Patriotic Noisemaker Tacos
Take your summer craft projects to the next level when you include the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, color) and the Principles of Design (contrast, rhythm, proportion, balance, unity, emphasis, movement, and variety). Look for ways you can weave some of this art vocabulary into every project you teach, like I’ve done with the project below.
Be ready for any festive event with these fun to make Noisemaker Tacos! We made ours with a red, white, and blue theme but any two colors you like together could work!
- 7” paper plate
- Crayola markers, 2 colors (We used red and blue to make it patriotic!)
- Tape (any kind)
- Assorted ribbons to go with your color scheme
- Sturdy pasta shapes (We used large shells)
- Stapler
- Small bells (optional)
- Choose one color to use for your thick outlines and a contrasting color for the designs inside each shape. Crayola markers are versatile because they have a wide edge plus a fine point, so you can get both thick and thin lines from one marker.
- Use the wide edge of one of your markers to draw some thick lines that intersect each other, creating smaller shapes. (Make sure that each shape is “closed” so it can be filled in with more detailed designs in the next step.)
- When your design with the thick lines looks balanced, use the pointed tip of the other color to add a more detailed design in each section. Aim for variety from section to section and make sure you fill all of the space. If you need to repeat a design, try not to place the matching designs next to each other. Following these steps will give your design a feeling of unity.
- Fold your plate in half to give it the form of a taco, creasing only the two outside edges so you can see where the halfway points are.
- Tape ribbons along the inside edge of one half of your plate.
- As you refold your plate, put a small handful of pasta inside.
- Staple the edges of your folded “taco” to keep the pasta from falling out!
- Tie some small bells onto your ribbons, if you want.
- Shake your tacos and make some noise!
The CMACIVICKIDS challenge for May is a DIY Noisemaker! You can make my project (above), CMA’s noisemaker project, or come up with your own unique idea. Have your project added to CMA’s online exhibition by sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter using the hashtags #CMACIVICKIDS and #TeachKidsArt.
