Weaving Projects for Everyone

Sorry friends, it's been a while. I have had major Internet issues for over a month. You see, all of our devices were able to connect to the Internet, except my desktop. Grrr. after going around and around with my neighbor (so called computer expert), Internet provider and dell - we finally discovered that it was my security software. I could have worked on my tablet, but it is not quite the same as my desktop with full functionality.

What about you? Have you experienced any tech issues?

Now on to happier things. I have a friend +Sherri Zeitlin, at the Art Resource Center, she is a weaving expert. She says anyone can learn how to weave - anything (even grass or leaves!) just use whatever it is you have on hand.  

Matchbox Weaving

Weaving is a great indoor activity and requires few materials. It is also great for hand-eye coordination, developing fine motor skills and creativity. You don’t need to invest in a large professional loom to learn the basics of weaving. You can make your own loom out of a simple piece of recycled board box (Most cost effective especially for schools. Has place to store weft materials designed to be removed from loom and finished with hand techniques.), paper-plate (excellent for younger children, but adult or older children needs to cut slits and warp, this was designed to remain on the plate), or recycled PVC pipes (Can be made in various sizes. Cost effective when looking to make more permanent loom).

Paper Weaving, This is weaving at its simplest.

Before we get started, let's get familiar with some weaving terms. In weaving, the taut lengthwise threads which are used to string the loom, are called the "warp." The crosswise threads, which are drawn over and under the warp, and with which the pattern is woven, are called the "weft." The little flat stick with which each row of the weft is "beaten" to make the work firm and even, is called the "beater."

Plastic Bag Weaving

Magazine Weaving, This is weaving at its simplest.

It is also important to note that the size of your loom, which will determine the size of your finished weaving.

 

Paper plate Weaving - Elizabeth Dunker

Hula Hoop Weaving - Disney Family Fun

Experiment with different kinds of materials and enjoy some weaving time!

Edward Munch "The Scream" for Halloween

Leonardo da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa", Edvard Munch’s "The Scream" may be the most iconic human figure in the history of Western art. So it's no surprise to me that when Halloween approaches I get requests for Edvard Munch. "The Scream" project in particular, my of my favorite projects to lead.

 After a discussion about Edvard Munch and his painting "The Scream", students are given large watercolor paper ( at least 11x17) to sketch and paint the background. While students are painting, I photograph each student one by one, asking them to replicate a silent scream. Sometimes it takes four or five photos as they can't help smiling.

Allow the project to dry. In the meantime I print out the photo onto copy paper. Trim their photo by cutting out the background and glue onto their painting using a glue stick.

They love seeing themselves in a painting, especially when it is on display all month long. Thanks +Kathy Barbro  for the great idea!

 

The project is also great to show perspective. Depending on age you could have a group discussion of feelings and emotions.

Hint: Label their photo and  painting so you can match them up later.

How about you? What projects do you like to do for fall?
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Upcycled Picasso Masks

Much to my husbands chagrin, I can't seem to trash the bits and pieces that are left over from other craft projects. Even the shortest length of ribbon makes it into a bin marked "save do not through out". Not only do I feel better for not throwing out perfectly "good stuff" into the garbage, it helps keep my art projects cost low.

A really great project for making use of all the bits and pieces is African masks. Not only can you teach students about recycling, it is a fun way to teach about the famous abstract artist, Pablo Picasso. They will also learn how to use recyclables to make simple lines to create faces and then rearrange them to appear like abstract faces in the style of Pablo Picasso.

It's a fun mixed media  project that involves several techniques and can be tied to literacy when you include West African Folklore.

It is also great for integrating math by discussing how geometric shapes are in elements of art.

Supplies:

Cardboard boxes
Hot Glue
Tacky Glue
Paint of your choice
Assorted Ribbons, Pipe Cleaners, Buttons and Jewelry Pieces, etc...

First, you will want to pre-cut the corners of a sturdy corrugated box and punch/drill out holes for hanging your finished mask.

Next, have students paint the cardboard masks and let dry.

Now for the fun part...using Tacky Glue have students embellish with buttons, ribbons, bits of jewelry, etc...There' no right or wrong, just let that imaginations take over. Have an adult use hot glue for heavier pieces.

TIP: For additional texture and dimension, prime your corrugated box corner with Plaster-of-Paris before painting. (Take plaster-of-Paris and add water until it looks like the consistency of glue.) 

We made the masks above as part of a school wide fundraiser two years ago. By incorporating recyclables into our projects it kept our supply cost at $300 for school of 550 students.

 How about you? Any upcycled projects to share?

Fun and Low Cost First Day Art Mural

Hello everyone - it's been a while since my last post. We were away in France and had very little Internet. It was a big adjustment for me and the kids to not have WiFi, but it allowed us to focus on low tech activities...like playing cards, scrabble and of course, art!

I will tell you about my adventure in France a little later, but first I wanted to share with you a Fun and Low Cost first day art project. I love collaborative projects for the first day because requires students to communicate and work together to produce a special piece of art. In addition, it is great for introduction to the elements of art.

Juan Miro and Paul Klee and two great artist that that come to mind when working in groups. 

Image: Experiments in Art Education

Have students to outline their shapes- squares, circles, triangles, etc.. (no need to sketch) with black tempera paint. Then have them connect the shapes using lines - straight, zig-zag, wave, etc... Allow paint to dry for a bit (in AZ it only takes a couple of seconds) and then fill in the shapes using bold colors.

Image: Gretchen's Art

Great for all levels, even kindergartners, just make sure to have extra hands to help out. After you are done displaying the murals, you can cut it up to size and then everyone will get a piece to take home.

TIP: If you don't have large craft paper, use the back of an old poster.

How about you? What kind of art project do you like to do on the first day?

Cherry Blossom Inspired Painting

With cherry blossoms in full bloom from mid March to Mid April, it inspired me to offer cherry blossom painting during this month's Art Masterpiece. The transcendent beauty of the cherry blossoms have inspired many artists, including Japanese artist Ohara Koson, who was famous for his flower and bird paintings.

Cherry Blossom by Allessanra

We painted our own cherry blossoms using a fun and creative technique using drinking straws. I'm all about using inexpensive or recycled materials, and everyday items found around our home. It doesn’t get any easier – painting using a drinking straw! 

Set out some straws (I had the bendy ones), sheets of block print paper, and some black tempera paint that is thinned out with water and pink tempera for the cherry blossoms. The paint needs to be thin (about the consistency of milk) so that it will move across the page when blown with the straw.

 

Video by victoriarestrepo.com

Drop a small amount of paint onto your paper, next position your straw close to the paint and blow. Move the straw upwards and outwards moving the paint into different directions to create tree branches.

Cherry Blossoms by Brooke

Cherry Blossoms by Annika

CHerry Blossoms by Sarah

Cherry Blossom by Yibo

It was a lot of fun watching students try to maneuver the paint. Some got the hang of it, while others couldn't quite figure out that they had to continuously blow through the straw while moving upwards to keep the paint moving.

Visiting Washington, DC during cherry blossom festival is something I highly recomend. How about you? Have you seen cherry blossoms in person?

Jim Dine Hearts

Does it seem like the promotion of Valentine's Day starts earlier each year? I have seen hearts and Valentine's merchandise as early as January. 

I have been holding out, but had such cool results from our Jim Dine Art Masterpiece project that I could not resist.

Jim Dine is an America Pop Artist who is known for his colorful and expressive hearts. 

The Little Heart in the Landscape (1991)

He said that he loved to paint hearts because it reminded him of his wife. How romantic is that?!

The Poets' Twelve Hearts (1961)

Students in our school have created several varying projects featuring Jim Dine:

Like this one....

Jim Dine Pink Heart by Annika

And this one...

Jim Dine Heart in Hand

How about this one at +Kathy Barbro 

Jime Dine Hearts +Kathy Barbro

What's your interpretation for Jim Dine Hearts?

How to Make Up-cycled Dale Chihuly Glass Art

It has become a tradition to visit Las de las Luminarias at Dessert Botanical Gardens to hear my daughter play hand bells with our church, Mountain View Lutheran. 

         

Dale Chihuly Green Yuca

Las de las Luminarias runs from November 29th - 30th through December 31st from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. making it the best time of year to vist the Desert Botanical Gardens; especially if you are not particularly fond of visiting the Desert Bontical Garden during 100 degree heat :-). We just had a cold front come through and we were all able to wear our winter jackets and long boots! 

Dale Chihuly Sunburst

During Luminaria, you can stroll garden paths, listen to hand bells, carolers, and other entertainers, as the garden is lit from over 8,000 Luminaria bags, white twinkling lights, and Dale Chihuly's works of art. It is a fun activity to bring in the Christmas season!

Chihuly's glass sculptures are artfully placed throughout the gardens among the cacti and desert plants. The exhibit is spectacular to view during Luminaria when many of the sculptures are lit up. If you have children, now is the time to bring them. You will want to visit soon, Chihuly in the Gardens exhibit runs from November 10th, 2013 to May 18th, 2014. 

Dale Chihuly During the Day

Dale Chihuly is an American glass sculptor who is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world in museums and gardens.

Do you want to make your own "glass art" Chihuly style?

Students can create their own Chihily "glass art" by up-cycling party cups, or water bottles.

• You will need sharpies in several colors
• Clear party cups or clear takeout containers (smooth surface works best), you can also use shrinky dink
• Oven safe glassware of all shapes/sizes
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Instruct students to color in party cups and/or takeout containers, making sure to fill in all areas and leaving edges clear. Let them experiment with patterns and colors. Once  completed, place over glassware, on to baking sheet in preheated 300 degree oven or toaster oven and watch. It will start to drape over the glassware. Remove from oven with pot holders, it will still be pliable, cool it by draping it over a glass cup or other glassware so that it will hold it's shape.

Display a collection by stringing them together to make a display like this one

Dale Chihuly is a wonderful artist to include in any art program, it teaches students that art comes in all types of medium, and it is not always at the museum. Kids of all ages can appreciate Dale Chihuly, I am blessed to be able to see it in our hometown.

P.S.: Please make sure you use food grade disposable cups, and takeout containers.Never leave oven unattended. It does take the wow factor away from students, but I baked the cups at home.