La Boca House Collage

La Boca is a neighborhood, or barrio of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires and is a popular destination for it’s colorful houses. Looking at lots of photos of these amazing buildings is a good way to start this project.

1. I discovered these really cool Fiskar paper crimpers at JoAnn Fabrics, and brought several to class. Older students can try to roll the paper themselves, and younger ones can watch a demonstration to see how they work. I started with giving each student a white background paper, and then lots of crimped paper to experiment with. I prefer the nice stock used for scrapbooks, but I think any construction paper will do.
2. Ask the students to cut large rectangles and matching roof shapes for their homes, and distribute white glue for attaching them to the white paper. The buildings should all be sitting side by side. Rotating the texture adds interest to their collage.
3. Finally, flat paper may be drawn on with a marker to create windows and doors. These shapes are cut out and glued to the buildings.
CA Visual Art Standard: Creative Expression, Grade One
2.7 Use visual and actual texture in original works of art.

Earth Day 2011 Mural

My updated Earth Day 2011 Mural includes 2 sizes: a 36-page version measuring 45"x 45" and a 9-page mini version measuring 22.5" x 22.5". Click on the image above to view the templates. The endangered species included are: Sandhill Crane, Gorilla, Macaw, Tiger, Karner Blue Butterfly, Sea Turtle, Red Eyed Tree Frog and Whale.

You can purchase my pdf file with instructions for just $5. Click the “Add to Cart” button below to make your payment and receive download instructions. Warning: Download links will expire. Always save your pdf files immediately upon purchase. For those who already purchased the 2010 mural, you can download the pages that will change the date to 2011 HERE.

Dr. Suess Day Decorations

Our school had a Dr. Suess celebration, and with our modular classroom set up in California, we have a lot of long outdoor halls without much signage. I had students make up their own signs to help visitors while adding color and creativity to our school.

1. I started with large sheets of white foam core, and chopped it into approx. 6" wide strips with an old paper cutter. Two more chops made one pointed end.
2. Each student got their own blank sign, and a lot of Sharpie markers to color with. I discussed the purpose of graphic design for a bit, emphasizing that signs are not just about making them pretty, but making them readable. Large letters and contrasting colors were always a good way to go.
3. When the signs were done, I slip knotted two rubberbands together, and had the open loops go around our poles and then over the sign ends. Works like a charm and no wind has yet to blow them down!

Oil Pastel Drawing on Dry Wax Paper

If you’ve read many of my posts that mention dry wax paper, you may have noticed that I most often use it with watery glue to attach it to another surface. Last spring I also used it for oil pastel drawings, as part of an outdoor event at our school. The lightweight wax paper was very durable to draw on, but still fluttered in the breeze in a really nice manner. Students first made a drawing with pencil on regular paper, traced it onto the dry wax paper with a permanent black marker, and then colored it with oil pastels. I used my favorite Portfolio brand which is very soft and slippery. Not all brands are like this, so I recommend a test before working with students.