Personalized mugs

After exploring the properties of clay students were assigned a final project which was open ended enough for them to be able to personalize it to their needs. They had to make a mug that also encompassed something they loved. First they researched online for their idea and were able to generate various possibilities for their idea. Once they had an idea they had to sketch out a view of the mug from all 4 sides. The drawing had to show three-dimensionality but also accurately depict all sides accurately. They were shown two videos. One was about how to make a basic mug with clay and the second one was about how to add details to their sculptures. The videos are added here further below. 

Below is my demo drawing of what I expect to see in their sketchbooks after they research and come up with an idea. 

Sample of a student's finished plan drawing in their sketchbooks. 

A simple agenda helps keep everyone on track no matter where they are in the process. 1. have a plan in your sketchbook, 2. make your mug, 3. add details, 4a. if not done, write your name on a baggie, moisten your mug and place in baggie, zip it well. 4b. If done, write your name on the bottom and leave to dry in a separate box. 

Love seeing some finished mugs!!!

sewing pillows -2nd grade

Afterschool Mexican folk-art-inspired paintings

Final samples of Oaxaca-inspired paintings

Oh!!! I am SO in love with these works. They look so rich and fun. I am most proud of the fact that all the secondary colors and tints and shades were created by each child. I never gave kids anything but primary colors, white, black and brown. All secondary colors, tints, and shades, they make on their own....

3D construction faces made from wood and cardboard

Inspired by the work of Joyce Owens from Chicago. Children used their gathered skills in face making from the past 2 weeks to create these faces. Materials are both wood and cardboard. It's important NOT to use anything else but wood or cardboard. If you use plastic and use regular Elmer's glue, the pieces fall off easily when done. Of course you can splurge and get Tacky Glue and that will glue anything....and I mean anything. But, I stick to regular glue and items that glue easily. 

Children used a visual checklist to check off each face part as they added them. Their prior work in making a face college helped make this project successful. 

Children added details to their faces. Smaller, easy-to-glue items were offered on their second day to add to their faces. 

Children used one class to paint their faces into 1 chosen color. For the second painting lesson, children detailed their work  with 6 colors and again were asked to accentuate their main facial features. 

Here are the children working on their detailing using small detail brushes and permanent paint. 

Here are some of the finished pieces. 

2nd grade sketch ideas for mugs with faces