Tissue Paper Collage Lesson

Last friday I did an art lesson with a class of 28 fourth graders. The lesson was using tissue paper in a collage. I had done this lesson before a couple of times with one or two kids. It was a lot harder with the large class.

First, I talked with them about sillouettes. I don't think they all understood just what a sillouette is. I gave a quick run through of just how the whole project was done, while also showing some examples. I only had an hour to have them do this project from start to finish and I knew this project took some time. I felt I really had to get my lecture finished quick so they would have time to finish. I don't like that stress and I felt rushed. Because of that I feel I really didn't explain as good as I could've.

First I had them draw what I wanted to be a simple silouette on black tissue paper. There were some that did just that. There were also some that didn't get it and drew quite detailed little drawings. Much too detailed to cut out. Flaw number 1 on my part. You really need to emphasize to do a SIMPLE outline, and make it pretty large. Not something the size of a quarter! Some needed me to help with their drawing mainly to draw a dolphin or spider which were both ideas I had shown them. If I drew the thing for them I tried to have them draw a little something to go with it. So that it wasn't ALL my drawing.

Then I had them paint a watered down glue mixture onto the paper, and place the black design onto the glue. I had them paint gently on top of the black design. When they were done with that I had them choose 3 colors of tissue. At first I thought it would be best to use only 3 colors, each like eachother. In otherwords no contrasting colors. But many didn't listen to that, and in the end it didn't matter. I guess I was thinking it would make the whole piece too chaotic, and the sillouette might get lost. That wasn't a prob since we only used lighter shades of tissue to put over the black. Next time I will strike the mention of what colors for them to choose. Just keep it to 2 or 3 colors plus black.

Then they were to start making these into strips and gluing. Again having them glue onto the background first - not directly onto the tissue. I think most are used to putting glue on to the small paper, not the background, and they forgot that sometimes. It's also a good idea to mention to try to keep one hand clean of glue. I don't know if many can do this though! Most kids I don't think care about the sticky stuff, but some can get a little frustrated.

Some kids were really able to do the whole thing with no help. Some needed my help from the beginning. I had 5 different sillouette ideas, but some wanted to do there own design. I want to encourage their own ideas always, but it seems the kids that had the hardest time were the ones that had their own ideas. Because the silouette can be hard to make look like you want it, without all the details. This project would probably work better with a little older children - maybe 5th, 6th or 7th grade would be best. I was a very busy helping draw, cut, strip, and sometimes helping glue strips at the end because of the time restraints. It was just so mucher harder because of the amount of kids this time too. Oh well you live and learn.

Kindergarten Art Lesson

I did an art lesson with a class of tiny kindergarteners today. Now keep in mind that these children have been in school for only four weeks now. They are so little, and just attending school is a big feat for them. Many are still learning about the proper way to sit on the rug. Sometimes I forget that they may not fully understand all the lingo and descriptions I give. It can be a challenge but there is much joy in being around these little guys and gals. One little boy gave me a lit up smile because he had drawn his own zig-zag line without my help. Another little girl cried because she didn't get to finish her picture. It's so sad when they cry during art! But I am glad she enjoyed doing art that much and I hope she gets a chance to finish it somehow.

The lesson was a simple directed drawing of a turtle. I first had a little talk and demo about different designs -- stripes, polka dots, shapes, etc. Then they went to their seats and I attempted to have them draw the turtle. I had them draw in pencil, then outline in black marker. They later filled in the turtle with the colorful designs that we had talked about earlier. I tried to fill in my turtle with at least a few of the patterns, but at this age I was needed to help them with their drawings. I emphasized making the turtle large because so many tend to draw these tiny little things. From start to finish it was about 40 minutes. That is pretty long for kindergarteners. And of course there is always the 1 or 2 that could go longer.

One lesson done, and at least 3 more for me until the end of our first session of smARTS. Now I must think about a lesson for 4th graders. This is my son's class so I have to think of a brand new lesson. This is the 5th year I've done art with his class so I always have to have a fresh project for this group. Well I've got a week to think about it. Any great creative suggestions?

Halloween ACEO - on eBay

This is a brand new ACEO that I finished today. I'm part of an ebay group called ATC & ACEO Enthusiasts. I participated in a dare where I was dared by huckleberryarts ...to create a card with a cat enjoying Halloween goodies and it shows all over his face. This is what I came up with. When I think of Halloween cats, I think of these quirky kind of cats, with grins. I almost tried to do a more realistic cat, but it just wasn't happening that way. I quickly changed to my pop-style of cat for this card. As seen in an earlier post, I like these kind of cats!

I like to do dares, they are fun and truly stretch my imagination. The problem is you are suppose to have your dare done in a week. I was 3 or 4 days late on this one. Oh well, I felt it was ok to be a flake on this!

I'm happy with this little card. It is 2.5x3.5 inches. That's the standard size for ACEOs. I painted it in acrylic. Even if I sell it, I think it will be around as a print of some kind for a long time to come.

-SOLD-

Record Painting

This is my first painting that I did on an LP record. I've always loved records. I like to make boxes out of old record covers. I always have these left over records-all of which have a pretty bad sound. So I thought of this idea of recycling the records and painting on them. First, I gesso the record. Then I paint it in acrylic. It is then coated in acrylic matte varnish. I've done 2 now. They are kind of rock and roll. I want to make some more like these, but also with a more retro-pop feel. Probably martini influenced. They look pretty groovy hanging on the wall. Records naturally look good on a wall, it's the circular shape.

Greetings from Rebecca Flowers

I've been busy this week getting back into the old school routine. I'm happy I was able to do some art and post some items up for sale. I listed this catdoll a couple of days ago. It's about time! This cat has taken forever to make. That's what happens when first of all - I papier mached the head what?? 2 years ago?! Then I finally painted the head about 9 months ago. Shortly after that I sewed the body and decorated her with the heart. Then she sat around for more months until I finally dressed her earlier this week. And yay she's finished! Then I named her Rebecca Flowers. No, she is not related to Jennifer Flowers! I do adore these dolls, as all dolls. But I guess they are so time consuming that I loose interest. I have another boy catdoll that I will finish hopefully very soon. They really do look better, and are happier, with a friend near by!

Roses, Roses, Roses

Wow, check out these roses! I received them from Brad and aren't they gorgeous? They are screaming to be made into a painting. But I wasn't able to do it. I went out of town for my sister's wedding. Now I'm finally back home. And no plans for leaving again. I can sit back and do lots of art. I've had lots of inspiration this summer, and now it's time to put those ideas onto canvas! It's sad for school to start, but I'm looking forward to my time at home now. What's really a bummer is the roses were left at my mom's and are probably gonners by now anyway. Oh well, I do have this beautiful picture of the roses that were brought home in a bucket!

Hot Sauce for Hot Sauce

This is a pepper that we've been nursing all summer. It's Wesley's prize possession. We were across country and the first thing he'd ask Brad on the phone was, "How's my pepper?" I'm grateful the thing wasn't ate by a bird or mole. I'm able to grow a lot of things and my garden is flourishing, but I'm not the best at growing vegetables. That is ironic since I want to move and have some acres just so that I can grow some of my food. Maybe it's the soil here on the mountain that is stunting my veggies growth. Well this pepper is quite a prize to behold. What will we make with it? Any ideas out there?

"Hot Sauce" is Wesley's nick name. As of this summer he was christened with that name by a cousin out in Michigan. Hot Sauce had a lot of fun with those teenage people. He was one of the stars out on the badminton court, thus the name. Will the pepper turn out to be as hot as the grower of the pepper? We shall see. It is a beauty though!

Made My Day!

I got an email today from someone who bought my painting this weekend on Etsy. She said,

"It was really my 2 1/2 year old daughter who picked this out - I was browsing Etsy and she shrieked out "The cat! Ha-woah-ween cat! Yay!" and I was sold. Originally I was thinking of this for my little crafty corner but I get a feeling it will end up in her room."

I thought that was the cutest thing, and it really made my day. I had just gotten back from an awkward meeting, and I was happy to come home to that email. And yes, it made my day!

I always get a kick out of it when a kid likes my art. They are very honest. My art ususally does appeal to children. Maybe more than adults, I don't know! I guess I think like a kid. They can also get so amazed with the simplest thing. It can boost your ego, sometimes when it's really needed!

saffron's new blog

Well, I've finally decided to make a blog. Why? Not sure. Just in case there's someone out there wanting to see what's up with me!

So today is Sunday. I've been home what 5 days? But I've got to leave town again in a couple of days. My sister's getting married and I must attend, of course. Haven't been home much this summer. But did go to 20 states. I experienced the country a bit instead of the quiet life in the mountains. I will share some photos from that soon.

Yay, I sold my second item on etsy today. Two items sold in less than a week. That's pretty good traffic. It beats ebay. Well at least so far. Sold a cute little bracelet with a little print encased in resin. The print is of a painting I did way back when I was a wee 20 year old. It is "1930s Lovers". Wow it sold so fast, in about 10 minutes after posting it. That was pretty cool!

Gotta go now. This is a little start to my blog.