Mosaics-- 4th/5th grade

The 4th/5th grade classes learned all about Greek and Roman mosaics, to complement their studies of Greek/Roman history.    In Art class, we made mosaics from ceramic tiles.

The tiles were glued on to masonite board using wood glue (there probably is a better glue out there, but this is cheap and the pieces stick fine).   We also had some gems and stones available too.  Some of the kids who were motivated were able to use the tile nippers to cut tiles if they wished (be sure to place the nipper and the tile inside a plastic bag before you cut, in case any pieces fly off.)

Then, we grouted them.  Over the past few years I've experimented a lot with different types of sealants/grout.  The one that worked best for us was "sanded grout."  For some reason the unsanded grout was cracking.  Maybe someone knows a better one?

Also, these tools are essential!  A grout spreader---  I don't know why I never had one before.  We always used just a sponge, but this works so much better!

 

Assemblages

This is a playground!  Do you see the mini-Coke cans for sale?

Here are some of our finished assemblages. These were made by 4th and 5th graders.

This is a town square, with a fountain, pool and snack shop.

Ice cream for sale.

the pool!

Underwater Scene-- 1st Grade

The first graders learned about artists that make art about underwater life.

Then, they used markers and water to create a watercolor effect.  They drew the fish with water soluble markers and then used a paintbrush and water to blend the colors.  Later, they used blue spray ink to create the background.

Here is the slideshow I showed them:

Paper Mache Knight Sculptures-- 5th/6th grade

This is one of my favorite projects all year.  I know it is one of the kids favorite projects too.  The 5th/6th graders study the Medieval period in their Social Studies class.  In Art class, we have done a variety of Medieval art.  In this project, the student build paper mache knights.

 

This year, some of the kids chose to build horses out of Model Magic too. That made things a bit more challenging and complicated for them.

 

To build the knights, you need to start with a wooden base and dowel rod.  Drill a hole in a wooden base and insert the rod.  We have a hand-crank drill which allows the kids to safely drill their own holes.  I had a few kids who were really excited about it drill all the holes.  We also have a hand saw that the kids or myself will use to cut the dowel rods if needed. 

Using masking tape and newspaper, build the form of your body.  Attach it to the pole.  Tinfoil can be used as well.  Make sure all the parts are taped super well!!  It's better to use too much tape than not enough.  Do not build the head at this point. 

Then, using paper mache and thin newspaper strips, cover the knight.  Short, thin pieces are best.   Heads were formed from Model Magic. 

Next, paint the whole body with neutral acrylic paints. 

Add clothing with leather and fabric scraps.  Hot glue or sew these pieces (we just glued them).

Paint on a face.

Build weapons and shields with cardboard, Model Magic or whatever you'd like.

Black masking tape is useful for this project.

Buried in Bricks

My husband has hobbies too!  He is really into building Legos now and he even started his own lego blog.  I think the title of his blog is cute and I love the picture he put on his heading.  Let me tell you, between my art related and scrapbooking hobbies and his Lego/Magic/comic book collections, we have no shortage of STUFF around here!  Anyways... there are no official Lego stores in Madison where we live, but one JUST opened an hour away from us in Wauwatosa, WI.  Andrew just started becoming involved with the local Lego group here.  (They're called LUGS-- Lego user groups)  Have you been to a Lego store before?  You know how they have all those floor models set up around the store?  Well, they usually send those to the LUGS for them to build.  Andrew spent a whole day in Kenosha with the Lego group there building all the sets for the store.  They had some really cool set ups.  So, when the store opened last week, we went out and visited the store.  Also, the people that volunteer to build the sets got discounts, so that made Andrew really happy as he was able to pick up some items he wanted for less money.

These are the feet that Andrew made!

I think this one was my favorite!

Here is Andrew and my little girl Daria.  I think Daria was more interested in her Hello Kitty book than anything else.

It's here!

Finally!  My copy of the magazine has arrived.

Featuring magazine was started by the lovely Marit in the Netherlands.  It is about art journaling, mixed media and other arts.   She had a call for submissions and applications to be a contributing editor and I was thrilled when my article and application were accepted.   After several months of brainstorming, interviewing and writing.. plus the countless hours Marit and her husband spent with layout, editing, printing and everything else... the magazine has been printed and delivered to my door.  I'm excited!  Go to the Featuring website to find out information on how to order.

Painting Fabrics

Here are some more of our painted fabrics.  They doodled on the muslin fabric with Sharpies... graffiti-style!  Then, we used liquid watercolor paints (with a little bit of water) in spray bottles and stencils to spray over them with color.  These are all going to be cut up and used in fabric collages.