We finished working on this project which required lots of up close intense observation so it was time to look up in the sky for a change. We have been working on the cloud theme for a couple of months now and started our exploration using Clouds in Art, an interactive website. Partners worked together to identify cloud types in over 20 landscape paintings. Great practice using the interpersonal intelligence!
These felted cloudscapes were made using wool roving and the wet felting process. We used plastic bags, warm/cold soapy water, and lots of energy to work the fibers into fabric in this very bodily-kinesthetic activity. We had some tired arms and very clean art tables by the end of the hour!
The second graders embellished their final textile piece using beads, needle, and thread. They made such beautiful choices! I am also very proud of their perseverance in learning a new skill.
so beautiful. felting is another skill i really want to learn - i never had much experience with textiles in school and i've been teaching myself stitching, weaving, etc all these years and am getting braver about using them in the classroom. these are really inspiring for me - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteComing back from my winter break, it is nice to see this wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea, exploring clouds in such a textural way.
What a great practice for interpersonal intelligence indeed!
Happy New Year Shannah
FYI - I nominated your blog as a favorite at The Art of Education. There is a poll being taken and I shared that your blog is always fresh and inspiring.
ReplyDeletehttp://theartofed.com/2012/01/08/1st-annual-art-ed-blog-of-the-year-contest/
Thank you both!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the nod Hope. You beat me to it:)
Thank you for sharing all of the wonderful art being created! I am a k-12 art teacher in a rural area in southern, IL, and it is so great to see what is happening in art classes-- your blog inspires me.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Kate
Hello Kate and thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe feeling is mutual- your blog is already on my blog reader:)
I actually live in Belleville, IL. Are you near Mount Vernon?
well hot damn! these are just gorgeous. i love how physical the process was.
ReplyDeleteShannah, I have a HUGE art crush on you!! Oh my goodness, these are so gorgeous. I've been meaning to do a cloud lesson inspired by one of my former college teachers Thomas Sgouros, and using felt would be such a beautiful translation. Would you mind sharing the process? Thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteHello there:)
ReplyDeleteJust looked up Sgouros- gorgeous paintings!
Here is a tutorial on the wet felting technique we used:
http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2007/05/tutorialfelting.html
Just let me know if you have any more questions.
Thank you Shannah for the tutorial! It's super helpful!
ReplyDelete