GENERAL TIP: What size paper/canvas do I buy?

1. Size of artwork – most of pieces we produce are flat, 2-dimensional to be wall-hung. Make a statement with a sizable piece. You also need something large enough for a class to display their individual pieces or as a group composition, student work a fairly good size area or are not have to produce miniature sized components (eg. No tiny leaves)

2. Determine art work sizea. If individual pieces, a 3x3-3x5, 4x6, 5x5 are good. Small class can accommodate larger individual pieces.

Determine the grid you will use to display: 4x6 =24 spaces, 4x7 for 28 spaces, etc. You can have the teacher’s piece fill in the last spot if you have 23 or 27 students, as an example.

b. After you determine grid, decide what margin you have in between the pieces. Less than 1” between individual pieces may be too tight. Add up the widths and lengths of images and margins to find out your image size.

3. Buying/bringing extra papera. If you are creating one large image, consider buying two in case something happens. b. Also bring extra pieces of lower quality paper to practice on (copy paper, drawing paper).

4. If your frame is going to be VERY large, consider two frames or canvases. If it is super large, you will also have challenges fitting it in your car

Faces on rounds ( scroll saw pieces from solid wood or MDF)Idea source: http://audreyandillya.bigcartel.com/product/big-hand-painted-brooches

Materials

Wooden round shapes in wooden shapes/objects section. Get from Michaels. Check Joann’s for variety and other options. You can vary round and ovals. Ideally you are able to get a variety of sizes from 2-3” diameter. To create more depth, buy more circles and glue them to make each one thicker like the picture shown. You may have to go to Issaquah and Bellevue Michaels to get enough pieces to make shapes 2-3 pieces thick.

Wood glue (not white Elmer glue) or Goop or E6000 Paint (acrylics are best). Many choices in AI closet. Probably need to buy flesh color paint –

Martha Stewart line, small bottles $1.99. Can mix with a little pink or orange to vary flesh color choices.

Permanent markers like colored sharpies for outlines Brushes (small and large)

Common Frame Sizes12x18, 13x19, 14x18, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24, 20,x 30, 24x30, 24x36

22x28 and 27x40 have fewer selections

Gesso (AI closet – round plastic tub with handles). Used to prepare wood shapes to take paint.

UV matte finish spray finish (spray can) Sand paper – 200 grit. Couple of sheets – cut into ¼ so students can do this. Check sanding

blocks on white shelf in AI closet Elephant Board (birch plywood surface for the pieces – like canvas). Daniel Smith them.

A&C in Seattle is cheapest. Choose from standard ½” to thicker 1” thickness.

Directions

1. Glue 2-3 pieces together if thicker shapes are desired2. Sand smoothly sides and top (students can do this)3. Child writes name on back. Peel label optional4. Brush gesso on – thin coat is fine on edges and tops. Let it dry

5. Go over different shapes, expressions as a class. You or give students choice of color palette

6. Designing the face (2 choices)

a. Draw LIGHTLY with pencil directly onto shape. Least forgiving if student changes mind

b. Or trace their shape onto tracing paper. Then design their face on tracing paper shape using dark pencil. (not too sharp). Flip tracing paper over (drawing faces down) and rub pencil drawings onto shape. This teaches planning, design transfer and lets student test their design before drawing onto shape. Optional step. More forgiving. A student can trace their shape 2-3 times and test out what they like best. The rubbing may not be very clear. These marks can be re-traced lightly or just used as guides.

c. Pencil markings can take several coats to cover up so draw lightly!

7. Apply paint on for hair and face. Let each area dry. Sharpies for outlines, eyes, etc. If paint is not completely dry, markers will be damaged and marker lines will not take.

8. AVOID designing entire wooden face with markers. Marker lines do not cover well as solid areas.

PRESENTATION1. Prepare elephant board also with gesso. Foam brush is a good tool. Students can help (draw names or those who finish early). Choose a solid color for front and sides2. Before gluing, write down relative position of students’ piece. Tape this to back of elephant board for art owner.3. Mount “scattered” (not lined up) for a more organic look like the sample picture. It better accommodates uneven numbers of students. Can have teacher do a piece if it completes a “grid” layout.