Making paper can be good for the planet, as well as an adventure for one's students. The costs of the activity of making the pulp from recycled paper are low and it is very eco-friendly. To begin, the author showed her middle-school students several examples of handmade paper in which outdoor scenes had been developed using an additive technique.…

Creating a painting with texture is easy, although using heavy gel medium or modeling paste may be pricey ways to go about it. High school artists generally like making collages and mixed-media. In this article, the author suggests ways to capitalize on that interest with inexpensive fabric in a painting project.

There's something irresistible about squeezing out lines and shapes with a bottle of glue. It's fun, yes. But, even better: it's tactile. The glue dries slightly raised on the surface, lending itself to several exciting treatments. In this article, the author describes some activities that confirm how a simple art material like glue can be…

Describes a printmaking activity where the students draw in printing ink on plexiglass slabs in order to create a mirror image called a monoprint. Explains that the students should not write words on their monoprints for two reasons: (1) it takes too long to write backwards; and (2) the ink dries quickly. (CMK)

Describes a project in which ninth grade students sculpt gargoyles as part of a Gothic unit. Discusses the construction of the gargoyles from the initial sketches to sculpting methods and effects to finishes. Offers tips on what to avoid. (CMK)

Provides ideas for using throwaways and substitutions, such as homemade objects and everyday items, as art supplies and other resources in the art classroom. Throwaways and substitutions are a way to be environmentally caring, to extend meager supplies, and to supplement art budgets. (CMK)

Discusses a short art assignment that stresses basic design principles for students in elementary through secondary education. States that students receive four pieces of paper, use one for background, and the others are cut or torn into different shapes. Explains that the students create compositions using asymmetrical balance. (CMK)

Describes an art activity in which students create "chemigrams" using exposed photo paper to create designs. Explains that this activity can be used with middle and high school students as an introduction to photography or use of chemicals. (CMK)

Describes an art project for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, in which plastic drinking straws serve as a weaving loom. Discusses the process. (CMK)

Presents an art activity where students learn about Cubism and color mixing. Explains that the students create camouflaged animals after learning about the work, "Female Torso" (Pablo Picasso). Includes directions for how to create the pictures and states that the assignment can be used with students of all ages. (CMK)

Describes an art project for high school students that combines a still-life drawing with 12 colors of tempera paint colors to teach students about the color wheel. Discusses the process of creating the paintings and the assessment of students. Includes a list of the materials needed. (CMK)

Explains that creating color wheels is an appropriate assignment in the art classroom for students of all ages, including high school students, because it still offers older students a challenge. Discusses how students can create color wheels and lists the materials that are needed. (CMK)

Describes a project used in a beginning art class. High school students participated in a study of color mixing in which they created their own subtle variations of color. States that the students gain painting experience by blending many color variations. (CMK)

Describes a motivating activity for drawing still-life. States that students did contour drawings with markers and then layers of color tissue were used for enhancement. Students learned to appreciate the accidental variations caused by the materials. Concludes that this lesson increased students' motivation for contour drawing. Identifies…