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The 'big' computer is playing up. I've tried two system restores at different points in time but it still refuses to work properly! Windows 8 and Compaq don't seem to have been a happy mix for me. I hope customer service at Curry's/PC World is up to scratch when I take it back at Xmas.
So, am unable to upload any photos of all the wonderful stuff the children are doing or list any more goodies in my 'shops' - but please don't let that put you off having a look in them anyway because there are still some wonderful bargains to be had.

castles

The y2 children made their pop-up castles yesterday. After careful detailing and cutting out they assembled them into working pieces.

 

They even suggested the addition of a 'working' drawbridge across the moat.

 



 

They now plan to add text (facts, names of features etc.).

still no idea?

This should make it obvious. Today in Art club we painted the panels that I cut out of thick card last week. Next time we plan to add patterns (stripes, zig-zags, spots/dots etc.) in a darker shades of green.

 

It should all be ready to slot together for the beginning of December!

block printing

Last week in y3 we designed our printing blocks. This week we made them. We used balsa wood (easily cut with sharp scissors) as our carving skills aren't quite up to the mark. The idea is to copy the techniques of printers in India and use the wooden blocks to print onto fabric. 

 

timeline

Today I've been busy putting up an art timeline around the room. I've tried to place the artists according to the timespan during which they were active - its not precise! Its simply to inform the children of the approximate era in which certain well-known artists plied their trade.

 

The timeline stretches around 3 sides of the room beginning with the Romans at 0! I'm not going to extend it BC but am putting up pictures that represent Greek, Egyptian and 'cave' art in the windows on the 4th side, immediately prior to the timeline start (if that makes sense).
It all took far longer than I thought it would - having to print out each artists label, find suitable artworks, print them out, trim them and then finally blu-tack it all in place! Tomorrow I'm planning to unpack, assemble and become familiar with the new kiln!

today

Am busy getting my art room into shape! But still finding time to come up with ideas for forthcoming lessons. Y2's are looking at castles so I thought we could have a go at pop-ups.

 

 

 

My sister likes penguins so I've cheap-skated and drawn her a xmas card this year. It helps if you squint a little as you look at the pic;

 

The little chaps are supposed to look like they're holding their flippers/wings in certain positions, though the more I look at 's' the more I see Elvis !? Big sis doesn't read my blog (!) so I'm not giving the surprise away.

can you tell what it is yet?

 Today I've been cutting up some huge tri-wall boxes (really thick corrugated card). The white strip is a 1 metre ruler - just to give you an idea of their size! They come flat. Apparently we can get hold of as many as we want! The only problem is they weigh around 15kg just as they are and are too large to store down the cellar!

 

 

The next pic shows a trial fitting together of some of the parts - trapeziums in this case. Can you guess what the finished construction will be? Clue - It will stand over 3 metres tall and the aim is to get all the children in school to help paint it all various shades of green.

 



 

 UPDATE - have finally managed to list the two recent footy paintings in my Folksy shop. Ended up having to retake the photos. Please click on the button on the right to go to the shop.