Journal Idea Week 5: Doodle or Zentangle

I have been working on doodle designs several of my 5th grade classes recently. We have looked at how patterns from doodles can connect to make more complicated designs. This is very similar to the art of Zentangle. A zentangle is a design that is created through steps and helps you relax. You can learn more about these here.

I started my design my drawing a rectangle and a squiggle line that divided up the space in pencil.

Next, I started adding different patterns within the shapes.

After filling in all of the spaces, I traced over my patterns with Sharpie marker, and erased. I love how complex the design turned out, and the contrast between curved lines and straight lines. You could add color if you would like, but I think the black and white look nice together!

Journal Idea Week 4: Draw A Mitten

This week has been so bitter cold that we were off of school for 2 days!

Your journal idea for the week is to design a mitten that could keep your hands warm. Most mittens are knit, and have some sort of pattern or design in them. I took the time to draw individual stitches in my mitten I drew in my journal. I also drew different designs within my pattern. Whatever you decide, have fun!

Journal Idea Week 3: Draw A Mug of Hot Cocoa

The last couple of weeks have been a good time to get cozy at home with a nice cup of hot cocoa! 

This week try to draw your favorite mug with steaming hot cocoa.  You could also make up or design a mug that you would like to have. Or you could use the photo that I took of my favorite mug and draw it. 

Enjoy!

Journal Idea Week 2: Snowflake fun

This week we came back to school after a very messy, snowy, and cold winter vacation. We actually didn't even have school on Monday or Tuesday this week because the wind chills were way too cold!

I love to make snowflakes! I love to draw symmetrical snowflakes like my 3rd graders at Forest did this week,

And I love to cut them, like my 4th and 5th graders at Forest did this week.

I showed the students a fun website called Make-A-Flake where you can make as many cool snowflakes as you want! There is also a great gallery to look at for ideas.

Journal Idea Week 1: Hand Drawing

I've kept a journal since I was 14 years old. I seen a lot of new blank books, and am always puzzled by where to start. I think in my first journal ever I did start with a drawing of my hand. You always have your hand with you, and can do so many different and interesting things to make it a creative endeavor.

Take a look at your hand, and draw it in a creative way for your first page of your journal. Don't forget to put the date you drew it on the page as well. Have fun!

Welcome to Art Club!

Welcome to Art Club! For the rest of the year I will be posting ideas or mini-assignments for you to follow along with at home every Friday. I know that some of my students are addicted to Art! I wanted to share with them ideas and inspiration to find their own art adventures at home.

This year I was fortunate enough to win a grant from the D62 Foundation to form an Art Club with my students! I have always wanted to have an Art Club at Cumberland School. However, this year I am at 3 different Elementary schools. I want for all of my students to have an opportunity to participate.

The way this Club is structured is that ALL of my students are able to follow along and be creative in their free time. I would love to see what students come up with on their own as well, and would love to post their work on here. All of my 4th and 5th grade students made a book, or journal that they will collect their work in. Please feel free to use a sketchbook, or folder to collect your work in at home. I will be meeting at lunch with my 4th and 5th grade students that are participating from Cumberland for special activities as well.

Mrs. White and I with the prize patrol 

Before Winter Break students sewed together books to collect their drawings in. We also created unique covers with our names on them using scrap book paper and fun tools! It was a great activity as we prepared for winter break :)