Chameleons

As part of our jungle study, 3rd grade created clay chameleons and leaves to match.

We followed the lesson posted by Cassie Stephens to create these lizards. I love how different they all are, so much personality!

Kusama Paper Sculptures

We tried out a new project in our Yayoi Kusama unit this year. 4th grade used paper sculpture techniques to create these 3D pumpkins. We started by using a ruler to create even lines on a piece of paper. Then we added the dots. After that, we cut the paper into strips and glued them in a "star" formation. 

Then we joined the strips after curving them upward to create the pumpkin shape. We placed them on a base and added a stem to complete these. 

And have I said how much I love my new display cases?

Van Gogh's Sunflowers

5th grade used a simple pinch pot method to create bowls. Then we added petals using the slip & score technique to turn them into sunflowers inspired by Vincent van Gogh's paintings. 

When a student asks if they can add a turtle in their sunflower, you don't say no. ^_^

This is my first time in many years using a kiln and my first time using glaze. All went well and they turned out super cute! You can find more information about this lesson and other Van Gogh lessons here. 

Here Come the Mummies

4th grade studied Egyptian mythology this year and we made mummies! 

You can find a video on the process here. 

We also made paper boxes with hieroglyphs for our sarcophagi. This was a fun project, will definitely do again! 

Kusama Pumpkins Sculptures

Ok, official favorite project of the year so far! And a super simple process! 

We used Neon Model Magic clay by Crayola. Each student got a piece that was about a handful. We made a "pancake" shape first, then wrapped that around a ball of tissue to give it some extra "fluff" while using less clay. Then we added spots of a different color.

After the pumpkins were made, we painted a oil pastel and watercolor resist background. We folded and cut the paper to create a 3D room. Such a great effect, love it! 

Collaborative Chihuly Bottle Sculpture

5th grade worked together on this bottle replica of Dale Chihuly's glass chandeliers. Very simple process; we painted the inside of water bottles using warm or cool colored acrylic paints, then cut them into "ribbons". 

The bottles' tops fit perfectly into chicken wire and it is hung on an anchor chart stand that was abandoned in the hallway. ^_^

Chihuly Melted Glass

4th grade viewed the glassworks of Dale Chihuly and recreated his Maccia using melted plastic. We used permanent markers to color on hard plastic plates. Then we used heat guns to melt the plastic. They were amazed at the process and the results are gorgeous! Check out more on our Artsonia page. 

3D Kusama Rooms

4th grade did an amazing job with these rooms! Im often worried about open-ended projects like this, but they nailed it! We started by looking at images and videos of Kusama's Infinity Rooms and Obliteration Room. We sketched our ideas first, then constructed a room.

Students were given colored dot stickers, mirror boards, and Crayola Model Magic clay for their 3D items such as pumpkins and tentacles. 

Starry Night meets Kusama!

Love how original each room is, while staying true to Kusama's style!