Art Majors Working on our Snow Plow Design

The Final Design being picked up by the snow plow.

Silly Face Pumpkins

In kindergarten we were working on creating silly face pumpkins that show different emotions. By the end of the assignment the students will have learned how to hold a paintbrush, paint in one direction, how to place their artwork on a drying rack, how to properly hold a pair of scissors, how to cut along a line, and how to glue down their artwork using dots of glue.

We began by reading the book Today I Feel Silly and other moods that make my day by Jamie Lee Curtis.

The students then painted 2 pieces of paper, one green and one orange.  Then once it was dry the students were to draw triangles on the green paper to make grass.  On the orange paper the students were to draw a large circle to make a pumpkin.  They then began to cut their shapes out to create their Silly Face Pumpkins.

Their finished work.  The students worked on properly cutting along a line as well as using a small amount of glue to attach their pieces to a background page.

Circle Weavings 

Student Chosen Inspirations 

(I loved this project so much, I am a little late to post this but I just had to.)

My 3rd quarter visual arts elective class is a unit based on sculpture and this year I wanted to do something with yarn.  I wanted my students to have a chance to create something with a lot of texture and color but not as much mess. It's also a plus for me that I am a huge fan of textiles and weavings.

The students first looked at the history of dreamcatchers and circular weavings; what materials were used, how they were made, and why they were made.  

They then created 3 design ideas for their circle weavings and dream catchers.  Many made designs based off of elements found in nature (i.e. sunset, beach, water, and forest).

The students soaked their own reeds, to shape the frame of their looms.

Then they measured out  6 feet of yarn to string the warp lines of their looms.

The students used an over, under pattern, as well as, some special braiding inspired weaving methods to  recreate their original designs on their looms.

There were many great designs and finished weavings. Below are images from some of those in our school's middle school art show.

Art Show Display

Detail Shots

Needless to say this past year I have slacked on updating and posting on my class blog.  However, I feel that I have finally gotten to a point where I have settled into my classroom and school and I am now able to begin writing on this blog again! Yay!!!

With the school year at an end I have had time to try and make my classroom more of my own space.  

I spent the first 2 weeks of my summer vacation painting my classroom to make it look more like an Art Room.  

The art teacher that preceded me in my classroom made a very lovely mural on the wall. However, it just wasn't my style...I tend to like more color in my artwork.

The previous teacher's design.  Art in different languages.

It took about 6 days of priming, drawing, and painting to complete my designs but I am happy with how it looks.

My mom and I worked very hard to get this done; we even had a few chances for photo ops.
There I am standing on a ladder, working hard to outline my letters.

Done!!! Finished!!! Thank Goodness!!!

THANKS MOM, for all your help!  Couldn't have done this as quickly without you! I am very happy with this new wall in my room and can't wait to make more changes to this room so it is a better fit my students and myself.