Pokemon Cards: Let's Learn to Play the Game Evolved (again) into Mommy Handmade Sketch in Color Pencil Pokemon Trading Card Playing Mats

A 2016 update: As I reflect on some of our art projects (okay, my art) and I am so glad we/I did. Now my kids draw, create, craft regularly. And we have seen a creative impact on their school work. Are the two connected? Is art at home resulting in an out of the box idea at school. I cant say for certain... But my mommy judgement says yes. This article is about drawing and coloring purely for my kids benefit, but I can't help to think how these moments have impacted (over time) their school learning & my own.

I am no longer the advocate I used to be for play based learning. I think early "pre school" (before school starts) is a balance of play based, motor skills projects and starting on academics (letters sounds, colors, numbers, and yes -- pre reading skills. Strictly within my experience I have seen my approach with older son, versus my means of at home activities with baby girl and younger son, the growth of the latter two in their "work" means younger son starts school with basic math skills. And baby girl writing her name at 3 years old with reading some basic words.

Back to the original post: Happy Reading! Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.


My older son and younger son have recently discovered Pokemon trading cards game - battling playing cards. After watching the YouTube video Mom learned Math is involved!! Yaay! I'm a full supporter. You can of course BUY the placemats, but wouldn't it be really fun to make them?

I can't remember if this made our Summer Bucket List, or we (I being nagged by the kids) felt really inspired? Each boy got to pick a character they wanted on their mat. The boys got really into it, digging through hundreds of cards. We've collected cards Fromm our own purchases and the occasional donation from my brothers collection (I.e., our Dad throwing out his stuff and filtering his room).

Older son chose the evolved form of Charizard. And younger son chose Blazer? I googled their images, we again reviewed options with the boys...

I've posted my inspiration pics from online and the finished product. I used color pencils that we have on hand in our art center in the kitchen. I matched colors to our inspiration pictures.

If you are reading this post, please post a comment below on what you liked - or didn't  - about this read. Does the topic interest you and you want to know more? Submit a question and I am happy to tackle it.
I laid out some paper and positioned the playing cards as referenced in a google search. It helped to estimate a true mat size. Tape the paper together, and start sketching.





The sketch of Chaizard Evolving...  

 Charizard, Final Color Pencil Sketch    

Younger son picked his inspiration photo

The Final Color Pencil Sketch


Make mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.