8th Grade Plaster Masks

In 8th grade we have begun the ever popular mask lesson!  Students who are daring have the choice of making a mold out of their actual face.  Others have the option to use a plastic mold.  Students are able to choose what they want to make with their mask and this results in a wide variety of projects. They get to create something that they are truly interested in!

5th Grade Clay Owls

The 5th grade has begun making clay owls.  Having kilns is new to me so I am learning along with them!

Ugly Dolls

We are wrapping up the Ugly Doll project in 6th grade.  The students have certainly overexceeded my expectations.  I plan on displaying all of them together soon in one of the glass display cases so stay tuned!  Here are a few examples.  These dolls have personality to say the least!

Finishing up the Ugly Dolls!

I am very pleased with the work the 6th grade has been doing on their Ugly Dolls.  This lesson has been better than I ever expected and the kids are getting so much out of it.  I am so proud of my students!

"Ugly Dolls"

I love the story of the creation of the "Ugly Doll".  I thought it would be a great idea to show the students what careers are out there for artists and how you can use your creativity to become successful.  I thought it would be a great opportunity to teach students how to sew by hand as well!

Here are a couple videos that I showed the students to introduce what "Ugly Dolls" are all about.

Students in the 6th grade will be creating an "Ugly Doll".  David Horvath's definition of ugly is unique, different and special.  Each doll he designs is a manifestation of things we might not like about ourselves that we really should love.  Students can use this idea to come up with a dolls personality, but they don't have to.

I am having them first plan out an idea for their doll.  I want to know its name and what its all about. They will do a small sketch and think about color.  Then they will draw a pattern.

Here is what my talented students have been doing so far.