Japanese 4 Stab Binding

Throughout my adventures searching art blogs and seeing what other art teachers are up to, I noticed that other art teachers were discussing and posting about utilizing a Sketchbook in art class.  Whether they were trying to figure out how to consistently incorporate it, figure out how to grade, etc.  The idea and determination to include the sketchbook in the art making process is common.  To an artist, the sketchbook is vital!  And yes, I agree that including the sketchbook in the art class room is important so that students have a place for notes, sketches, ideas, thinking, planning, practicing, all the above!

So, I decided that I was going to play around with some ideas about using a sketchbook in my classes.  First, I had to decide if I was going to have students bring one in, buy one, or make one.  I decided on helping students make their own.  1) it's more original   2) parents, you're welcome   3) I love marcjohns and his sketchbooks, I used him as an artist inspiration.  His website is here.  He makes his sketchbooks form whatever is laying around.  I respect that b/c 1) it's inexpensive  2) it's quick and effective  3) it isn't intimidating.  If I know that I made this from "scraps", then I'm not worried about drawing perfect pictures in it, my pictures can be ugly, unfinished, works in progress that are quick ideas.

OK, so if we are going to make our own..... what do we use....?  Many of the "binding processes" were tricky, difficult or too complicated.  Remember, this is like Day 2 of art class, I don't want student to feel overwhelmed, challenged yes, overwhelmed and stressed, no!  So, on Day 1 I asked students to bring in a cereal box, or any box that has that thicker construction paper quality.  Many students did, many did not.  OK, no worries.  I used thicker poster paper for the rest and gathered whatever paper I could and we used that for the middle pages.  The thicker cardboard and poster paper are the front and back cover.

I found a "challenging but acceptable" process for binding our books, made an example, typed up the steps, showed a video, I was good to go...... I thought.  Apparently, the Japanese 4-stab binding is a little trickier than expected.  It's great if you have each students materials pre-packed and separated and ready for them as soon as they sit down, but trying to pass out and then scaffold projects is difficult in 30 minutes.  We eventually made it through and students now have a sketchbook that they made and are not intimidated by.  It's rough, it's unique, it's theirs!  That's what I love about it!

Here are some pictures:

My reflections for next time:  Have materials separated, organized and ready for Day 2.  Clip together and use a heavy duty hole-punch for the 4 holes.  (I tried hole punching EVERYTHING separate, my hand almost fell off and I spent hours punching holes; then I used my drill for the holes, fine for a class of 30, not 120 students!)  Also, when they are complete, have a FUN DAY to make something for the front cover.  I bought shaving cream to do the shaving cream art, I just didn't have a chance to actually do it, maybe this Friday I can surprise them!  :)

I have figured out how to apply the Sketchbooks in class and within instruction!  At the beginning of class, students enter the room, get their sketchbook and have a seat.  Everyday I have a new "Doodle of the Day" that students sketch, have fun with, and complete while I take attendance.  It's nice having students come in and work on this quietly while I get attendance complete.  My Doodles are fun creative ways to practice the Elements and Principles, practice a technique or just think outside the box.  During planning for artworks, I also ask students to make 3 thumbnail sketches before deciding on which artwork to complete.  At the end of the Quarter, students are able to reflect on their growth and complete a writing piece evaluating their growth.  (Writing Program Review).  

Materials:  Free  (Raffia or yarn)

Thick blunt needles:  helpful

Time:  2 days; plus a fun day for cover design

Use in the art process and interdisciplinary connections:  priceless!!!

Greek Vases

These are a couple of vases from last Quarter's 7th grade Greek Unit.  We looked at geometric patterns, symmetrical balance and illustrating scenes from student-selected Greek Myths.  This activity was voted most popular in that particular class.  It took a couple of weeks, but it was well worth it!  We practiced geometric patterns on bookmarks, we illustrated Greek myths for a practice and then papermaiched balloons and used cardboard for the neck, foot and handles.

Christmas Cards

I love all the card ideas around Christmas time..... watercolor effects, glitter, mixed media, glitter, Christmas trees, glitter..... you get the idea.  One day I had a sub (had to take my son to the doctor), but I still wanted my students to practice the wet on wet technique with watercolor for the upcoming Poinsettia artwork.  So, I drew some Christmas card images for the students to practice with.  They were a HUGE hit!  I did some step by step demos, they drew some, they must have painted 3-4 a piece!!  Definitely a fun little activity in those extra days before the Winter Break!

Front of one of the Christmas cards

Burlap Wreaths

     One of my good friends made some beautiful burlap wreaths for her friends for Christmas Gifts and I just had to try it myself!  What a great way to make something nice for someone, use your artistic hands-on skills and make a Christmas Present all at the same time!  I ended up making one for my sister-in-law, one for my mother-in-law and one for myself!  They are fairly easy, a moderate cost to make and a lot of fun!  (Only bad part was the smell of the burlap and the little fuzzies it leaves behind.)  I was able to find all the materials I needed at Hobby Lobby, and a quick stop at Michael's for extra ribbon.  I watched a few "How to" videos and about one hour later....it's a wreath!!

"B" is for Baker, for my new sister-in-law.

Go UK!

"JC" for my classroom door at Jessie Clark Middle.

Christmas Poinsettias

     I love when I am able to incorporate a Holiday Theme with our Artworks and Units.  Whether it's a little "make and take" craft or a week long unit.  Christmas-time and Winter Break is like hitting the  Jackpot!  
     In this artwork, we learned about Georgia O'Keefe and her enlarged, magnified paintings of flowers.  I picked up a Poinsettia so we had a reference in the classroom.  We sketched the petals lightly with pencil, then used a wet on wet technique with the watercolors.  Once it was dry, I asked students to take a sharpie and outline the "pools" of color, not necessarily re-sketching their outlines.  
     This was challenging for most students, they wanted to re-draw their flowers.  I also encouraged students to place the enter of one of their flowers at a "Power Spot" in their composition.  (Rule of Thirds, where the lines intersect is a Power Spot).  Students really enjoyed this activity, definitely a keeper!