"Name Alien" by RobertHere's a fun symmetry project that I adapted from another really old book, "Paper Designs" by Jerome C. Brown. It's out of print, but can still be found through used book sellers. When students are comfortable with writing their names in cursive, they are ready for this project.... I do this with the third graders at my school every year and it's always … [Read more...]
Positive/Negative Space Collage #2
This project is similar to the last one I posted, but this one has a mirror image that works vertically as well as horizontally. It's really not that much more difficult, especially if you've already done the first one, but it's definitely impressive! (Both are adapted from the book Wild & Wonderful Art Lessons by Gene Baer, a great resource which unfortunately is long out … [Read more...]
Positive/Negative Space Collage #1
Cut paper collage is a great way to teach the concepts of positive/negative space and symmetry. This lesson is inspired by the art of Japanese 'Notan', which emphasizes the contrast between light and dark. Each student's project will look unique, everyone will feel successful, and it's not even messy! You can't beat that combination! 1. Each student will need two pieces … [Read more...]
How to Make a Collage Butterfly Inspired by Eric Carle
Make your own Eric Carle-inspired butterfly Eric Carle's colorful collages are among the first works of art that many young children are exposed to.... who doesn’t love his charming illustrations?? It's easy to make your own collage butterflies inspired by Eric Carle.... just follow these simple instructions. And be sure to check out some of the beautiful butterflies below, … [Read more...]
How to Make Colorful Textured Paper
It's easy and FUN to make this colorful textured paper! We made lots of it in a recent teacher workshop I taught. To make this amazing-looking paper, all you need is a small piece of plastic (an expired credit card or gift card works well) with notches cut into one side of it, and some tempera paint. Pour some of two different primary colors (red, yellow, or turquoise) onto a … [Read more...]
Foil Fish
Self-adhesive mounting board made this project a snap to prep and clean up! Special thanks to Mabel Gidcumb for sharing this fun lesson plan, which she adapted from a project in the Usborne Book of Art Projects. She made these colorful fish with her Vacation Bible School kids and reports that it was a huge success! They used self-adhesive mounting board, but you could also … [Read more...]
Self-Portrait Workshop – Paul Klee
Here is a sampling of self-portraits inspired by artist Paul Klee (including one in progress) from my last teacher workshop. Paul Klee (1879-1940) was a Swiss artist known for his highly individual, abstract style. His work was influenced by many different art movements, including Expressionism, Cubism and Surrealism. This project uses squares of "bleeding tissue" for it's … [Read more...]
Self-Portraits Inspired by Paul Klee
Kindergarten self-portrait and "Senecio" by Paul Klee One of our wonderful parent volunteers recently shared a great website with me that she found. If you're looking for new art lessons to try, check out Kathy Barbaro's "Art Projects for Kids". I found a great idea on her website for "painting" with tissue paper, which I tried with one of our Kindergarten … [Read more...]
Faux Stained Glass Ornaments
Are your kids bouncing off the walls with anticipation of the coming holiday? Need a last-minute project to engage them? Try making these glowing ornaments with the look of stained glass! Students in grades 3 and up will enjoy spreading Christmas cheer when they hang these faux stained glass ornaments on their tree or give them as gifts. Make your own faux stained glass … [Read more...]