Recycled Art Flowers
This project involves using recycled material to create something new. Nobody seems to ever like using crayons once they get to be about an inch long or so and have lost their wrappers….so what is one to do with them? Throwing them away seems like a waste, so of course we would make art projects out of them! Students select the colors they wish to use and hot glue them along in a straight line at the base of a cardstock board. Heat is applied using a heatgun (after a safety lesson is given) and the crayons melt and blend out together into streaky lines. It is very cool to watch!
The background is treated with a watercolor wash and then plastic water bottles get recycled into the flowers. The bottles are trimmed near the base to prepare for the flowers to be formed. After cutting out a rough outline of the shape for all the petals, a heatgun is used to warp and manipulate the petals so to appear more realistic. A thin coat of acrylic paint to the inside of the petals allows for light to pass through and creates a nearly glass like finish to the petals.
Minnesota State Visual Arts Standards:
1. Analyze how the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space; and principles such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are combined to communicate meaning in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks. (9.1.1.5.1)
2. Evaluate how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks. (9.1.1.5.2)
4. Apply understanding of the health and safety issues related to creating in art. (9.1.1.5.4)
1. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture. (0.1.2.5.1)
2. Revise artworks based on artistic intent and using multiple sources of critique and feedback. (9.2.1.5.2)
1. Present, exhibit, publish or demonstrate collections of artworks for different audiences and occasions. (9.3.1.5.1)
The background is treated with a watercolor wash and then plastic water bottles get recycled into the flowers. The bottles are trimmed near the base to prepare for the flowers to be formed. After cutting out a rough outline of the shape for all the petals, a heatgun is used to warp and manipulate the petals so to appear more realistic. A thin coat of acrylic paint to the inside of the petals allows for light to pass through and creates a nearly glass like finish to the petals.
Minnesota State Visual Arts Standards:
1. Analyze how the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space; and principles such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are combined to communicate meaning in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks. (9.1.1.5.1)
2. Evaluate how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks. (9.1.1.5.2)
4. Apply understanding of the health and safety issues related to creating in art. (9.1.1.5.4)
1. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture. (0.1.2.5.1)
2. Revise artworks based on artistic intent and using multiple sources of critique and feedback. (9.2.1.5.2)
1. Present, exhibit, publish or demonstrate collections of artworks for different audiences and occasions. (9.3.1.5.1)