Yesterday’s art class was a whirlwind of creativity, folklore, and plenty of glitter! We dove into the enchanting world of the wren bird and explored what it means to express our inner magic through art. Here’s how our magical session unfolded:
1. Celebrating the Wren: Ireland’s Tiny King of Birds
We began by learning about the wren, or Dreoilín, a bird steeped in Irish folklore. Known as the “king of all birds,” the wren represents wisdom, resilience, and transformation. The kids were fascinated to hear how such a tiny bird earned such a mighty reputation. We talked about its winter song, its quiet strength, and its deep connection to the natural world.
Inspired by the wren’s magic, we got to work creating sparkling wren ornaments.
Materials Used:
- Recycled cardboard and old paper
- Twigs and feathers
- Gems, glitter, and paint
- Glue
Instructions:
- Cut out bird shapes from recycled cardboard.
- Add twigs for legs and feathers for texture.
- Decorate with paint, glitter, and gems to create a magical, sparkling wren.
The kids threw themselves into the project with enthusiasm—one declared their wren was a “guardian of Christmas trees,” while another said theirs would sing songs to ward off bad dreams. Amid the flurry of feathers and gems, the wrens came to life, each one unique and full of character.
2. Self-Portraits with a Magical Twist
Next, we transitioned to self-portraits—but not the usual kind. Instead of painting how they looked, I asked the children to create portraits of how they felt.
We encouraged them to think about their inner magic:
- If you had magical powers, what would they be?
- Where in your body does your magic live?
With large sheets of paper and lots of vibrant paint, the kids created imaginative, expressive self-portraits. Hearts, hands, and even “everywhere” were popular answers for where their magic lived. One child decided their magic was in their mum, while another imagined themselves as tiny enough to fly on a wren around the world.
3. Connecting the Dots: Inner Magic and the Wren’s Wisdom
As we wrapped up, we talked about how the wren’s magic mirrors their own. Just like the wren, their magic doesn’t have to be loud or flashy to be powerful. It shines in the way they express themselves, show kindness, and bring creativity into the world.
The room was filled with glittery wrens, bold self-portraits, and big smiles. Somewhere between “glue all the feathers” and “add more sparkle,” we channelled the wren’s wisdom—or at least created something wonderfully messy and meaningful.
The Takeaway: A Little Magic Goes a Long Way
This class was a beautiful reminder that imagination, creativity, and a little mischief can take you anywhere. Whether through the quiet strength of a wren or the vibrant strokes of a self-portrait, our magic shines brightest when we express who we are. And, of course, always remember: when in doubt, add more glitter.
