It is always interesting to observe a wide range of creative results when students begin a project with the same subject and materials. The lesson described in this article on stitching challenges students to design a turkey on burlap using colorful yarns and a small variety of materials. Each feathered Tom emerges with a unique personality, which…

Although the craft and art of bookmaking has a rich history, artworks about books are relatively new. The author teaches in a school that has an international population where a variety of languages and cultures flourish. He took this opportunity to develop a ceramic unit that combined sculptural design, the history of bookmaking, and traditional…

Often we find great ideas around the artroom. One day, the author spotted several pieces of construction paper that had gotten wet near the sink. They had stained the white paper they were lying on. He noticed a design of strong contrast exhibited by the stains. Layers of transparent color had created textural nuances resembling a multicolored…

If you are interested in using sequential art forms such as comic books in your EFL classroom, this article is full of helpful advice. Reading sequential art is beneficial because students can work with authentic texts with real language and graphic support. Students can also apply research and cultural knowledge to the creation of their own…

In this article, the author describes how her art class students were able to create, in just four class periods, clay relief plaques depicting nature. A lesson on texture speeds up the completion of such a project. Seeing that clay is a natural material with its own unique texture, it seemed fitting that the final product should depict a variety…

The Natural Resources Defense Council in New York recently warned against hazardous art supplies in a report entitled "Children's Art Hazards." Potential hazards are discussed. Suggestions on selection of art materials and procedures to minimize risk are made. (MT)

The author discusses the potential hazards of working with fibers, dyes, and wax in textile art projects: bacteria, dust, poisons, allergies, and fumes. Safety precautions for working with dyes are listed. This article is one of seven in this issue on fiber arts. (SJL)

Outlines a high school sculpture project using plaster and a vacuum forming machine. (SJL)

Describes student sculptures made from discarded materials, such as wire, tubing, and salt blocks. (SJL)

Briefly outlines three sculpture projects for secondary students, two using papier mache, one using wood. (SJL)

Described is the art of collecting grasses, canes, bamboo, willow, reeds, rushes and raffia, and forming them into baskets. These basketry methods can also be used to make animal-like forms, napkin rings, or decorative jewelry pieces. (KC)

It is suggested that sandstone makes a good inexpensive medium for sand sculpture. It is available at foundries, or it can be made out of sand. Two formulas for making sandstone are included. (KC)

One of the most common disposable materials in our society is polystyrene, of which grocery store meat trays, egg cartons, and several kinds of protective packing materials are made. Describes the characteristics of five different polystyrenes and some suggested uses for art classes. (RM)

The helpful guide shows librarians how they can encourage school-art-teachers to try a reading table in the art room. A list of thirty reference books is included. (MF)

A high school art teacher reports her classroom experiences with a new type of chemical paint-alkyds. (SJL)