Saturday, January 25, 2020

Metal Tooling Easy & Safe Enough For FIRSTIES!

Metal tooling is usually one of those projects saved for your older students, right? I mean, sharp edges, scary tools, what was I thinking giving it to littles? Well, I figured out a way to make it super easy and super safe for any age student to be successful and have fun with metal tooling, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Start with 36 gauge metal foil. I buy mine in rolls from Dick Blick, but it's available on Amazon, too. Pre-cut your foil with regular scissors, or even your guillotine cutter, into 4" x 6" or 5" x 7" pieces, whichever you prefer, and use a metal ruler to fold back just one edge 1/4 inch.
Prepare enough of these for your whole class. Next, cut craft foam just a bit larger (5" x 7" or 6" x 8"), one per student. If you have foam shape stickers, you're golden! I didn't, so I let my kiddos choose from plain foam shapes and use glue sticks to glue them in place on the craft foam sheets to create their designs.
Next, we used masking tape to secure the metal foil to the craft foam, centered over the design. Notice, we taped only the three sharp sides of the foil. Using metal spoons, we began to gently rub over the foil to "find" our designs. After rubbing with the back of the spoon side, we used the back of the handle side of the spoon to define the design. Although this pretty well defined the designs, I went ahead and introduced plastic paper folding tools to further get into the spaces between the foam pieces. Finally, I removed the foil for each student and folded the tape back over those sharp metal edges. We flipped over the craft foam to the "blank" side, just to have a soft surface, and flipped over our foil to talk about chasing, as a part of the tooling process. The kids caught on right away, using the spoon handles first, then going back to the paper folders for details.


Finally, I folded those last three sharp edges to the back, and we called it good. With older students, you can take these further in a couple of different ways...definitely, you can go the easy route and color the foil with Sharpies. I've found that the super fat ones work best. They don't seem to leave those scratchy-looking marks, as your students go over large areas (actually scratching the color off from the first time the marker touches the foil). Even more interestingly, you can use melted crayons (I keep mini loaf pans of melted and cooled crayons ready for my electric frying pans) and old paint brushes, devoted solely to the wax, to fill in depressed areas with color. Once the wax is cool, it stays in place and looks really neat! If you're interested in more with hot wax, stay tuned for my hot wax paintings and print-making lesson. It's a true favorite!

As a bonus for the little kiddos, we can now use our craft foam to do monoprints!

XOXO,
Brooke

Friday, December 20, 2019

Sandra Silberzweig Inspired Winter Trees

I recently attended the South Carolina Art Education Association Conference, where, in one of the break-out sessions, we did a fun hands-on project inspired by the work of artist Sandra Silberzweig. 
Just in case you aren't familiar with her work, she's a pretty amazing artist from Toronto, Canada who has learned to use her potentially debilitating condition of Synesthesia as inspiration for her vibrantly colorful, multi-layered artwork. "Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway (for example, hearing) leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway (such as vision). Simply put, when one sense is activated, another unrelated sense is activated at the same time. The most commonly seen type is grapheme-color synesthesia, in which individual letters and numbers are associated with specific colors and sometimes colorful patterns. Chromesthesia, the association of sounds to colors, is also common." (Psychology Today)  Many of Sandra's pieces are abstract paintings of women, like the one pictured above, with bright colors, bold, black lines, and vibrant patterns.

At the workshop I attended, we were encouraged to paint in this style on large sheets of cardboard (maybe 18" x 24", easy enough to cut from the sides of boxes), let the paint dry, and then add patterns with oil pastel. What I thought was cool was that the instructor used this in her classroom as a group project, in which she had small groups of kids choose from an envelope whether they would be painting the face, the eyes, the nose, or the lips, and then they assembled the cut-out cardboard pieces, when finished, with a couple of layers of cardboard behind each piece for a 3D effect, with hot glue guns.


That's when I got my inspiration to do Sandra Silberzweig Inspired Winter trees! I have a group of 15 gifted 4th and 5th graders I meet with once a week, after school, for "Art Club" and I offered this up as a choice for them to try. They were all pretty excited and took off with the idea. We didn't do the small group thing...I wasn't sure my kiddos would want to trade their work around, but they drew tree shapes, some realistic, some abstract, with pencil on large sheets of cardboard and then partitioned off the trees for areas of color. We chose to use acrylic paint, although I think tempera would be fine. Next, we cut out the trees and used the cardboard scraps to design ornaments, which we also painted and cut out. Once everything was dry, we added thick black lines, using big, fat Sharpies. Finally, we used oil pastels to add patterns to the painted trees and ornaments. One really cool thing we discovered was that the corrugation of the cardboard allowed for a surprisingly pleasant pattern of its own, and not just striped, just by rubbing the pastels over the paint! You can see that best in the dark teal area of this tree, where white oil pastel was rubbed over the paint in some areas. I really love the "stacked" cardboard scraps behind the ornaments to make them pop up off the trees, but some kids decided not to do that, and they looked great, too! Today was our last day before Christmas break, and I, unfortunately, only took this one photo:
This one is pretty Christmas-y, but you could definitely do this project after Christmas, leaving off the ornaments and star. You might try adding pine cones, icicles, berries, or even little areas of snow if you want to add the 3D pieces, but, honestly, the painted trees themselves are beautiful without anything glued to them, and if you do this as a "winter" tree project, it's a great opportunity to teach about cool colors...just offer only cool colors of paint and oil pastels, and discuss that the winter-y look of the trees is emphasized by the use of the cool colors. I also love that it's an opportunity to teach about a modern female artist, who has what some might view as a disability, but who has learned to use it to her advantage!

One more thing...if you're into reading picture books to go along with your art lessons, The Girl Who Heard Colors, by Marie Harris is a true story about a little girl with Synesthesia, and pairs perfectly with this lesson!

XOXO,

Monday, February 12, 2018

TPT Sale & Gift Card Give-Away!

Teachers Pay Teachers is having a sale...and I'm giving away a $10 TPT gift card to help warm your 
if not your toes this cold Valentine's Day! You can click right on the sale logo to get to my store and start saving! But to enter for the gift card, I'm going to need you to follow me here on Bloglovin'. 


Leader Board Superb

All ya have to do is click on the little Bloglovin' symbol up there at the top of my blog and I'll get an email knowing you're a new follower. If you're already a follower, fear not! I'm not leaving you out in the cold! Just comment on this post, letting me know you're already a follower, and I'll make sure to enter you in the random drawing for that gift card, too! Since the sale starts on the 14th, I'll be sure to let you know the winner tomorrow night before 10:00 Eastern time (I'll have to go beddie-bye by then, or I'll never be able to get up for school on time). Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, so I can get you that gift card...good luck, friends!

XOXO,

Monday, April 10, 2017

Classroom Supply Tips from an Art Teacher - Sharpies Edition

Don't kids make you kind of nuts over your beautiful classroom supplies? I mean, I love all my little babes, but my OCD takes over after school, and I'm a raving lunatic over the silliest little things! This year, I've learned a few tricks to help any teacher organize, and take care of, all kinds of supplies. Better yet, I've learned how to get the kiddos to do it for you!


Ah, Sharpies! All bright and new, sharp and crisp, and oh so permanent! For about a week...am I right? Here are my best tips (ha! ha!) for Sharpies:
  • Always store them "upside down". Gravity is in your favor, here. Whether you keep your Sharpies in a pail, jar, cup, or organizer bin, train the kiddos to put them back so that the tips are pointed down. I know, you can't tell what color they are - I'll get to that next - but the ink naturally flows toward the writing tip when not in use, instead of away from it. They last twice as long, I promise!
  • So, your Sharpies are upside down. Surely you have more than one of each color, right? Use another Sharpie to color in the little indentation on the bottom of each one. So, color the bottom of the red ones red, etc. Now everyone knows what color they all are, and they're more likely to get the right lid put back on them, too.
  • Speaking of lids, they are absolutely the worst at being on tight! There's no sound, like "make that cap snap" on a Sharpie. My best tip for the lids is, teach the kids to put the lid on, then "bang" it on the table/desk/floor (whatever) three times - lid side down, obviously.
  • Let kids know that Sharpies are "strong, yet weak". Explain that they needn't press hard to get beautiful color, and that pressing down ruins the tips of these markers. Show them some new ones and some old, dented-in, mushed-up ones. They'll get the idea. If you're looking for a Sharpie-like product that colors in larger areas, try Ticonderoga's RediMark markers.
    They are amazing, long-lasting, and color a large space in minutes. Best of all, they won't bleed through paper, much like a Mr. Sketch, but permanent. Bummer - they only come in 8 colors!
  • So when they're all dried up, don't throw them away! Go to your trustie dollar store and buy spray bottles tall enough to hold your Sharpies. Sort them by color, or even color family (all the shades of blue can go together), and put them tip down, without lids, in the squirt bottles with a little water and mostly rubbing alcohol. The ink that's left inside will run into the water and alcohol and make kind of a water color paint mixture. (The picture below is similar, but uses watercolor markers and just water.) You could paint with it using brushes, or on a warm spring day, take the kids outside with the bottles. Hang large white banner paper and let them spray away, adjusting the nozzles to a fine mist or a jet stream. Let them create beautiful paintings. I wouldn't advise spraying each other, though. I'm not sure how permanent this mixture is on clothing!
    via Pinterest

Tune in later this week for more tips on all your classroom supplies!

XOXO,
Brooke

Sunday, August 21, 2016

One Week Down, SALE, and Freebies!

I made it through the first week of school! Is that what you're thinking this year? Or are you still dreading that first week? Either way, you might be in the wrong place...and maybe not even know it!

This year, I am teaching art for the first time ever. After 20 years, I finally finished everything I needed to do to add art to my certification. And I moved classrooms. Again. It was AWFUL!!!
The room AFTER throwing a dumpster-full away!
Roach and mouse poop...EVERYWHERE!

At least I know what it is now!
The room I went into hadn't been cleaned out in over 20 years, but with lots of help, I got it all cleaned out and set it up my way. Then I went home and worried all summer. Was I doing the right thing? What if I didn't like it? What if I wanted to go back to second grade, or fourth, or any? But after one day, I knew. I couldn't stop smiling. It was like I'd won the lottery! I LOVE it! And now I know. After the first week, if you feel like you survived, you might need a drastic change, because I thought I loved teaching. And maybe I did, but, y'all, this is amazing! I practically skip down the halls. I have fun all day, every day. I'll take some pictures of the "after" this week!

I'm probably working harder than ever...all new lesson plans, no curriculum, just standards, weird supplies that I don't know how to use, and going from fifth graders to baby kindergarteners to TMD classes. I know, we all think the related arts teachers have it SO easy. We're wrong. They We get pulled in a million directions all day, every day. We have more hall duties, less lunch time, combined into planning, not both, more committees, and everyone comes to related arts teachers for ideas and favors. We're the first ones to fill in when a sub can't get there on time, and the custodians? They empty my trash. That's all. Meaning I clean my tables, I sweep my floor, I clean the sinks and wash the walls and make sure crayons don't get slid across the tile, jammed into the cracks, permanently. BUT, I love it! LOVE IT! I feel like, after all those years, I am finally doing what I was meant to do. It really is my #bestyearever!

Here's a FREEBIE for you, if you're a TPT seller: 

 
It's a sale banner, so if you're not a TPT seller, you know what that must mean...A SALE. Yep, it's tomorrow, one day only, site-wide, with up to 28% off. Use sale code OneDay to get the best pricing!

Now I have another freebie for all of you! It's the lesson I'm currently teaching in art, but it is all math-integrated, with some vocabulary and ELA, and a dash of self-esteem thrown in!
 
 
I know you've seen zentangles all over Pinterest, and in every book store and craft store known to mankind. They are pretty Zen, after all! This summer, I started fooling around with them and decided they were the perfect first lesson for all my art classes. They're easy to differentiate. You really can't "mess up". And they easily teach at least two of the elements of art, and can teach more. They tie in with math - think patterns, measurement, geometry, language arts - think vocabulary, and even social studies, if you want to explain Zen, as a religious practice. I'm using rectangular zentangles as covers for my students' sketchbooks. In art, this will be a three-part lesson. In the regular classroom, I'd just use parts one and two (if you even need part two). See the whole thing at my Teachers Pay Teachers store, but hurry! It's only free during the one day sale!

Have your #bestyearever and check back soon for more!

XOXO,
Brooke


Monday, August 8, 2016

It's official! I start back to school this week, and my children start middle school and high school next week. Where does the time go? It seems like just last summer they looked like this:

Now, there's makeup all over the bathroom counter, jewelry everywhere, and not a hairbow to be found anywhere! They're both excited, though, and so am I. I begin a new adventure in school this year, as well.

Since earning my masters' degree to teach, 20 years ago, I've wanted to teach art, but didn't have all the coursework I needed. Slowly and steadily I took classes to fulfill the art requirements, but still needed one more course, only offered in fall, only at one local college. My favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," said the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for hope and a future." (NIV) Two years ago, my principal sent out an email asking if anyone was willing to have a student teacher, who just happened to need placement in fall, and just happened to go to that one local school that offers the course I needed. I emailed him back so fast, his head was probably spinning! God sent me the best student teacher ever...Larz. 


She's a teacher in the Myrtle Beach area now. My compensation from the college was a free class. So this past fall, I took my last class needed for art. In December, our art teacher retired. In March I took the Praxis exam, and passed. I sent in all my paperwork for certification, and after a long battle with the state department, over two classes I took years ago in Nebraska, I received not only my certification, but also a job offer at my own school!

This year, 20 years after starting my teaching career, I'll be a new teacher again, in ART, and I can't wait! 
www.finearttips.com
My goal, refined through so many years in the core curriculum classroom, is to incorporate as much of each grade level's core standards into art as I can. I hope to build background knowledge of classroom standards, as well as reinforce prior classroom teaching of grade-level standards. I have found so many incredible resources on Pinterest, and have so many new followers of my Artistic Pinspiration board. Whether you teach art or not, you can find tons of ideas here for incorporating art and craftivities into your lesson plans, or just to do for yourself, family, and friends, so come along for this wild ride, as we all go back to school, refreshed and ready to begin a new adventure!

I'm excited to continue to bring you new classroom products, as well as inspiration for your own arts incorporation. A peek at my new classroom is coming later this week. For now, get ready with this little give-away!

Follow my Artistic Pinspiration board for a chance to win a custom tee shirt just like mine! Let me know you're a new follower in the Rafflecopter below:




XOXO,
Brooke

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Get Ready for Back to School!

Three Easy Ways to
Get Ready for Back 2 School

I don't know about you, but this time of summer makes me sweat. Not only the fact that it's 100 degrees with 45% humidity, but the thought of getting my girls and myself ready for back to school, really makes me sweat! If you're with me, give me a holla! Well, I've figured out three quick, fun, easy ways to at least get organized, if not mentally prepared.


"Polyvore" it Up!
My girls have more clothes than they know what to do with. Really. From Gramma's shopping sprees to hand-me-downs from cousins, to the "OH! I have to have that!" moments, they have so many pieces, but don't always know what goes together. Until I thought of this, they inevitably wore the same outfits over and over again and ended up looking like they had about 4 shirts, 1 pair of jeans, and a skirt or two. Now, they mix it up, match it up, and all the clothes get seen every once in a while. Here's how to make it fun and get them involved:
   First, clean out the dressers and closets. Yes, even that "dresser" under the bed! Okay, well, first, you might want to let your kiddos know the whole plan, or you'll never get this part done. While everything is out, get rid of the things they don't like or those that don't fit.
   Now, take photos of every top, bottom, accessory, and pair of shoes.
   This is where the fun begins. You can do this in PowerPoint, Publisher, or even Word. Choose one picture of a "bottom" and then go through all the "tops" to make outfit pictures. Add shoes, scarves, and other accessories, even jewelry. I usually do a warm weather and cool weather version with the same initial "bottom". Here's one:
The black and white striped skirt was where we started. Then we chose five summer tops, six winter tops, leggings (for winter under the skirt) and shoes. My girls love doing this!
   Last step is to print out the "Polyvore" pages you've made, and tape them to the inside of the closet door, back closet wall, or wherever you have room. There's no more, "I can't find anything to wear," or, "Honey, Mommy's really tired of that outfit...can't you find something else?"! Bonus: You can go ahead and pick out the perfect first day back outfit!



Personalize It!
     I know, it's not safe to have your kids' names all over their backpacks, lunchboxes, and clothes, but every mom and every teacher knows that every kid needs his name on every single thing. Here's my solution:  add a luggage tag to backpacks. You can find the cute single initial monogram ones just about anywhere, but, in case you're having trouble, click here. Now, you could just turn that little paper with room for address, etc. on it over and write on the back, or you can use these free editable labels. I'd go for easy, myself, and print out a bunch of labels at once! I've even used them on individual glue sticks, markers, and crayons!


     For everything else, as long as it goes inside the backpack, I think you're safe putting your kiddos' names on the item in large enough print to be easily recognized, and super cute! Grab some paint pens and Sharpies and label everything with your kids' names. Get creative, add some flowers, sports logos, or whatever your kids are into! Don't have beautiful handwriting? Cheat! That's right, cheat! Find a font you really like, type your child's name, size appropriate for the item you're personalizing, print it out, and either practice copying the name on scrap paper, or use Sharpie to trace the printed out name onto the item you're personalizing, then go over the Sharpie with paint pen. Trust me on this one...I used to work at a store where all we did was paint names on things! Bonus: Everything is labeled at once, and it all looks so cute!!!


Cook It Up!
     Have dinner ready for the first night you've gone back to school. Whaaa? Here's my favorite easy peasy recipe for chicken, rice, and broccoli casserole. Best part? You can prepare it in one pot and mix and bake it in one dish. Then just freeze it until your first day back.

Chicken, Rice & Broccoli Bake

1 rotisserie chicken, meat shredded, or 1 pkg. fresh chicken tenderloins, boiled until done and then    shredded
1 cup white or brown rice, cooked to equal 2 cups, as prepared
1 head of broccoli, cut into bite sized florets, or 1 12 oz. bag frozen broccoli florets
1 can cream of broccoli soup
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
3 oz. cheese crackers
2 T butter, melted

So, a little prep work...either buy your chicken pre-cooked, as in a rotisserie chicken, or simply boil fresh tenderloins for about 10 minutes, or until 165 degrees. Either way, shred the chicken with two forks. Cook your rice, according to package instructions. I use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water, bring it to a boil, lower the heat to simmer, adding a lid, and cook for 20 minutes. It comes out perfectly every time! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Once you have your chicken and rice ready, the rest is a breeze! Put everything, except the crackers and butter, right into a 9 x 13" baking dish. Mix all together. Crush cheese crackers - the kids can help with this part! If you're using these individual bags of crackers, like I do, snip a tiny edge at the top of the bag to let out the air. 

You won't spill any, and the crushing is much easier. Use a spoon to break up any large chunks.
Pour the cracker crumbs over the mixture in your dish, and drizzle the melted butter over the crackers. At this point, you can use freezer wrap to cover your dish for later, or pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Everybody's happy with this one at my house!

Hope these tips make your back to school easier than ever.

XOXO,
Brooke