December

Unity Ribbon Project

For this project we did several lessons together learning how to draw ribbons. Students learned some basic and common ribbon patterns and then we practiced some more complex patterns. We also looked at drawing a ribbon from observation by setting a ribbon on a table and twisting the ribbon into different positions. Lastly, students learned how to draw a ribbon using 2 pencils, which was probably their most favorite technique. With each exercise, we also looked at the shading involved to help describe what was happening with the ribbon.

Once we had some practice drawing ribbons the students were given an 8.5" x 14" paper for their project. The had to draw a total of 5 ribbons that extended from one side of the paper to the other side. Students had to draw at least one ribbon from observation, one ribbon from a pattern we had studied, and at least one ribbon using the 2 pencil technique. The remaining 2 ribbons could be drawn using any technique the students chose. Another important part of this project was that students had to connect one of their ribbon's with another student's at their table so that the entire class had a connecting ribbon called the "Unity Ribbon". After all ribbons were drawn, the students filled in the background of their papers with a black marker and then colored the unity ribbon with a color of their choice with colored pencils.

Top left Image: Samuel Espinoza 7

Ysabella Enrique 7

Elisiaia Matau 8

Samuel valeriano 8

Ashley Baltazar 7

Angela Mendoza 7

Ayleen Romero 7

Reynaldo 6

Bianca Argao 8

Ezekiel Guerrero 6

Jensen Rivera 8

Kate Cruz 7

Jazmine Becerra 7

Maria Romero 7

Geometric Designs - "Stained Glass Windows"

We made faux "stained glass windows" this year using tissue paper and black construction paper for the lining of the design. Students first drew their design on 1 inch graph paper that was 10 by 10 inches. The graph paper is helpful in creating an abstract design that is uniform and symmetrical. The design had to be visually interesting, but not too intricate. We then taped a sheet of velum over the graph paper and students began lining their design with strips of black construction paper. I precut these strips with the paper cutter about 1/8 inch wide. Students had to incorporate a few curves into their design which they had cut themselves with scissors. The black lining strips were glued to the vellum with glue sticks. Since the vellum is transparent students could easily see their design on the graph paper. Once the lining was done, we turned the vellum over and cut pieces of tracing paper to fit in the different shapes. The 1/8 inch black lining allowed just enough room for error so that the shapes did not need to be cut perfectly. Students glued the tracing paper unto the vellum. The project took a while, but I was happy with the results!

Left Image: Alex Suarez 8