Hundertwasser inspired

Hundertwasser inspired second graders created these motifs based on nature. The first step was to create painted paper with found objects (so fun!) then cut up and collage. I encourage them to do an "art paste sandwich" (art paste, paper, art paste) which helps the paper lay flat and mixes the tempera painted paper as you work. I found these fun one inch punches at Michael's a while back, you'll see lots of polka dots popping up in our work recently :)

Chin Colle Lanterns

Inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, the fourth graders created four panels using the chin colle technique of layering thin (tissue) paper. After they completed all of their panels the strong them together into a cube form, then added the strings to hang it. We lined the halls with the fourth grade lanterns creations- they were a highlight of family arts night! A few hints for this project: Create a template for students to use to punch the holes evenly on each panel edge. Demonstrate how to string the panels together back to back by tying the string at the top of two panels back to back and then begin wrapping the strings through the hole and around the outside, through the hole and around the outside...continue! This is much faster than stringing them together flat on the table top side by side.

Warm & Cool

Warm and Cool collage/paintings by the kindergartners. Objectives of this lesson: Develop a solid understanding of the warm and cool color families (ability to create a work of art using only one family) ability to make connections between colors & our environment and ability to tear shapes of paper with control...we're still working on this fine motor skill :)

Kinder Collages

Inspired by paper dolls, the kindergartners created a collage of their family. They created a background and frame to start. Then, traced people and cut them out added clothing and accessories with drawing materials and/or paper collaging techniques. We also worked on titles and names.The most tricky part of the was tracing and cutting out the people (some lost some body parts along the way!) Next year I would probably make this a 3D project and have each student create a stage or room for their paper doll people to inhabit.

Hearts

Cork polka dot painted butcher paper hearts, stuffed and coated in other "lovely" things. A little love from the kindergartners!

WiLd WeAvings

A three or four day weaving lesson for Kindergartners. It began with "measuring" or practice using a ruler as a straight edge and cutting the construction paper loom. Next, they wove paper cut with funky scissors, fabric strips, colored tin foil bent into organic lines, yarn and other textured fiber scraps through their loom. The weaving process took some students one day, others two. When finished I had a sponge painting station set up for students to add (or attempt) a painted pattern design. My students found painting on the multiple surfaces interesting. Fun and wild lesson that grew as we went!

Parade Masks

First graders created masks focusing on two objectives: creating a mask that is symmetric and has an expression. I set up supply stations, which allowed them to roam around the room and work together. First step was to fold and cut a symmetrical mask design with some facial features, Then the decorating began with yarn, raffia, construction paper, drawing supplies, foam and wood shapes, pipe cleaners, feathers, beads, puzzle pieces and tape... lots of tape. First graders LOVE tape. I brought each first grade section around the school in a parade fashion to "scare" or maybe rather "entertain" the other classrooms. It was good fun.

Mola inspired

Threading the needle!

World Arts Month brought construction paper motifs inspired by traditional Mola designs of the Kuna women of Central America. Materials: layered construction paper, background pieces of construction paper 18 x 18, yarn, tape, hole punch, glue, scissors.  Plan for about 5-6 class periods (third grade) These brighten our hallways during these gloomy January days.