Hair-Raising Story Portraits | Kids Art Workshop for Libraries & Vacation Care
Hair-Raising Story Portraits
Engaging Kids’ Art Workshops for Libraries & Vacation Care Programs
Age Group: 5–12 years
Duration: 1 hour (+ 30 min setup/clean-up)
Group Size: Up to 15 students per session (contact us for larger groups – options available)
Materials: All supplied
Room Requirements: Chairs and tables, access to toilets, bins supplied
Suitable For: Library sessions, Vacation Care programs
Availability: Book now for Spring 2026 & Summer 2026–7 school holidays
Pricing: Per group, not per child
Workshop Overview
Draw a quirky self-portrait where your hair transforms into an imaginative adventure—flowing into oceans, forests, rollercoasters or even outer space!
In this playful drawing workshop, children create imaginative portraits where their hair becomes part of the story. Using simple portrait drawing techniques, students turn their hairstyle into an exciting world filled with tiny adventures, hidden surprises and storytelling details.
This creative session encourages children to explore illustration, imagination and visual storytelling while developing confidence in drawing and creative expression.
Hair-Raising Story Portraits is one of the engaging sessions offered through our Library & Vacation Care Art Workshops program, designed for libraries and vacation care venues across Western Sydney, The Hills District, Penrith and the Blue Mountains.
Creative & Learning Outcomes
Creative
• Create imaginative portraits where hair becomes part of the story
Literature / Storytelling
• Explore how illustrators tell a whole story within a single picture
STEAM / Creative Problem Solving
• Experiment with visual storytelling, composition and imaginative design
Social Connections
• Share ideas and the hidden stories inside their drawings
Wellbeing
• Encourages self-expression, creativity and storytelling confidence
Materials & Setup
All materials are provided, including:
• Drawing paper or card
• Pencils and erasers
• Paint markers and alcohol markers
• Textas and colouring pencils
Room setup required: Chairs and tables, access to toilets, bins supplied.
Activity Outline
Step 1 – Brainstorm the Adventure
Students imagine creative ideas for their “story-hair” — oceans, forests, roads, rollercoasters, lightning, outer space or anything their imagination creates.
Step 2 – Portrait Drawing
Elaine demonstrates a simple portrait outline that students can transform into their own character or self-portrait.
Step 3 – Build the Story
Children expand their drawings by turning their hair into an imaginative landscape filled with tiny details and visual storytelling.
Step 4 – Share & Celebrate
Students are invited to share the hidden story within their artwork, encouraging creativity, confidence and social connection.
Why Libraries & Vacation Care Programs Love This Workshop
• Encourages creativity, storytelling and imaginative drawing
• Combines portrait art with playful storytelling
• All materials provided – a hassle-free session for organisers
• Fun, engaging and confidence-building for kids
• Supports creativity, wellbeing and communication skills
Location & Availability
Workshops are available for libraries and vacation care programs across Western Sydney, The Hills District, Penrith, the Blue Mountains and surrounding NSW regions.
If you’re located outside these areas, please get in touch — Elaine is always happy to discuss options where possible.
Elaine travels to your library or vacation care venue and delivers all workshops on-site. Multiple sessions can be scheduled on the same day, subject to availability.
Meet the Art facilitator – Elaine Butler
Elaine Butler is a kids book author, illustrator and arts educator.
With over 30 years of experience in arts education, Elaine brings a unique blend of creativity, storytelling and visual arts to every workshop.
Her programs offer an engaging, hands-on approach that nurtures imagination, creative confidence and wellbeing. Through her artwork, books and creative wellness philosophy, Elaine inspires children to explore, create and discover their own artistic voice.
Why Work With Elaine?
Elaine brings warmth, creativity and over 30 years of arts education experience to every session. Her workshops offer meaningful, calm and imaginative learning experiences that children enjoy and remember.
What venues love:
✔️ Over 30 years experience as a visual arts educator
✔️ Engaging, calm and inclusive teaching style
✔️ Strong group management and smooth session flow
✔️ Hands-on activities that boost creativity and confidence
✔️ Creative wellbeing woven into each workshop
✔️ No-prep, low-stress experience for libraries and vacation care venues
✔️ Professional-quality artwork outcomes students are proud of
✔️ Sessions that support wellbeing, focus and self-expression
Hands-on learning. Real creativity. Real art. Real collaboration.
Enquire or Book
If you’d like to discuss availability, session options, or how this workshop can fit into your venue’s program, please get in touch.
We are currently taking bookings for Spring 2026 and the Summer 2026–7 school holidays.
👉 Enquire or book using the online form
☎️ Or contact us to discuss dates and options.