Winter Art at Webb

I suppose the title of this post could say "confessions of a Pinterest addict". Shout out, props, many thanks to the creative people on Pinterest for giving me more than enough ideas for winter projects at Webb Elementary! I have to admit that I do tweak and modify many of the lessons I find, but still have to give thanks where thanks are due... even if I don't know exactly who to thank!

Click here to visit my Pinterest page!

I also have been trying to boost my sales on Artsonia. If you haven't ever seen that site... do so... immediately! It is an "online museum" where student art can be uploaded (once parent permission is given) and then parents can get their little artists' hard work printed on ornaments, t-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads, etc etc.

BEST PART!!!! 20% of the proceeds from these sales will benefit the Webb Art Department! YAY to more art supplies!!

Click here to visit my Artsonia Gallery!

Anywayyy.... back to the kiddos' art. Four grades have finished their winter projects, three are still in the middle. I will post the rest when they are finished!

Kindergarten practiced brush and scissor dexterity by creating winter mittens! We focused on creating different kinds of lines. This was also a great opportunity to discuss skin color (for the arms) and how everyones is different... and thats ok! 

First Graders made the most adorable bundled up penguins. This was actually a really fast lesson... which was great! Focus on using shapes to create objects.

The little girl who made the penguin above was so proud of herself! She came right up to me with her art and said "Look Ms. Ripa, I know how to make my penguin look like he is looking to this side!" Love that my job gives opportunities for the quiet and shy kids to thrive and excel! 

Third and Fourth graders both did lessons based off of point of view and perspective. We discussed birds eye view vs. worms eye view and then applied our knowledge to our art. Students were actually upset that it was called "worms eye view" because worms dont have eyes! So they started calling it bugs eye view... whatever floats your boat kids. 

3rd graders made self portraits of themselves catching snowflakes. Mostly paper, but with added yarn and fabric for hair and scarves.

 Love the braid

4th grade created worms eye view snowmen. Students were in charge of choosing and creating their own patterned scarf.

Stay tuned for more winter art! 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade art is on its way!

Witch and Wizard Feet

Third Grade students worked on color theory with a focus on complementary colors. We learned how to use the color wheel to determine a color's opposite. The third graders decided complementary colors were "frenemies" because they work well next to each other, but when they're mixed they look gross. I cant even disagree!

We then watched the Munchkin scene from The Wizard of Oz and played "I spy a complementary color". We then used inspiration from the color wheel as well as the costume design in the movie to make these great collages!

First students chose two sets of complimentary colors: one for the floor and wall and the other for the stripes on the socks (I also allowed polka dots socks)

To make identical shoes, students folded a piece of black paper in half, drew the design, and cut the paper while it was still folded. Small trick but saved soooooooo much time.

I demonstrated a few different ways to arrange the feet as well as clothing design. Kids definitely took this and got creative!

Once the main design was done, students could add details like mouse holes, spiders, spiderwebs, etc. I also let them choose one set of google eyes.

Some students wanted lace on their designs. I hot glued it on their projects to make sure it stayed in place.

Love this project, takes longer then you would assume but its worth it! They are super cute!

Click here for the lesson plan!

Warm and Cool Colored Weavings

Third Graders studied Native American Weavings. We discussed patterns and techniques. We used some basic color theory (warm vs. cool colors) to choose a palette for the paper weavings they would be creating. Using an over, under, over, under pattern, students created either a straight or wavy lined weaving!

First students chose a color scheme and made a loom. This is done by folding a paper in half and cutting slits into the paper. Some students used straight lines, some used wavy.

Students then used appropriate colors to weave a pattern.

In previous years, I have had the students do leaf monoprints using the opposite color scheme on top of their weavings, but this year time did not allow. 

Click here for the lesson plan!