'Tis the Season to Be Crafty

V1 Staff |

Whether it’s at the library, the mall, or the park, every year the Eau Claire Regional Arts Council’s ARTmobile helps foster creativity in thousands of Chippewa Valley youngsters. Here are two artistic ideas from the ARTmobile’s colorful archives that fit the holiday season like a warm mitten.

Project Title: "Thanksgiving Collage Card"

Summary

1. Draw and cut out a “turkey body” (provide a template for younger artists).

2. Fold a piece of plain white paper in half width-wise.

3. Draw “feathers” surrounding the body.

4. Select and trim magazine paper.

5. Glue down the clippings to fill in the “feathers.”

6. Glue the turkey’s body down on top of the feathers so that they fan out behind it.

7. If children choose, have them write a holiday greeting, things they are thankful for, etc.

Age Level

Project should be easily accomplished by ages 4 and up with help from a grown-up.

Approximate Time

Project should be accomplished in 30 minutes or less.

Materials Needed

• Blank white paper
• Brown craft paper
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Magazines, newspaper, etc.
• Markers

Educational Aspects

• Participants learn that recyclables can be used as art materials.
• Develop an understanding of spatial relationships (e.g. “filling in space,” overlapping).
• Reflection on what we are thankful for and how to share that with others.

Objectives/Outcomes

• Teaches color relationships through juxtaposition of different colored/patterned paper.
• Teaches appreciation for recyclable material as found media
• Teaches following step-by-step instructions to complete a project.
• Teaches skills in collaging.
• Teaches handling tools and materials properly.


 

Project Title: “Snowy Self-Portrait"

Summary

1. Dip objects into white paint (at least three sizes) and use as stamps on construction paper. Stamping tools should be returned to the paint plate when not in use.

2. Use crayons and markers to create self-portrait elements: eyes, hair, etc. Participants may use mirrors if they choose.

3. Have construction paper on hand for pasting additional elements: hats, mittens, etc.)

Age Level

Project should be easily accomplished by ages 4 and up with help from a grown-up.

Approximate Time

Project should be accomplished in 30 minutes or less.

Materials Needed

• Round, lipped objects in various sizes (cups, bowls, etc.)
• Paper plates to hold paint
• White tempera
• Construction paper
• Glue sticks
• Crayons and/or markers
• Scissors

Educational Aspects

• Participants will learn that nontraditional tools can be used to create artwork.
• Develop understanding of scale (large to small “snowballs”).
• Develop understanding of drawing from observation.
• Introduce or strengthen the concept of self-portrait.

Objectives/Outcomes

• Teaches skills in handling materials appropriately.
• Teaches that art is accessible even without art-specific tools and materials.
• Teaches skills in drawing from observation, using oneself as a point of reference/inspiration.

Looking for the ARTmobile? You can find it at Oakwood Mall at 10am each Saturday through the end of April. It will also appear at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library at 1pm on the following Saturdays: Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 13, March 12, and April 9.