Sheep Decoration

Christmas, Sheep Decoration

Christmas, Sheep Decoration

Tree Ornaments

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- ornaments that can be on a 

  Christmas tree or used as a decoration

- can also be made when reading or 

  discussing 
  The Good Shepherd (Language, Christian activity)

Materials

- black felt, white felt or a wool type of material
- googly eyes
- ribbon or yarn
- good quality scissors for older children
- white glue
- optional - twine or chenille stem if desired

Construction
- materials should be prepared ahead of time
- cut felt or material into sections if the children are able to 
  cut their own shapes
- it is recommended that they cut their parts in shapes (almost anything can be created 
  using shapes - circular shape for the body, oval for the head, triangular shapes for the 
  ears, thin rectangles for the legs)
- these shapes can be cut ahead of time for young children and for any children with 
  difficulty using scissors
- distribute all the necessary materials
- assemble the shapes to make the sheep
- a shepherd's hook made out of twine or a chenille stem may be included if desired
- attach a loop made out of ribbon or yarn to the back of the sheep

Easter Art

Easter Art

Easter Art

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of
  the children
- vary the expectations depending on the
  age/ability of the children
- the rays of sunshine can be used by older
  children and younger children can leave them
  off
- let them decide if they want them on or off
- encourage them to make their own decisions
  regarding the placement and size of the hills
  and crosses
- if using a paper foreground, older

  children may be able to cut out their own
  pieces while young children may need the
  some of the shapes supplied to them (strips of yellow
  for the rays and a variety of black strips to
  make the crosses) and it can be divided into random parts)

Materials
- white art paper or card stock
- watercolor paint - soft colors are very effective - a variety of colors may be used or one color with
  a variety of shades to create the sky, sunrise, sunset
- green watercolor paint
- black watercolor paint
- wide and thin paintbrushes
- optional - green, black, yellow construction paper
- newsprint or some other material to protect the work surface
- alternative materials - cardboard in desired shapes, plasticine, instruments to provide texture to the
  plasticine (toothpicks, combs etc.)

Construction
- begin by protecting the work surface with newsprint or plastic cloths
- distribute the art paper or card stock and the paint (a variety of colors may be used or one color
  with a variety of shades to create the sky, sunrise, sunset)
- use horizontal brush strokes (making each stroke go past the entire paper onto the protective
  surface) to paint the background
- set the paper aside to dry
- after the background has dried, the foreground may be painted or be made out of construction paper
- an alternative for the grassy hills is to use small bits of green paper or fringed paper to create a
  grassy effect
- this scene is also very effective using a cardboard background covered with plasticine - fine
  instruments are perfect to create texture

Birth Of Jesus Silhouette

Birth Of Jesus Silhouette

Birth Of Jesus Silhouette

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be modified to suit the 
  age/needs of the children

- the shapes for the silhouettes can be 
  drawn and cut out by older children
- the shapes can be cut out and supplied 
  to younger children
- the color of the shapes can be chosen 
  by the children and placed against a 
  background of contrasting color

- more detail can be added depending on 
  the age and ability of the child (example; 
  a star, sheep, the outline of the stable)

Materials
- construction paper for the shapes
- construction paper for the background
- optional - tracers of the desired shapes
- scissors
- glue

Construction
- shapes for the silhouettes to be distributed or created (tracers could also be beneficial)
- once the shapes are ready, glue onto a paper of a contrasting color
- this could also be created as a Christmas card on card stock 

Collage Cross

Collage Cross

Collage Cross

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of the children

- vary the expectations depending on the age/ability of the
  children
- these crosses look very attractive no matter what material
  are used to create the collage

Materials
- construction paper (black or white is affective)
- white glue or glue sticks, depending on the material used to
  create the collage
- materials to make the collage (example; sequins of assorted
  shapes or of similar shapes, buttons, crumpled up tissue
  paper squares, things found in nature such as tiny pebbles or
  pieces of bark, paper shapes such as small squares or
  triangles - use your imagination)

Construction
- older children can cut out their own crosses (two rectangles can be used by gluing the shorter one
  across the longer one) or crosses can be cut out ahead of time and distributed
- use glue to stick the collage materials, beginning at the top of the cross
- a small space should be left between each item being glued on
- display these beautiful and unique crosses 

"Stained Glass" Cross

"Stained Glass" Cross

"Stained Glass" Cross

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of the children

- vary the expectations depending on the age/ability of the
  children
- these crosses look very attractive in windows, allowing the
  light to bring out the beautiful colors
- this compliments Paper "Stained Glass" Art (Christian activity)

Materials
- tissue paper that can be cut into shapes of various sizes or
  torn into small pieces (make a variety of colors available)
- waxed paper
- watered down glue
- brushes for gluing
- thick permanent black magic markers or thin strips of black
  construction paper
- paper or a cloth to protect the work surface

Construction
- prepare small containers of the glue mixture (approximately1:1 ratio of white glue and water)
- distribute the waxed paper (in the shape of crosses) to be used as the surface for the tissue paper to
  be glued to
- if paper/cloth is being used to protect the tables/desks, be sure to remove the art immediately
  upon completion to avoid the art being permanently stuck to the paper/cloth
- use the brush to put the water/glue mixture on the waxed paper, beginning at the top of the cross
- place a piece of tissue paper at the top of the cross and use the brush to gently brush on a light coat
  of the glue mixture
- continue to put one piece of tissue paper at a time overlapping the pieces slightly each time and
  remembering to brush with the mixture each time
- after the cross is completely dry, the excess tissue paper poking out past the edges of the cross
  needs to be trimmed
- place tissue paper side up and use a thick, permanent black magic marker to make the black lines
- another way to create the black lines is to use precut thin black paper
- put a layer of the watery glue mixture over the completed cross and place the thin black strips
  randomly on top of the cross to make a "stained glass" effect
- hang in a window and enjoy the beautiful cross

Holy Week Art

Holy Week Art

Holy Week Art

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of
  the children
- vary the expectations depending on the
  age/ability of the children
- the rays of sunshine can be used by older
  children and younger children can leave them
  off
- let them decide if they want them on or off
- encourage them to make their own decisions
  regarding the placement and size of the hills
  and crosses
- if using a paper foreground, older

  children may be able to cut out their own
  pieces while young children may need the
  some of the shapes supplied to them (strips of yellow
  for the rays and a variety of black strips to
  make the crosses) and it can be divided into random parts)

Materials
- white art paper or card stock
- watercolor paint - colors can be chosen by the students
- black construction paper
- glue
- paintbrushes
- newsprint or some other material to protect the work surface

Construction
- begin by protecting the work surface with newsprint or plastic cloths
- distribute the art paper or card stock and the paint (colors they have chosen)
-paint can be watered down a little so it can run together to create an effective background
- an array of brush strokes can be made to create the desired effect (making sure that the color
  reaches and can go past the edge of the paper just to be sure of complete coverage)
- have the children cut out their crosses ( a simple way is to cut out a thin rectangle and cut it part
  way down so that one part is shorter than the other)
- emphasize that the part that is goes horizontally should be glued on higher than the middle (you can
  demonstrate this by having them stand up with their arms stretched out to each side. They will see
  that their arm are raised up higher than their waists or the middle part of their bodies)
- after the background has dried, the foreground of construction paper crosses will be glued on
- if desired, black construction paper can also be glued along the bottom of the picture

Crayon Resist, Design

Crayon Resist Design

Crayon Resist, Design

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- students will create a beautiful design 
  consisting of vibrant colors and
  contrasted with black paint

- crayon/oil pastel splashes of color are 
  made on art paper
- it is followed up with a wash of black 
  watercolor paint to create a contrast
  of color and art mediums  
  

Materials

- crayons or oil pastels
- black watercolor paint 
- paint brushes
- white art paper

Procedure

- using crayons or oil pastels make designs on art paper

- emphasize the need to press heavily in order to create the most vivid contrast of colors 
  and the colors will show through the black paint
- also demonstrate that there needs to be spaces of white left on the paper so that the black 
  paint adheres to the paper
- continue to change colors and textures until the page is filled with designs
- cover work surfaces with newsprint or plastic cloths
- check to see if the paint is too thick on a sample page of random crayon, oil pastel 
  designs (you may need to water the paint down a little to achieve the right consistency) 
- brush the black watercolor paint on the paper using horizontal strokes, allowing each 
  stroke to go off the page (this will make sure that the entire surface is covered and no 
  white spots remain)
- this art lesson can be modified for young children by having them draw or even scribble 
  random colors on the paper, being sure that they press heavily and use an array of colors

Another great crayon resist activity can be found at  Crayon Resist Collage

Symmetry

Symmetry

Symmetry

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art provides instant satisfaction
- paint is only applied to half of a paper
- once the paper is folded over, the wet paint
  spreads to the other half creating symmetry
- this activity demonstrates the concept of
  symmetry and allows the children to see the
  effect immediately
- the blending of paint is very appealing and 
  provides a burst of color to bulletin boards or
  when suspended from the ceiling
- each butterfly is unique

Materials
- white art paper or card stock
- watercolor paint - colors can be chosen by the students
- paintbrushes
- scissors
- chenille stems (optional for antennae)
- glue
- newsprint or some other material to protect the work surface

Construction
- begin by protecting the work surface with newsprint or plastic cloths
- distribute the art paper or card stock (rectangular) and the paint (colors they have chosen)
- have the children fold the paper in half vertically
- it is recommended that the paint be applied fairly thick (each color does not have to touch each
  other or provide complete coverage)
- once folded over, the paint spreads out, runs together and creates a mirror image on the other half
  of the paper
- once folded, gently pat the paper down so that the paint adheres to the blank half
- open up the paper to admire the colors and design
- talk about the symmetry and observe the mirror image that has been created
- emphasize that the part that is goes horizontally should be glued on higher than the middle (you can
  demonstrate this by having them stand up with their arms stretched out to each side. They will see
  that their arm are raised up higher than their waists or the middle part of their bodies)
- set aside to dry
- fold the paper again along the same fold line
- draw a butterfly wing on the side that is not painted, making sure that the middle part is connected
  to the fold
- cut along the line making sure that part of the fold line stays intact
- if desired, black chenille stems can be formed into antennae and taped to the back

Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the butterfly at the following link.
Life Cycle Of The Butterfly

Squirrel Art

Squirrel Art

Squirrel Art

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- tracers can be made as shown

- students use the tracers to make the parts of 
   the squirrel 
- the tail can be placed strategically on   
  the squirrel's body to make it either look like 
  it is sitting up or running
- tissue paper makes the tail look bushy  

Materials

- 2 tracers - one body part and one tail  
  (multiple tracers will be needed according to 
  class size)
- glue
- brown, grey and black construction paper (students can choose what color they want 
  their squirrel to be)
- tissue paper cut up in squares (approximately one inch square) in colors to match the 
  body parts
- the squirrel parts could be cut out for Kindergarten children and children without the 
  tracing and cutting skills

Construction
- trace and cut out the two squirrel parts (have the squirrel's tail line up line up with the 
  body to give either the sitting or running effect)
- glue the tail onto the front of the squirrel's body
- apply glue to a small part of the tail, starting at one end
- starting at the edge at the end with the glue, begin placing tissue paper onto the glue
- place your finger in the middle of the square, pull the tissue paper up to wrap around your 
  finger
- keeping your finger in the tissue paper, stick the paper on the glued surface
- helpful hints - try not to get glue on fingers or the tissue paper starts sticking to fingers and 
  place tissue paper close together, leaving no spaces for a really bushy effect
- younger children can loosely crumple up the tissue paper and stick it on the gllue
- finish off with a little eye made out of construction paper

Paper Tulips

Paper Tulips

Paper Tulips

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- three dimensional, bursts of color make 
  these tulips very attractive
- this activity compliments the art activity 
  called "Paper Daffodils" 
- looks amazing when putting a class set 
  together to make a spring garden on a 
  bulletin board along with the daffodils
- very effective results for all ages 
  and abilities
- tracers are used for the flower part
- other suggestions - see bottom of page 
  for ideas for younger children 

Materials
- construction paper (red, yellow, purple,mauve, orange, pink for the flowers) 
- green construction paper for the stems and leaves
- construction paper should be cut into squares, large enough to trace the tulip shape on
- tracers, as shown - prepared ahead of time
- scissors
- glue sticks

Construction
- children choose four squares of their own color choices ( they are effective in all one color, 
  four different colors, and as a pattern - example, red, orange, red, orange)
- the tracer needs to be traced on the four squares and then cut out as carefully as possible
- each tulip shape is then folded in half (they will look like half a tulip shape)
- the half shapes are then stacked on top of each other to see how they fit together 
- you will notice that the folded edges are all lined up together - that is how they will be 
  glued together (each half side will be glued to the next half side - it is complicated until you 
  actually see the pieces and how they fit together)
- use half a sheet of green construction paper to cut out the stem first (this is easily done by 
  cutting a strip off the side or by using a ruler to draw a line close to the edge of the paper 
  and then cutting along the line
- fold the leftover green paper in half lengthwise and draw a long leaf 
- cut along the line while the paper is folded to produce two leaves
- glue the stem to the back of the flower
- glue the leaves to the bottom of the stem, having the leaves face up as though reaching 
  for the sunlight
- invite children who finish ahead of time to make additional flowers to add to the garden 
  and to help their friends
- very young children need some of these steps to be modified - parts of the flower can be 
  cut out ahead of time, older buddies can help them
- to encourage more independence, they can use only one tulip shape and glue tissue 
  paper squares (crumpled up) to the tulip shape

Sihlouettes

Nature Silhouettes

Miscellaneous Silhouettes

Silhouettes

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of

  the children

- vary the expectations depending on the

  age/ability of the children

- the silhouettes can be anything placed against a background of contrasting color

- the silhouettes shown are pictures, however a child's profile is very effective (it makes a great gift 

  and also looks very impressive on display for a parent night, graduation or open house)

- detailed pictures are for older children while younger children may be able to manage a simple 

  shape

Materials
- white or light colored construction paper
- black construction paper
- scissors
- glue
- optional - projector, white pencil crayon

Construction
- the silhouettes do not have to have circular frame as shown (they can be black shapes on a lighter
  colored background
- to complete a child's silhouette, a shadow needs to be created by shining a projector (or something
  similar) at the child
- the child should be sitting still so that their profile shows up on the wall
- black paper needs to be taped to the wall while someone carefully draws the outline of the shadow
  on the paper
- a white pencil crayon works well, however a pencil line can be seen if you look very closely
- cut the black shape(s) out and glue onto a white or light colored paper

Paper Daffodils

Paper Daffodils                                                                                 

Paper Daffodils

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- three dimensional, bursts of yellow make these daffodils 
  very attractive
- this activity compliments the art activity called "Paper Tulips" 
- looks amazing when putting a class set together to make a 
  spring garden on a bulletin board along with the tulips
- very effective results for all ages and abilities
- tracers are used for the flower part
- other suggestions - see bottom of page for ideas for younger 
  children 

Materials

- construction paper (yellow for the flowers and green for the 

  stems and leaves)

- construction paper should be cut into rectangles, large 
  enough to trace the three daffodil flower parts

- yellow and orange tissue paper cut into squares (about one 
  inch square)

- tracers, as shown - prepared ahead of time

- scissors

- glue sticks

Construction

- children use one yellow construction paper square to trace their three flower parts

- cut out the shapes as carefully as possible

- use two yellow shapes to make a tall "X" shapes, gluing together in the center as shown

- use the remaining flower part to glue across the center as shown

- take a yellow or orange tissue paper square (or both colors) and put your finger in the 
  center of the square

- wrap the tissue paper around your finger 

- put glue on the end of your wrapped finger and stick it to the middle of the flower

- use half a sheet of green construction paper to cut out the stem first (this is easily done by 

  cutting a strip off the side or by using a ruler to draw a line close to the edge of the paper 

  and then cutting along the line

- fold the leftover green paper in half lengthwise and draw a long, thin leaf 

- cut along the line while the paper is folded to produce two leaves

- glue the stem to the back of the flower

- glue the leaves to the bottom of the stem, having the leaves face up as though reaching 

  for the sunlight

- invite children who finish ahead of time to make additional flowers to add to the garden 

  and to help their friends

- very young children need some of these steps to be modified - parts of the flower can be 

  cut out ahead of time, older buddies can help them

- to encourage more independence, they can use only one daffodil shape that doesn't have 

  to be put together and glue a tissue paper square(s) to the daffodil shape

Paper Abstract

Paper Abstract

Paper Abstract

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- an abstract work of art

- children can also use the same concept 
  to design their own roller coaster
- these look stunning when put on display 
  on a bulletin board or even on tables

Materials

- colored paper (the more colors the 

  better) cut into long rectangles of varied 

  widths - I like cartridge paper in pastel 

  and bold colors

- rectangular background paper (black or 

  dark blue is recommended to show the 

  contrast of colors - the color chosen should not be used as one to be glued on 

- construction paper can be used for the background - I prefer the 9 X 12 size

- glue sticks

Construction - Abstract

- demonstrate how the rectangular strips of paper can be cut to desired lengths and ask for 

  ideas on how to fold and twist them in different ways (zigzag, looped pointed)

- also encourage varied heights, colors, folds and twists

- the strips can also go over and under one another to add interest

- remind them that when creating an abstract, it's not a picture, anything goes and it should 

  be all mixed up

- glue down on the black or dark blue rectangular paper so that the paper is sticking up in 

  the air - some demonstrating is recommended ( the ends of the long rectangular strips do 

  not necessarily have to be glued down near each other

Roller Coaster

- the same technique as the abstract can be used except smooth strips would be used

- it may also be more organized

Tissue Paper Flowers

Tissue Paper Flowers

Tissue Paper Flowers

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- three dimensional, colourful, and 
  attractive when displayed as bouquets or 
  individually
- also make great gifts for Mother's Day or 
  "just because"
- very effective results for all ages 
  and abilities
- flowers can be made plain or fancy

Materials
- tissue paper of various colours (cut into squares, circles or scalloped circles)
- older students can cut their own tissue paper if able (tissue paper should be cut ahead of 
  time for young children)
- scissors
- green chenille stems

Construction
- the tissue paper squares/circles need to be stacked one on top of each other 
- the more layers that are used, the fuller the flower
- flowers with a smaller diameter require less layers than those with a larger diameter 
- small flowers can start as small as about 6 inches in diameter, whereas larger flowers can 
  be as big as about 12 inches in diameter
- I recommended practising the proper technique used to make "fan folds"
- using a piece of cartridge paper, demonstrate how to make a fan by folding the paper 
  back and forth, making each fold about a half inch wide
- once the pieces of tissue paper has been stacked, begin making fan type folds, back and 
  forth
- once the fanning is complete, fold the fan in half to find the middle
- take a green chenille stem and wrap it tightly around the middle fold 
- secure it by twisting it so that it will not come undone
- very gently, separate the tissue papers by starting with the first layer bringing it up toward 
  the middle
- continue this process with each of the remaining layers
- fluff up and enjoy your beautiful creation

Stained Glass Art (Sun Catchers)

"Stained Glass" Art
(Sun Catchers)

Paper "Stained Glass" Art
           (Sun Catchers)

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be made using any shape (rectangle, heart, angel)
- can be varied to suit the age/needs of the children
- after deciding on a shape, using black construction paper,
  cut out the center of the paper, leaving a frame about
  1/2 to 3/4 inch wide

- vary the expectations depending on the age/ability of the children (older
  children may be able to cut out their own shapes and it can be divided into random parts)
- this compliments "Stained Glass" Cross (Art/Christian activity)

Materials
- construction paper or card stock
- tissue paper that can be cut into 1 inch squares or torn into small pieces - a variety of colors or
  specific colors to suit the frame
- waxed paper
- watered down glue
- brushes for gluing

Construction
- prepare small containers of the glue mixture (approximately 1:1 ratio of white glue and water)
- distribute the waxed paper to be used as the surface for the tissue paper to be
  glued to (if paper is being used to protect the tables/desks, be sure to remove the art immediately
  upon completion to avoid the art being permanently stuck to the paper)
- use the brush to put the water/glue mixture on the waxed paper
- distribute the shape being used (older children may cut out their own shapes ahead of time)
- place the black construction "frame" on the waxed paper
- place a piece of tissue paper in the center of the frame and use the brush to gently brush a light coat
  of the glue mixture
- continue to put one piece of tissue paper at a time overlapping the pieces slightly each time and
  remembering to brush with the mixture each time
- after the sun catcher is completely dry, the excess waxed paper needs to be trimmed to the shape of
  frame
- hang in a window and enjoy the colors

Wind Socks

Wind Socks

Wind Socks

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- three dimensional, colourful, and the 
  movement of the streamers near an 
  open window is beautiful
- very effective results for all ages 
  and abilities
- the cylindrical part may be designed 
  according to personal preference
- my favourite is to draw sea creatures in 
  an underwater scene 
- other suggestions - a beach scene, a 
  snowy day, flowers, abstract designs, 
  Halloween, Valentine's Day, seasons 

Materials
- depending on the project - crayons, oil pastels,
  pencil crayons paint, etc.
- art paper or thin craft foam
- tissue paper or streamers (about an inch wide and 2 feet in length)
- chenille stems
- stapler
- glue sticks

Construction
- decorate the cylinder part according to the design selected, skills being taught, 
  and age of the children
- the following instructions are for the sea creature windsock, using crayon resist
- begin by using crayons or oil pastels to draw an underwater scene on 
  white art paper (approximately 17 X 22 inches) with the paper in a horizontal position
- be sure that the children press hard enough withe the crayons/oil pastels to allow the 
  drawing to show through the paint
- using a water colour/water wash, use horizontal stokes to paint over the drawing
- once the paint is dry, turn the paper over and glue the streamers/ tissue paper strips along 
  the bottom edge, about an inch apart
- make a cylindrical shape by attaching the ends of the papers together with a stapler
- to make the handle, poke a chenille stem twice through the top of the paper and secure it 
  by twisting 

Crayon Resist Collage

Rubbings With Crayon Resist - Collage

Crayon Resist Collage

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade
- students will create a beautiful collage of 

  different textured prints, vibrant colours, 
  and contrasting painted washes

- crayon/oil pastel rubbings are made on 
  paper
- it is followed up with a paint and water 
  wash brushed over the rubbings to 
  create a contrast of colour and art 
  mediums  
  

Materials

- crayons or oil pastels (with paper wrapping removed)
- watercolour paint or paint with a very small amount water - check to see how it covers the 
  rubbing (you should be able to see enough of the rubbing through the paint
- paint brushes
- white art paper
- textured articles (examples - lego, sides of baskets, peg boards, rough surfaces)

Procedure

- remove the paper wrapping from either 
  crayons or oil pastels

- make textured articles available from the 
  classroom, home, nature (leaves)
- after placing the paper on a rough surface, the children use the side of the crayon
  or oil pastel to make the rubbing
- continue to change colours and textures until the page is filled with different sections
- each section should touch another section
- brush the paint over each section, using a different colour paint over the rubbings each 
  time (example - blue over green next to red over yellow)

Crayon Resist Design