This was all about the process and it was amazing. The students chose any animal they liked. They then sketched the animal out from two different views. Side full view and front view. From their sketch they made a 3D animal out of paper and tubes. They then used tinfoil to wrap the paper and tubing in place and many used tape to secure or hot glue. It was fascinating to see whose sketch actually resembled their object once constructing began. Many animals changed as the building of the animal transpired and it was incredible to watch them think like artists. Not one student got frustrated when their design didn't resemble their sketch. They just reevaluated and kept creating. They, then wrapped their 3D animals in paper mache strips. This took about 2 classes for them to mold. After the drying stage, they painted their animals in whatever colors they wanted and added embellishments, like feathers or google eyes, if they wanted. The final step was to name their animal and display proudly in the hall. What a fantastic project that the entire class had a fun time doing! 

The 8th Grade made Angel Wings for a mural in the middle school hallways. After looking at Kelsey Montague's Art, we discussed murals and the design of them. I had the chance to visit her angel wings in Nashville so I showed them pictures of myself, to get an idea of how large the mural was, and also showed them pictures of my sister at the smaller wing mural intended for pets. (Side note: We had no clue it was for pets when we took the picture. We thought it was just for sitting angels...haaaaa!!) 

The students designed different feathers on large 11x14 paper, fitting about 4 a sheet. They could use any medium to design: watercolor, pencil, marker, oil pastels. I drew two large wings on blue bulleting board paper, about 6 feet long. I let them design the placing of the feathers. The next week they painted papers with acrylics that would be cut up and used for the top layers of the wings. They turned out amazing...stay tuned for picture. A great photo op for the students.