concepts such as directional lines, values, and color theory, all while connecting with the natural beauty of Argentina!
  • Next, we’ll enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of Argentina's Sol de Mayo, the iconic sun symbol at the heart of the nation's identity. This engaging lesson combines art, history, and culture as your child learns about the importance of the Sol de Mayo while exploring the art of collage. Along the way, they’ll also be introduced to key principles of color theory, making this both a creative and educational experience.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Say "Olá!" to Brazil

  • Are you ready for an exciting journey into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest? Get ready to explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth while creating a hands-on project that will bring the sounds of the rainforest to life in your home - a rain stick! We’ll also learn more about pattern, color and balance in art.
  • Discover the vibrant world of Brazil's Carnival and meet the fascinating creatures of the Amazon Rainforest! We'll take your child on a colorful adventure through Brazil’s iconic celebration, all while exploring incredible rainforest animals as they create a fun, animal-inspired mask.
  • Enjoy our thoughtfully curated artistic extras in every packet: mouthwatering recipes, a beloved booklist, engaging videos, traditional songs and dances, fascinating facts, and insightful discussion prompts.

Head to Canada and...

  • Embark on an exciting and educational journey into the world of Canada’s beloved national symbol, the beaver! This engaging lesson will immerse your child in the fascinating history of the beaver in Canada—its role in the fur trade and its significance as a symbol of industry—while diving into the beaver’s captivating life. We’ll have so much fun creating a 3-D art piece while celebrating this remarkable animal!
  • Delight as your children discover the rich beauty and symbolism of Canada’s iconic maple leaf while exploring the vibrant world of stained glass, a cherished Canadian art form. Together, we’ll create our own stained glass masterpieces and uncover the fascinating history of the maple leaf in Canada as we learn about symmetry, values (lights and darks), and color in art.
  • Discover the carefully selected artistic extras included in each packet: delicious recipes, our favorite booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, intriguing facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Let's explore Egypt and...

  • Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt and explore the art of cartouches. This engaging art curriculum invites your child to delve into the rich history of Egypt while creating their own unique cartouche, an ancient symbol of identity, using homemade paper and bright gouache paints!
  • Continue your journey into the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian jewelry and watch your child discover the art of Usekh collars while crafting their own beautiful Usekh collar necklace! They will learn about the jewels in ancient Egypt and also the importance of shading, values, and color in art.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Join us in Germany and...

  • Let’s journey into the world of Germany, exploring the charm of cuckoo clocks and the sweetness of gingerbread! Your child will have a blast learning about Germany’s many traditions while they create their own whimsical gingerbread-style cuckoo clock all while learning the principles of line, pattern and 3-D aspects of art.
  • Next we’ll discover the history and significance of the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbol of division and unity in Germany. Your children will learn about this important historical landmark and create their own version of the Berlin Wall through a meaningful hands-on art project while also learning about creating meaningful symbols, shading and color. 
  • Enjoy our thoughtfully curated artistic extras in every packet: mouthwatering recipes, a beloved booklist, engaging videos, traditional songs and dances, fascinating facts, and insightful discussion prompts.

Enjoy the Emerald Isle of Éire

  • Explore Ireland’s rich history and the profound impact of the Potato Famine with this engaging lesson. Through a fun and creative art project, your child will not only gain insight into this pivotal event but also discover the potato’s unique role as an artistic tool!
  • Next, we’ll explore the rich history and intricate beauty of Irish Celtic knots! Your child will immerse themselves in Ireland’s cultural heritage, uncovering the deep symbolism behind these elegant designs, all while learning a little bit about shading and color theory.
  • Discover the carefully selected artistic extras included in each packet: delicious recipes, our favorite booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, intriguing facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Go island hopping in Japan...

  • Discover the vibrant traditions of Japan as we explore the colorful world of koinobori (carp fish kites) and learn about Children's Day. This fun and engaging project will invite your child to dive into Japanese culture while creating a koinobori kite of their own! They will use pastels to create vibrant patterns and colors while learning about symmetry and it’s important role in patterns and art.
  • Next you will immerse yourselves in the fascinating world of Japanese art of wood block printing. Your child will explore the rich traditions of Japanese woodblock prints and create their own unique artwork inspired by this historic technique. They will practice carving and making stamps they can use over and over again!
  • Enjoy our thoughtfully curated artistic extras in every packet: mouthwatering recipes, a beloved booklist, engaging videos, traditional songs and dances, fascinating facts, and insightful discussion prompts.

You won't be mad visiting Madagascar...

  • Embark on an exciting journey to Madagascar and discover the unique world of lemurs! Your children will delve into the wonders of Madagascar’s wildlife and create their own paintings of these fascinating creatures. They will learn about positive and negative space in art, do a step-by-step drawing, and practice their gouache skills.
  • We’ll continue our study of the enchanting island of Madagascar and delve into the world of vanilla. Through our fun art project, your children will learn about Madagascar’s unique vanilla production and why it is so important for most of the sweet tastes and smells all over the world! They will practice the wet-on-wet technique with watercolor and do a bit of word art.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Pack your wooden clogs for the Netherlands

  • Dive into the rich art tradition of The Netherlands and its iconic Delft Blue pottery. Your child will learn about this beautiful Dutch art form and create their own unique pieces inspired by the timeless elegance of Delft Blue while also learning about the importance of value (lights and darks) in art.
  • Next, we’ll step into the charming world of traditional Dutch wood clogs, or klompen. Your child will explore the history and craftsmanship of these iconic Dutch shoes while creating their own paper pair to decorate and wear!
  • Enjoy our thoughtfully curated artistic extras in every packet: mouthwatering recipes, a beloved booklist, engaging videos, traditional songs and dances, fascinating facts, and insightful discussion prompts.

Let's go to Polynesia and...

  • Embark on an artistic adventure to the vibrant and unique world of Polynesia! Your child will explore the rich cultural heritage of this stunning region and dive into the intricate art of tapa cloth. Your child will create their own beautiful tapa cloth-inspired artwork, celebrating the beauty and tradition of Polynesian culture while learning symmetry, pattern and color.
  • Continue to immerse yourselves in the rich cultural traditions of Polynesia and explore the stunning art of Māori jewelry! Your child will learn about the symbols and significance of Māori jewelry and sculpt their own unique pieces from clay inspired by this beautiful art form.
  • Discover the carefully selected artistic extras included in each packet: delicious recipes, our favorite booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, intriguing facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Travel to Portugal and...

  • Join us on an exciting cultural adventure to Portugal and discover the meaning behind its famous rooster symbol, the "Galo de Barcelos." Your child will explore Portuguese folklore and create their own vibrant rooster-inspired artwork that will help them learn more about highlights, color, and form.
  • Continue on and immerse your child in the stunning world of Portuguese tile art, or "azulejos," with this exciting art curriculum. Your child will explore the history and beauty of Portugal’s iconic tilework and create their own colorful, tile-inspired masterpieces while learning about pattern, symmetry, and color.
  • Delight in our carefully curated artistic extras offered in each packet: delicious recipes, a well-loved booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, fun facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

Ride over to Thailand and...

  • Take your child on a captivating journey to Thailand and discover the importance of elephants in Thai culture. Your child will learn fascinating facts about elephants and their symbolic role in Thailand, while creating their own beautiful elephant-inspired artwork! We’ll learn about pattern, color, step-by-step drawing, and more!
  • Immerse your child in the beauty and cultural significance of Thailand’s iconic water lily. In this project, your child will learn about the deep meanings behind the water lily, and create their own stunning 3-D masterpiece inspired by its timeless beauty.
  • Enjoy our thoughtfully curated artistic extras in every packet: mouthwatering recipes, a beloved booklist, engaging videos, traditional songs and dances, fascinating facts, and insightful discussion prompts.

Merhaba, Turkey!

  • Take your child on a fascinating exploration of Turkish culture by learning about the ancient symbol of the evil eye, a symbol believed to offer protection and ward off negative energy. Your child will have fun learning about highlights in art and creating their own beautiful evil eye-inspired artwork to hang up or give away to loved ones!
  • Continue your journey through Turkey as we explore the intricate beauty and cultural significance of traditional Turkish rugs. We’ll introduce your child to the fascinating history of rug-making in Turkey, and create a beautiful paper rug of our own while learning about color and symmetry in art.
  • Discover the carefully selected artistic extras included in each packet: delicious recipes, our favorite booklist, captivating videos, traditional songs and dances, intriguing facts, and thought-provoking discussion prompts.
Ready to EXPLORE? enroll now!
  • Woman in white linen shirt and colorful tassel necklace and light blue jeans and light blue earrings smiling. She ahs dark brown short hair. Behind her are various watercolor paintings hung up on the wall of a sunflower, a octopus, vegetables, flowers, and color palettes.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi! I’m Hannah Stevenson. As a working artist, mother, and teacher, I have seen art transform the lives of both young and old. I believe art is a powerful tool that creates bonds, says what we cannot say, and helps us notice the beauty that exists all around us. I’m passionate about helping families thrive, and I believe one of the best ways to do this is through practicing art together. When not painting, I write about creativity, nature, intentional motherhood, and mindful family life at LilyandThistle.com. I also make paper dolls!

How can art make you smart?

Art fosters creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills: Art activities encourage kids to explore their imaginations, think creatively, and find innovative solutions to artistic challenges.

Art promotes self-expression and communication abilities: Through art, children can express thoughts and emotions visually, improving their ability to communicate non-verbally.

Art develops patience, focus, and attention to detail: Art projects require concentration and attention, teaching kids patience and focus as they work on their creations.

Making and enjoying art cultivates emotional intelligence and empathy: Creating and engaging with art helps children explore and understand emotions, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.

Art stimulates cognitive development and brain function: Artistic activities engage various areas of the brain, contributing to cognitive development and improved brain function.

Art encourages experimentation and risk-taking: Art provides a safe space for kids to experiment with different techniques and ideas, fostering a willingness to take creative risks.

Art enhances cultural awareness and appreciation: Experiencing different art forms exposes children to diverse cultures, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.

Art inspires a love for learning: Art fosters holistic development, nurturing creativity and curiosity in children, leading to well-rounded adults with a lifelong love for learning.

Ready to make art a priority? enroll now!

Begin Your Journey with Art Makes Me Smart Around the World Today!

Volumes 1 and 2,
Lifetime Access

(Pay once and get lifetime access to both programs)

Enroll for $394 Lifetime Access

Frequently Asked Questions

Art Makes Me Smart is for anyone seeking to open their hearts and minds to the world's diverse beauty and cultures. The art projects are ideally suited for kids ages seven and older, but with a little assistance, younger artists can also join in on the fun! At Lily & Thistle, we hold a special place in our hearts for neurodivergent children. Our carefully curated resources are also designed to boost their confidence and nurture their learning journey.

Absolutely not – and that's what makes our courses truly special! We've carefully crafted our courses to ensure everyone can succeed, regardless of their art background. We provide templates and inspirational images for nearly all projects and guide you through each step, making the process smooth and enjoyable.

And if you already have some art experience, these resources are still valuable for you! You'll not only expand your skills but also explore a wide range of art mediums and techniques, taking your artistic journey to new heights. So, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned artist, our courses have something exceptional to offer.

You will have access to everything directly in Teachable. Teachable is an easy-to-use online learning portal that keeps track of your progress so you can easily start and stop anytime.  You can access this course at the Lily & Thistle Teachable Creative Studio.

Think of Art Makes Me Smart as a versatile unit study resource, carefully prepared with an array of valuable tools such as booklists, discussion/essay prompts, art projects, cultural music, dances, videos, and recipes. You have the flexibility to mix and match these offerings to meet your child's specific needs and interests. Whether you use a little or a lot, you can create a tailor-made learning experience that perfectly fits your child's style and preferences. The possibilities are endless, making learning an enjoyable and personalized adventure for your family!

There are plans to create more volumes of Around The World in the future!

If you have any requests for new countries, you can always email us at support@lilyandthistle.com or you can fill out this form to submit country requests.

Many of the essential art supplies you'll need may already be available in your home, such as crayons, markers, and watercolor paints. Additionally, we'll introduce your family to new and exciting materials like gouache paint and oil pastels.

To ensure a smooth start, we provide a detailed budget-friendly supply list with convenient links to all the required materials. So, whether you're utilizing familiar tools or trying out new techniques, you'll be well-prepared for a fulfilling artistic experience with Art Makes Me Smart. Check out our full list of supplies here.

Absolutely! This resource is a fantastic fit for classes or co-ops, offering pricing plans tailored to different group sizes:

  • Small groups: Access for up to 5 families.
  • Medium groups: Access for up to 15 families.
  • Large groups: Access for up to 30 families.

Your purchase provides you with a full 12 months of curriculum access, and there are no auto-renewals, so you have complete control over your subscription.

To get started and gain access, simply reach out to ​support@lilyandthistle.com​, and our team will be delighted to assist you. This curriculum is ideal for homeschooling co-ops and other homeschooling groups, offering a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for all participants!

I would never want you to be unhappy!  If you are unsatisfied with Art Makes Me Smart, please contact us within the first 14 days, and we will provide you with a full refund. You can contact us at support@lilyandthistle.com.

We would be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to us at support@lilyandthistle.com.

Subscribe Today and Get Access Now!

enroll now to become a member!