This is a printmaking process in which you make a plate and then rub it or use a brayer to make multiples. While sophisticated artists use this process, it is also adaptable to young children.
Aims: To explore the process of collagraphy
To make multiples of an artwork
Materials & Tools:
Cardboard (chipboard; not corrugated)
Oak tag or Bristol board
Elmer’s Glue
Brayer
Inking Tray
Water-based Printmaking Ink-one color plus white
Paper to print on—especially neon or bright and black
Papers such as fadeless and bond paper work well. Construction paper is okay but due to its “tooth” won’t be as solid an image.
Optional: twine, string, fabric.
Procedure:
First, choose your theme. It could be fantasy animals, abstract shapes, the zoo, the circus, the rainforest, etc. Remind students that this process needs simple shapes without too many small details.
Make the plate:
This is a backwards process. Cut shapes (I prefer it when students don’t draw their shapes first) and glue on using glue brushes. Remember, you only need to glue around the edges.
Any blob of glue will print, so beware. (You can actually make glue drawings on cardboard, let them dry and print them.)
Teach your students to overlap—so to make an eyeball you’d cut an almond shape, an iris and then a pupil and glue one on top of another.
Let dry completely before printing.
Printing:
There are two basic ways to print collagraphs without a press.
Single Drop Printing is printing once. Spread ink on a tray and roll back and forth. Listen for a “kissing” sound. It should not be too thick (like icing on a cake). You will learn what is the right amount. Cover your printing area with newspapers to protect table. Ink the collagraphic plate being sure to cover all four corners.Don’t try to push ink down into areas that seem “bald”—that’s how the image will show up.
Move plate to a clean area to print. Lay your paper on top of the plate and rub with the flat of your hand. Pull up your print from one corner and put on drying rack or clothesline to dry. Don’t change ink colors until the plate is perfectly dry. Use different colored paper to make it more interesting.
Double Drop Printing: You need two brayers and two inking trays. One will have color (like turquoise) and the other will have white. This works best on black or dark colored paper. Make a print in any color except yellow or white. Set aside. Ink the plate right away in white. Lay the plate almost on top of (but not quite) the wet print. Flip over carefully and rub. Remove print. You will have a 3-dimensional looking print.
Reflection:
As always, be sure to share your work.
Variations:
You can make a group quilt or use this process to make a mural. The collagraphic plates could be shaped (not rectangular) if you wish and you could print on mural paper;
Monday, March 28, 2011
Accordion Books Lesson Plan
Accordion Books [Elementary with some help to adult]
This is a book arts technique from Japan, that works well for all ages of elementary students. It could be a stand-alone art project or be have a cross-curricular aspect to it.
Aims:
•To create an original book
•To learn about cultural connections (Japan)
•To integrate academic curriculum into your art lessons (optional)
Materials & Tools:
Scratch paper for planning
2 pieces of chipboard or heavy cardboard a bit bigger than the folded page size of your book
white paper cut, folded (and glued by overlapping if necessary) to make even numbered folded stack with correct number of pages (see below). Rice paper is another, more expensive possibility.
Paper for covering cardboard covers--4” larger on top and bottom (for an 8 x 10 cover, you’d want 12 x 14” cover paper)
pencil, eraser, scissors, tape, white glue
Sharpie markers, watercolors, watercolor brush, water can
Colored pencils
Ribbon or string for tying
Procedure:
Decide the theme for your lesson. It could be a book without words, a book about one’s family, a creative story, etc. Have your students work out their stories on scratch paper (4-6 folds is a good number). You need to have a long, folded sheet have 2 more sections than your story, so for a 4-panel story you need six sections and for a 6-panel story you need eight. Keep the numbers even so the book glues together well.
Fold the panels to make equal sections, gluing on extra paper if necessary by overlapping slightly (The seam will disappear once the panel is colored, so don’t worry about it). It might be easier if you give your class the same specifications--say 6 panels for everybody, because then the construction will be the same for everyone.
Draw, sharpie and color the insides as desired.
Next, make your covers. The cardboard should be a little bit bigger than our folded pages for the best possible look. Cover the cardboard by cutting your paper 4” each way (2” per side). Draw “envelope” flaps on all four sides, directly from the corners. You are making angled lines going inward on each side--not outward!!!! Cut out the odd-looking corner shapes which will resemble a triangle with a drooping bottom. Fold over each flap and tape down. This side will be the inside of your front and back covers. Tape ribbon on the left side for the cover and the right side for the back. Glue the end “extra” pages over the inside covers, tie your book closed and you have an accordion book.
Reflection
Share your books as always.
Variations:
Use other materials such as collage. Books can open up and down, too.
This is a book arts technique from Japan, that works well for all ages of elementary students. It could be a stand-alone art project or be have a cross-curricular aspect to it.
Aims:
•To create an original book
•To learn about cultural connections (Japan)
•To integrate academic curriculum into your art lessons (optional)
Materials & Tools:
Scratch paper for planning
2 pieces of chipboard or heavy cardboard a bit bigger than the folded page size of your book
white paper cut, folded (and glued by overlapping if necessary) to make even numbered folded stack with correct number of pages (see below). Rice paper is another, more expensive possibility.
Paper for covering cardboard covers--4” larger on top and bottom (for an 8 x 10 cover, you’d want 12 x 14” cover paper)
pencil, eraser, scissors, tape, white glue
Sharpie markers, watercolors, watercolor brush, water can
Colored pencils
Ribbon or string for tying
Procedure:
Decide the theme for your lesson. It could be a book without words, a book about one’s family, a creative story, etc. Have your students work out their stories on scratch paper (4-6 folds is a good number). You need to have a long, folded sheet have 2 more sections than your story, so for a 4-panel story you need six sections and for a 6-panel story you need eight. Keep the numbers even so the book glues together well.
Fold the panels to make equal sections, gluing on extra paper if necessary by overlapping slightly (The seam will disappear once the panel is colored, so don’t worry about it). It might be easier if you give your class the same specifications--say 6 panels for everybody, because then the construction will be the same for everyone.
Draw, sharpie and color the insides as desired.
Next, make your covers. The cardboard should be a little bit bigger than our folded pages for the best possible look. Cover the cardboard by cutting your paper 4” each way (2” per side). Draw “envelope” flaps on all four sides, directly from the corners. You are making angled lines going inward on each side--not outward!!!! Cut out the odd-looking corner shapes which will resemble a triangle with a drooping bottom. Fold over each flap and tape down. This side will be the inside of your front and back covers. Tape ribbon on the left side for the cover and the right side for the back. Glue the end “extra” pages over the inside covers, tie your book closed and you have an accordion book.
Reflection
Share your books as always.
Variations:
Use other materials such as collage. Books can open up and down, too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Recyled or Failed Art Made New
Instead of throwing away all of those slightly wrinkled, splotchy works that really don’t make your art program or your students proud, recycle them with a little extra work into authentic art projects.
These ideas can be used for various ages, grades K through 12. Some are more suitable for younger students (puppets, masks); while others can work for all ages.
The major point here is to customize the paper if necessary, by adding to it to make it more interesting. Sometimes, the paper will work as is. Save it in Xerox lids boxes or in trays for easy selection.
The materials you need will be the failed paper, tissue paper, magazines, oak tag, markers, craypas, rubber stamps or homemade stamps, stamp pads (or brayers and ink), sharpies, metallic pens, white glue, glue sticks, scissors, fancy-edge scissors, etc.
Notecards, etc.
Depending on what your recycled paper looks like, you can create a collage out of several pieces and glue onto a folded card or cut a piece out in its entirety. Use edging scissors for a nice effect. You can also trim envelopes this way or make luggage tags.
Bookmarks are another fun idea. Laminate your bookmarks and luggage tags.
Collages
Use tissue paper and art paste to “fix” the paper. Add words to make an interesting result. Another idea is to rip or cut it and make layered landscapes.
3-D Pictures
Using the concept above, make your pictures three-dimensional. Things like animals with a background, flowers or landscapes. Use z-strips, foam core, or M D O’s to create the layers.
Mobiles
Work into the paper first to make it two-sided, using tissue paper or other media. Let dry. Cut into shapes and hang on dowels or wires to create a balanced mobile to hang. Use fishing line for invisible results.
Book Arts
Use failed or recycled work to make book covers. Fix your paper using stamps, markers, extra paint, etc. Lay cardboard on paper and trace. Make “envelope” shapes, from each corner. Fold up and tape. Use another piece of paper for the inside cover. These can be used for accordion books. To make folded book covers, use two sheets of cardboard.
Frames
Collage, stamp, color or add to your paper. Cover a piece of cardboard by cutting out flaps as above to make a frame. Add a stand by scoring cardboard and taping it on the back.
Pins
Use metallic markers to jazz up small moments of your failed paper. Laminate and glue a pin back on. This also works for coasters.
Masks
Add to your “failed” or recycled paper, if necessary, using paint, stamps, markers, craypas, etc. Glue onto oak tag for stiffness, if needed and cut out face shape. Add tissue paper, glitter, pipe cleaners, yarn, etc. to complete.
Puppets on a Stick
Add to your “failed” paper, if necessary. Glue onto oak tag and cut puppet shape. Make clothes, accessories, etc. by adding on. Add googly eyes, glitter, yarn, if desired. Tape a tongue dispenser on the back.
Placemats
You can teach basic weaving skills by using two sheets of failed paper, cutting one in strips and the other as illustrated. Weave the strips in and out, taping the edges underneath, if necessary. Laminate the sheets for durability.
Wrapping Paper & Gift Tags
If your failed paper is thin enough, you can use it as wrapping paper. Add stamping, if it will enhance the surface. Or paint lighter or metallic colors over darker failed paper. Matching gift tags can be made by collaging lighter-colored paper on rectangles. Punch a hole to tie onto a package.
?????
Use your own ideas to create new work out of the “bones” of old work.
These ideas can be used for various ages, grades K through 12. Some are more suitable for younger students (puppets, masks); while others can work for all ages.
The major point here is to customize the paper if necessary, by adding to it to make it more interesting. Sometimes, the paper will work as is. Save it in Xerox lids boxes or in trays for easy selection.
The materials you need will be the failed paper, tissue paper, magazines, oak tag, markers, craypas, rubber stamps or homemade stamps, stamp pads (or brayers and ink), sharpies, metallic pens, white glue, glue sticks, scissors, fancy-edge scissors, etc.
Notecards, etc.
Depending on what your recycled paper looks like, you can create a collage out of several pieces and glue onto a folded card or cut a piece out in its entirety. Use edging scissors for a nice effect. You can also trim envelopes this way or make luggage tags.
Bookmarks are another fun idea. Laminate your bookmarks and luggage tags.
Collages
Use tissue paper and art paste to “fix” the paper. Add words to make an interesting result. Another idea is to rip or cut it and make layered landscapes.
3-D Pictures
Using the concept above, make your pictures three-dimensional. Things like animals with a background, flowers or landscapes. Use z-strips, foam core, or M D O’s to create the layers.
Mobiles
Work into the paper first to make it two-sided, using tissue paper or other media. Let dry. Cut into shapes and hang on dowels or wires to create a balanced mobile to hang. Use fishing line for invisible results.
Book Arts
Use failed or recycled work to make book covers. Fix your paper using stamps, markers, extra paint, etc. Lay cardboard on paper and trace. Make “envelope” shapes, from each corner. Fold up and tape. Use another piece of paper for the inside cover. These can be used for accordion books. To make folded book covers, use two sheets of cardboard.
Frames
Collage, stamp, color or add to your paper. Cover a piece of cardboard by cutting out flaps as above to make a frame. Add a stand by scoring cardboard and taping it on the back.
Pins
Use metallic markers to jazz up small moments of your failed paper. Laminate and glue a pin back on. This also works for coasters.
Masks
Add to your “failed” or recycled paper, if necessary, using paint, stamps, markers, craypas, etc. Glue onto oak tag for stiffness, if needed and cut out face shape. Add tissue paper, glitter, pipe cleaners, yarn, etc. to complete.
Puppets on a Stick
Add to your “failed” paper, if necessary. Glue onto oak tag and cut puppet shape. Make clothes, accessories, etc. by adding on. Add googly eyes, glitter, yarn, if desired. Tape a tongue dispenser on the back.
Placemats
You can teach basic weaving skills by using two sheets of failed paper, cutting one in strips and the other as illustrated. Weave the strips in and out, taping the edges underneath, if necessary. Laminate the sheets for durability.
Wrapping Paper & Gift Tags
If your failed paper is thin enough, you can use it as wrapping paper. Add stamping, if it will enhance the surface. Or paint lighter or metallic colors over darker failed paper. Matching gift tags can be made by collaging lighter-colored paper on rectangles. Punch a hole to tie onto a package.
?????
Use your own ideas to create new work out of the “bones” of old work.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Transfer Print Lesson Plan
Transfer Prints—Grades 3 to Adult
This printmaking process is suitable for many ages from elementary to adult. Obviously, if working with younger students, you will have to control the set up and clean up differently than with older students.
Aims:
• To explore the transfer process
• To look at examples of work done in this process by artists such as Paul Klee
• To create individual works that express personal meaning or are a response to a given theme such as consumerism, family, night, etc.
Materials/Tools: Plexiglas plate, water soluble black ink, soft brayer, white paper, magazine illustrations, sketches, picture library pictures, old phone book or newspaper for clean printing
Vocabulary: print, backwards print, brayer, monoprint/monotype
Procedure: After showing students examples of transfer prints and discussing how this is a backwards process, demonstrate how to make them. Put out a line of ink on the plate and work it to make a smooth inked surface. Do not put out too much ink or you’ll get a black, blobby print. (Be prepared to have to make a few of these before you get the hang of them.) You may want to blot with a phone book page first.
Method One: Free draw—Lay paper down on inked plate and use a pencil to draw image on back of paper. Be careful not to lay the side of your hand on the paper, unless you want those dark areas to appear.
Method Two: Wipe—After rolling on the layer of ink, wipe areas off, using a soft rag, paper towels, Q-tips, scrapers, etc. Lay the paper down and rub to print.
Method Three—After inking the plate, lay down your paper and put a photo or image on top. Trace the image, being careful not to move the image. You will get a very interesting line drawing of your image. Reink the plate (lightly), and make more.
Reflection/Follow-up: Share the work. Perhaps you can make a class quilt with one work by each student being put together in rows.
Variations: You can have students tear unsuccessful prints and create collages. Try printing on cloth. Try printing on other prints or combining processes. Try using color.
This printmaking process is suitable for many ages from elementary to adult. Obviously, if working with younger students, you will have to control the set up and clean up differently than with older students.
Aims:
• To explore the transfer process
• To look at examples of work done in this process by artists such as Paul Klee
• To create individual works that express personal meaning or are a response to a given theme such as consumerism, family, night, etc.
Materials/Tools: Plexiglas plate, water soluble black ink, soft brayer, white paper, magazine illustrations, sketches, picture library pictures, old phone book or newspaper for clean printing
Vocabulary: print, backwards print, brayer, monoprint/monotype
Procedure: After showing students examples of transfer prints and discussing how this is a backwards process, demonstrate how to make them. Put out a line of ink on the plate and work it to make a smooth inked surface. Do not put out too much ink or you’ll get a black, blobby print. (Be prepared to have to make a few of these before you get the hang of them.) You may want to blot with a phone book page first.
Method One: Free draw—Lay paper down on inked plate and use a pencil to draw image on back of paper. Be careful not to lay the side of your hand on the paper, unless you want those dark areas to appear.
Method Two: Wipe—After rolling on the layer of ink, wipe areas off, using a soft rag, paper towels, Q-tips, scrapers, etc. Lay the paper down and rub to print.
Method Three—After inking the plate, lay down your paper and put a photo or image on top. Trace the image, being careful not to move the image. You will get a very interesting line drawing of your image. Reink the plate (lightly), and make more.
Reflection/Follow-up: Share the work. Perhaps you can make a class quilt with one work by each student being put together in rows.
Variations: You can have students tear unsuccessful prints and create collages. Try printing on cloth. Try printing on other prints or combining processes. Try using color.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Frottage
Frottage is French for rubbing. This is a printmaking process that is clean!
Aims: To explore the technique of frottage
To create a thematic print
Materials:
Paper such as xerox paper or fadeless. Thick paper will not work well.
Crayons
Optional: Texture Plates (available in art stores)
Procedure:
Choose your theme. It may be something as easy as shapes or something based on your curriculum. Talk about texture and where we might find it. Introduce the word “frottage” and explain the process.
There are many ways to approach frottage. Students can create sheets of textures and then cut or rip them. Another idea is to have students draw an outline of a picture, using a sharpie to emphasize their lines. Next, let them find textures around the room (or school) to rub, or use texture plates. Each area might have a different texture or else they can use the same thing again and again. You might also try adding a second color over the rubbing without moving the paper.
There are so many variations to this process. Students might do a rubbing of their sneaker and then have to turn it into something such s a car, building, alien, butterfly, etc., adding a background. Invent your own variations as well.
Reflection:
Always share work and be sure to display it if possible.
Aims: To explore the technique of frottage
To create a thematic print
Materials:
Paper such as xerox paper or fadeless. Thick paper will not work well.
Crayons
Optional: Texture Plates (available in art stores)
Procedure:
Choose your theme. It may be something as easy as shapes or something based on your curriculum. Talk about texture and where we might find it. Introduce the word “frottage” and explain the process.
There are many ways to approach frottage. Students can create sheets of textures and then cut or rip them. Another idea is to have students draw an outline of a picture, using a sharpie to emphasize their lines. Next, let them find textures around the room (or school) to rub, or use texture plates. Each area might have a different texture or else they can use the same thing again and again. You might also try adding a second color over the rubbing without moving the paper.
There are so many variations to this process. Students might do a rubbing of their sneaker and then have to turn it into something such s a car, building, alien, butterfly, etc., adding a background. Invent your own variations as well.
Reflection:
Always share work and be sure to display it if possible.
Collagraph
This is a printmaking process in which you make a plate and then rub it or use a brayer to make multiples. While sophisticated artists use this process, it is also adaptable to young children.
Aims: To explore the process of collagraphy
To make multiples of an artwork
Materials & Tools:
Cardboard (chipboard; not corrugated)
Oak tag or Bristol board
Elmer’s Glue
Brayer
Inking Tray
Water-based Printmaking Ink-one color plus white
Paper to print on—especially neon or bright and black
Papers such as fadeless and bond paper work well. Construction paper is okay but due to its “tooth” won’t be as solid an image.
Optional: twine, string, fabric.
Procedure:
First, choose your theme. It could be fantasy animals, abstract shapes, the zoo, the circus, the rainforest, etc. Remind students that this process needs simple shapes without too many small details.
Make the plate:
This is a backwards process. Cut shapes (I prefer it when students don’t draw their shapes first) and glue on using glue brushes. Remember, you only need to glue around the edges.
Any blob of glue will print, so beware. (You can actually make glue drawings on cardboard, let them dry and print them.)
Teach your students to overlap—so to make an eyeball you’d cut an almond shape, an iris and then a pupil and glue one on top of another.
Let dry completely before printing.
Printing:
There are two basic ways to print collagraphs without a press.
Single Drop Printing is printing once. Spread ink on a tray and roll back and forth. Listen for a “kissing” sound. It should not be too thick (like icing on a cake). You will learn what is the right amount. Cover your printing area with newspapers to protect table. Ink the collagraphic plate being sure to cover all four corners.Don’t try to push ink down into areas that seem “bald”—that’s how the image will show up.
Move plate to a clean area to print. Lay your paper on top of the plate and rub with the flat of your hand. Pull up your print from one corner and put on drying rack or clothesline to dry. Don’t change ink colors until the plate is perfectly dry. Use different colored paper to make it more interesting.
Double Drop Printing: You need two brayers and two inking trays. One will have color (like turquoise) and the other will have white. This works best on black or dark colored paper. Make a print in any color except yellow or white. Set aside. Ink the plate right away in white. Lay the plate almost on top of (but not quite) the wet print. Flip over carefully and rub. Remove print. You will have a 3-dimensional looking print.
Reflection:
As always, be sure to share your students'work.
Variations:
You can make a group quilt or use this process to make a mural. The collagraphic plates could be shaped (not rectangular) if you wish and you could print on mural paper;
Aims: To explore the process of collagraphy
To make multiples of an artwork
Materials & Tools:
Cardboard (chipboard; not corrugated)
Oak tag or Bristol board
Elmer’s Glue
Brayer
Inking Tray
Water-based Printmaking Ink-one color plus white
Paper to print on—especially neon or bright and black
Papers such as fadeless and bond paper work well. Construction paper is okay but due to its “tooth” won’t be as solid an image.
Optional: twine, string, fabric.
Procedure:
First, choose your theme. It could be fantasy animals, abstract shapes, the zoo, the circus, the rainforest, etc. Remind students that this process needs simple shapes without too many small details.
Make the plate:
This is a backwards process. Cut shapes (I prefer it when students don’t draw their shapes first) and glue on using glue brushes. Remember, you only need to glue around the edges.
Any blob of glue will print, so beware. (You can actually make glue drawings on cardboard, let them dry and print them.)
Teach your students to overlap—so to make an eyeball you’d cut an almond shape, an iris and then a pupil and glue one on top of another.
Let dry completely before printing.
Printing:
There are two basic ways to print collagraphs without a press.
Single Drop Printing is printing once. Spread ink on a tray and roll back and forth. Listen for a “kissing” sound. It should not be too thick (like icing on a cake). You will learn what is the right amount. Cover your printing area with newspapers to protect table. Ink the collagraphic plate being sure to cover all four corners.Don’t try to push ink down into areas that seem “bald”—that’s how the image will show up.
Move plate to a clean area to print. Lay your paper on top of the plate and rub with the flat of your hand. Pull up your print from one corner and put on drying rack or clothesline to dry. Don’t change ink colors until the plate is perfectly dry. Use different colored paper to make it more interesting.
Double Drop Printing: You need two brayers and two inking trays. One will have color (like turquoise) and the other will have white. This works best on black or dark colored paper. Make a print in any color except yellow or white. Set aside. Ink the plate right away in white. Lay the plate almost on top of (but not quite) the wet print. Flip over carefully and rub. Remove print. You will have a 3-dimensional looking print.
Reflection:
As always, be sure to share your students'work.
Variations:
You can make a group quilt or use this process to make a mural. The collagraphic plates could be shaped (not rectangular) if you wish and you could print on mural paper;
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