Everyday Art - Washi Your World (Part 2)
by Jennifer Barrett -Sculptor/Educator/Professional Tinkerer 

This is a follow-up piece for those who read Washi Your World from April 2017. It seems there is no end to things we can make with washi tape, an amazing material.

Referencing that article, washi tape is a decorative tape that originated in Japan. It has the look and feel of masking tape with beautiful colors and prints. You can apply it to almost any surface, and it does not leave a residue once removed. It is perfect for scrapbooking, journaling, and collages. You can also apply it to any 3-D surface you can imagine!

Inspiration:
My students are the inspiration for this. They have created the most amazing collages with washi tape. I was inspired to put together my own collection that can be applied to collages and 3-D objects with enough color and pattern to keep things interesting. 

Everyday Art Lesson:
Concept Focus:  Cityscape
Mess Factor: Less mess.
Ages: Can be modified for ages 0-18 years
Objectives: Kids will choose different patterns and colors for their Washi World cityscapes. Younger students can design wooden blocks with vertical and horizontal washi patterns, while 

Babies, toddlers, and younger kids: Washi Cities
•    Washi Tape
•    Wood blocks, old salt shakers, old spice jars
•    Paper

Create a washi neighborhood with your little one by masking off vertical and horizontal intersecting lines with washi tape on plain paper, or use any flat surface with strong horizontal and vertical elements. These will be the city blocks.

Next, take plain wooden blocks, or recycle old spice jars, salt shakers, etc. and wrap them with different colored washi tapes to create the 3-D buildings. Kids can make them appear more realistic with the same horizontal and vertical patterns, or they can make them as crazy looking as they want by mixing different patterns and colors.

Kids can then place them and rearrange them on the paper grid where they want to create a 3-D cityscape. Drive little cars through your roads, and try not to knock over any washi buildings!

Older Kids: Washi Tape Cityscape Collages
Suggested Materials:
•    Plain paper
•    Washi tape
•    Scissors
•    Colored pencils
•    Sharpies
•    Pencils

Older kids can create a cityscape collage using washi tapes and markers or pencils. Cityscape, as a subject, lends itself well to beginning collage techniques because of all the strong vertical and horizontal elements. Kids can design building facades to compliment the width of the washi tape for easier application.

A lot of washi tape is semi-transparent and repositionable. This allows for creating an exact fit.
Kids can create a drawing first, then apply the tape to the desired area. Next, they can mark off with pencil or marker where they want the cut lines to be by tracing the lines from the drawing underneath onto the tape. Lastly, they can pull the tape up, cut on the line or lines, and stick the tape in its final spot.

Use colored pencils or more washi tape to complete the background.

 (TIP: Always check for the ASTM d-4236 standard and ACMI AP seal, which should be on all art materials given to children. Materials are like ingredients.  Many things can be substituted for what you have on hand.)

Feel free to email any questions or comments to info@creativespacearts.com, or visit my website at stickyfingersartsupply.com. I aim to create an open exchange of ideas and best practices.

Jennifer Barrett is the Arts Liaison, Data Specialist, and Performing Arts Coordinator at a public junior high school in Brooklyn. She has taught visual arts there since 2002. During this time, she has guided countless students through the rigorous audition process of portfolio development, with many gaining acceptance into some of NYC’s most prestigious art schools. She founded Creative Space Arts in 2014 to offer a different kind of all-ages art studio, always changing and inspired by the immersive environment of galleries and other creative spaces. In the spring of 2016, she launched Sip 'n Sculpt to bring a fun and relaxing creative outlet to neighborhood bars and restaurants. Answering to student and customer demand for accessible and affordable art materials, she founded Sticky Fingers Art Supply Co. in March of 2017 to promote high quality art supplies for a steal of a price.

Her writing is published in Home Educators Resource Directory and the #besomebody. blog. Jennifer’s paper creds include: B.F.A. in Drawing, M.Ed., S.B.L Certification.


Feel free to email any questions or comments to info@creativespacearts.com, or visit my website at stickyfingersartsupply.com. I aim to create an open exchange of ideas and best practices.

References:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/486599934729594877/
https://www.pinterest.com/stickyfingersartsupply/washi-your-world/
http://www.stickyfingersartsupply.com/
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