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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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?