It's easy and fun for kids to make their own painted papers for collage. The resulting textures, patterns, and color variations will add extra delight to every project. Making painted paper is a perfect "process-art" activity for the first day of school or anytime you need some "art therapy"! What you'll need for making painted papers: 9 x 12 white construction paper, at … [Read more...]
Paint a Monochromatic Delft-Inspired Plate
Parents, are you looking for ways to keep your kids learning and engaged at home that don't involve screen time? I’ve got you covered! I'll be posting more of my favorite art projects using minimal supplies that you might already have at home. These projects develop the skills of critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving, and invention - the very qualities we need to see … [Read more...]
Christmas in July! Folded Paper Stars with Symmetry
These hanging stars are a hit year after year with my 4th graders. You can make these in any size you want.... the size of the squares you start with will determine the size of your finished stars. (When I teach this lesson, I use 12" squares in two different colors to demonstrate the folding and gluing steps on the white board. Instead of glue, I used tape rolls with low tack … [Read more...]
Save Your Catalogs!
Catalogs of all kinds can be a great resource for collage projects and more. Here are two of my favorites, which I'm always happy to find in my mailbox! I save them for their pages full of color, texture, and pattern... perfect for my Fundraiser House Magnets, and any project where you need a cheap (free!) substitute for expensive scrapbooking paper. If you don't already … [Read more...]
African Kente Cloth Weaving
Kente cloth originated in Ghana as the fabric of royalty, but has become a colorful symbol of African culture, now loved and worn by many. Students in grades K and 1 will enjoy creating their own paper version of this colorful cloth!Materials:6"x12" black construction paper1"x6" strips of red, blue, yellow and green construction paper (3 or 4 of each color per student)Black … [Read more...]
Oil Pastel Fish – Kindergarten Style!
Oil pastels, with their rich colors and expressive line quality, are one of my favorite mediums to use with kids. And the key to getting the best results with any oil pastel lesson is LAYERING! Materials:12x18 black construction paperOil pastels (We use the Pentel 16 color set.)Directions: 1. Set aside your black oil pastel... you won't use it until the end!2. To begin this … [Read more...]
Compass Mandalas
The word "mandala" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "circle" and has it's roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. We know mandalas as circular designs with radial symmetry and repeating patterns. Mandalas can be found today in a variety of cultures as well as in nature. (Ask students where they have seen circles, or patterns with circles, in nature or in man-made … [Read more...]
Designs with Number Patterns
This lesson is adapted from a math activity my own kids did in middle school, where they used colored string to "stitch" their patterns on card stock. I simplified this lesson for my students (4th grade and up), replacing the needle and thread with markers and a ruler.... Have you ever marveled at the fascinating patterns found in nature?? I like to … [Read more...]
Chilean Rain Sticks
This project requires a bit more prep than most, but it's not difficult and so worth the extra time it takes! Your students will LOVE creating these colorful, authentic sounding rain sticks! Be sure to show students where Chile is located on a map or globe, and talk about its unique geography and weather!Chile is a country in South America, occupying a long narrow strip of … [Read more...]
Name Tangles
"Name Tangles" are a fun way to create a cool design using your name or another word of your choice. Try adapting this idea for a unique greeting card design!Materials:9x12 white construction paperPencil and eraserBlack markers, fine and broad pointDirections:1. Use large stick letters to write your name, beginning with the first letter touching both the bottom and left side of … [Read more...]
