Practical Life holds profound significance within the Montessori philosophy, captivating educators and students alike. Here, Montessori beautifully connects these concepts of dignity and independence to the skills children learn in their Montessori classroom. The author has a particular interest in fiber arts and crafts, and in this article, the…

Implementing short courses on the complex process of batik creation for foreign students, which have to be conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a challenge. Therefore, this research aims to explore the implementation of batik art practices that involve online learning and digital technology. This study entails an online course…

The aim of this study was to investigate the ways in which textile materials and techniques are expressed in contemporary art in Finland. The first phase of data collection was to identify a population of Finnish artists who use textile craft-based forms in their art and who produce their works themselves. After that, six discretionary selected…

The author discovered artist Eleanor McCain's work on "Dear Ada," an art blog he follows. McCain makes brightly colored art quilts using various rectangles and squares. She creates visual "pop" by using these shapes in a variety of sizes and bright colors. There is an interesting spatial "push and pull" that happens when looking at her quilts.…

Art is all about the process of exploration. The final results are less important than what a child imagines, experiences, and learns along the way. Packed with a year's worth of art projects kids can create out of everyday objects and recycled materials. From buttons to Bubble Wrap and rocks to socks, the author shows how to plan exciting art…

An inspiring article in a craft magazine spurred the author to attempt a dimensional collage project with high-schoolers. The magazine piece concerned the embellishing of a vintage handbag. Artists have been altering objects for countless years; art teachers can find many fine examples with which to motivate their students. One example is to use a…

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a very prolific Impressionist/Post-Impressionist artist whose longevity allowed him to produce many wonderful, brightly colored pieces of art that spanned different styles, movements and media. Elementary-school children love color and appreciate any project that does not require their work to be exact or totally…

Nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) and nanotechnology are emerging fields that have captured the attention of scientists and engineers, as well as mainstream media. However, the general public is relatively unaware of NSE, and schools (both K-12 and undergraduate institutions) rarely include nanotechnology as part of their curriculum. To help…

Christmas art projects emphasizing creativity and freedom of material and color. Projects require no patterns and little expense. (AP)

Each sixth-grade student contributed one square for a class Halloween quilt, made by printing with fabric crayons. Techniques are described. (RM)

Sixth grade students taught to make plaster dried masks in shape of totem poles from discarded plastic containers. (DS)

Rice can be the basis for mosaics, flower arrangements, games, toys, and many things children would like to make. It can add new dimensions to making candles, coasters, and jewelry. Working with rice can aid in the development of appreciation of texture, symmetry, coordination, imagination and, at the same time, result in hand-made gifts for…

An illustrated article showing and describing Handicrafts suggested by James W. Perrin, Jr., Shirley Amerie, Janet D. MacKenzie, and Caroline C. Allrutz.

A teacher describes a dollmaking project she used with her coeducational sixth grade class. Pictures of the students' rag and stocking dolls illustrate the article. (SJL)