Gelli plates are a quick, easy, and FUN way to make the most amazing monoprints. Once you experience this process for yourself, you'll be addicted - like me! Just follow these simple steps to make your own unique Gelli prints.... You'll need: Gelli plate (available in 6x6, 8x10, 12x14, and an 8" circle) Acrylic paints (student or even craft grade is fine - … [Read more...]
Making Monoprints with a Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate
I recently discovered a new product that I've become obsessed with... the Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate. I've always loved monoprinting, but Gelli Plates take this art form to a whole new level. Printmaking with a Gelli Plate is similar to gelatin printing, but the plate itself is much more durable, it's reusable, you can store it at room temperature, and the resulting … [Read more...]
How Full Is Your Bucket?
The books that inspired this lesson have nothing to do with art, and the illustrations were not what attracted me! What I LOVE about these books is their message. And what better way to drive home a great message than with a fun art lesson??! Inspired by a bullying episode at my school, I saw this idea as a way to make a difference, so I had to try it. I figured if even one … [Read more...]
Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Projects
Day of the Dead (or Dia de los Muertos) is right around the corner! Don't miss the opportunity to share this important cultural tradition with your students. Often misunderstood, this popular Mexican holiday honors ancestors and loved ones who have died, and is celebrated each year on November 1st & 2nd. This family-centered holiday celebrates the cycle of … [Read more...]
Kindergarten Rorschach Prints
This is one of my favorite Kindergarten lessons, based on the famous Rorschach Ink Blot Test. The process of making these prints seems almost magical to a five year old who's doing this for the first time. It combines colorful paint with the element of surprise and plenty of imagination... what's not to love about that?! I begin by reading the book, It Looked Like … [Read more...]
“Day of the Dead Prints” inspired by Jose Posada
We had a blast at my Teach Kids Art: "Day of the Dead" workshop yesterday! I added a new project this year, "Day of the Dead Prints" - inspired by Jose Posada. Jose Posada (1852-1913) was a prolific Mexican folk artist and political satirist from Aguascallientes in central Mexico. Posada began learning lithography (a form of printmaking using a metal plate) at age 16. … [Read more...]
“Teach Kids Printmaking” Workshop for Teachers
Okay, I know this is short notice (unless you happen to live in the area), but I just wanted to give our "locals" a heads-up about the teacher workshop I'm offering tomorrow.... "Teach Kids Printmaking" will be happening this Saturday, November 14, 9am to noon, at Palace Art in Capitola, California. Learn lots of practical ways to bring simple printmaking ideas into your … [Read more...]
Hand Print Art for Pre-K and Kindergarten
I don't usually post project ideas for Pre-K, since I teach K - 6 (so most of my ideas and resources are for those grades). Special thanks to Denise Harrell, the coordinator for Young Children's World in Abilene, Texas, who submitted these ideas. She used these projects for a Kids Kreations fundraiser and wanted to share them with others who are teaching this age group, as … [Read more...]
Rorschach Creatures
This is a favorite lesson I do with Kindergarten every fall. They love the surprise of opening their papers to reveal colorful designs and the fun of using their imaginations to "discover" unique creatures! I do this lesson in two parts, to give the paint time to dry before adding details with marker.1. Fold a piece of 12 x 18 white construction paper in half. Then open it … [Read more...]
