Kick-start 3D pen

Technology and devices have become a new contributor to the art classroom, especially with it being SAFE for use, accessible and reasonably priced.

I participated in a 3hr workshop late last year to get a feel on how the 3D pen function. This is so I know a little to oversee: What are the safety issues and way to grip the device. And as they say "the rest is up to them" which is entirely true because students created and problem-solve structural issue way way better than I can.

Students attended a different workshop conducted by Simplify3D. During this session, our instructor shared and explained, followed


Second attempt by two students. This was done entirely on their own freehand without a template or guide.


Student J on the other hand picked up the use of device very naturally.

Portraits of Classmates through Assemblage

This was project inspired by a mix of relief sculpture and assemblage.  

We wanted cost to be low and more importantly, to make use of materials the school has in stock, hence over six sessions, eight students worked on these two frames. 

Session 1: As always, sketches and ideas from students

Session 2: Transferring ideas onto board (that came with the Ikea Frame). Start gluing objects, in this case, we used lots of plastic drink bottles the school had left over from a previous project. 

* Tip*  tape a border to create a marker so no object is glue, otherwise fitting on the frame may end up being challenging. 

Session 3 & 4: Check most items are securing glued. Paper marche a layer or two of Kitchen Towel (or Tissue Paper). This create a nice surface for acrylic to sit. At the end of session 4 or before you are ready to add colours, create an outline (if necessary) and let it dry over night at least.    

Session 5 & 6: As always, I strongly encouraged the background of any large project or canvas to be filled first. Especially like us, we have limited time, filling the background first reduce the need for major touch-up.  

[Recycled Jars] Pasting

The jars turned out quite nicely once the glue dried. Materials for this were simple white glue and cut paper bits. The challenge for some was to gage the size of paper bits against the contour of the glass jar. 

Step 1: Cut Bits

Step 2: Glue Bits

Step 3: Generously add glue on the overside of the paper bits to seal everything down.

Step 4: Dry

[Recycled Jars] Drawings

Scaffolding towards painting on glass jars and bottles. 

It can be difficult creating on curved and fragile surfaces so the first step can be to draw on glass jars with permanent coloured markers. 

It was good to see how each student problem-solved to hold the jars and to prevent it from slipping away. 

Yarn or Cotton Twine: paper marche style

 

A bowl: Twine in an orderly manner or allow yarn to get all tangled and wired up. 

An Ornament, unexpected results as the balloon deflated to take its own hollow form. 

christmas ideas - snowman and tree

keeping the last two projects simple and quick (1.5hrs) to ensure students are able to take the pieces home instead of collecting next year. 

the snowman sits away from the background. students love it since it has a slight pop-out effect. 

Step 1: on paper, paint the background. being in sunny singapore, students didnt really assiciate with snow.

Step 2: on a second piece of paper, a cut-out snowman. there is a folded flap

at the top&bottom end 

Step 3: decorate snowman

Step 4:  Paste onto background. glue just the ends so it stands

the tree was done in acrylic, coloured markers and oil pastel. not forgetting the handy hair dryer. 

Step 1: paint background or use a sponge

Step 2: add colours onto wooden shapes. glitters might be a good touch. i usually dont use much of these as it gets everywhere. with fingers in eyes or mouth too. 

Step 3: paint tree. student can choose to paint shapes, shades or just plain o lines 

Step 4 (optional) use oil pastel to add finishing touches 

Christmas Garland

an unexpected project: student-artist wanted a piece to welcome her parents home from their working trip. this photo was snap as it sits on their bedroom door.

Scale: approx A3

Step 1: cut a ring from cardboard. 

Step 2: this is the tricky step - on the cardboard, pierce two holes. Take a wire strip, loop it through to form a hook. 

tip:: Twist the wire strip to make it stronger, like plaits.

Step 3: select colour paper. draw shape of leaves. than cut and paste

Step 4: Draw snowman (or any other christmas icon. Cut and paste