Geometric Print Man

When introducing printmaking to young students, it helps to keep things simple. Sometimes the most striking images are the result.
1. Each student should receive one 9" x 12" chipboard, a smaller piece of posterboard for the body, scissors and white glue. Instruct the students to cut geometric shapes from the posterboard to make a figure from a circle, squares and rectangles. Circle templates help to make round heads, if desired. Encourage students to make arms and legs with two sections that can bend and show action. After a figure is made, it is to be glued down firmly to the center of the chipboard.
2. Each student needs a brayer, rolling plate, printing ink and several sheets of 9" x 12" manila paper. Demonstrate how they can roll the ink on the plate with their brayer until it is evenly coated, then roll it onto their cardboard figure until evenly covered. The manila paper is pressed down on the inked board, and then pulled back to reveal the print. Have the students try to make several prints until a "clean" image is produced – one that is evenly covered with ink.

Read more »

Clothespin Horse

Even though this little horse looks simple, it takes a bit of finessing to make the legs stand and to clip all the pieces together. Gluing in stages should help reduce any frustration.
1. I started with a couple of jumbo popsicle sticks and cut out two 3" strips. These were overlapped just a bit and glued together to make the belly.
2. Next I cut a round end about 2.5" long for the neck, and a strip about 1.5" long for the head. These two were glued together, and a little ear was added on top.
3. For the tail, I found some of the thinnest sticks and cut them with the grain to make some long irregular shapes.
4. Open the clothespins to clip onto the belly. Add the head in the front and tail sticks on the back. Glue all in place if you don’t want your horse to become a pile of sticks!

CA Visual Arts Standard: Grade One
2.5 Create a representational sculpture based on people, animals, or buildings.

Read more »

Art Journaling 119

You can make your own art journal for just a few dollars, with just a little binding help from a Staples or Kinko's store.
1. I like to use the cardboard from the backs of drawing pads as it is really sturdy. Cut two 6" x 9" panels, and cut lots of 9" x 12" paper in half to go in between. Take this to a business that will bind this together for you. The coil binding works best as it allows for the pages to open and lay flat.
2. My journal cover was made from some donated iron-on applique...um, things. I'm not sure what you call them. I glued them onto the cardboard, let it dry, and then covered the entire cover with black acrylic paint.
3. When the paint was dry, I rubbed some gold paint (acrylic or tempera) over the surface, just enough to add some shine. To seal the surface, spray with a sealer or cover with Mod Podge.

CA Visual Art Standard: Creative Expression, Grade Three
2.1 Explore ideas for art in a personal sketchbook.

Read more »