Art workshops using recycled materials.
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Wall Hanging
A variety of small 3d shapes can be made from recycled materials by group members then arranged to produce a pattern using colour, form, space, material or whatever criteria the artists decide to use. These will be joined using nylon line to create a decorative large hanging attached to a plain neutral coloured wall. Shapes can be made by classes in key stages 1 to 4, designing the wall hanging and constructing for groups in key stages 3 - 4. Duration: 3 - 4 days depending on number of classes involved.
Mobile Artworks (suspended)
Selecting lightweight discarded materials for their colour, translucency and texture. Students experiment with pivotal points and delicate balances using wire to create a unique suspended artwork. Inspired by Alexander Calder mobiles. Key stages: upper KS2 to KS4. Duration: 1 day.
Suspended Artwork
Selecting lightweight discarded materials for their colour, translucency and texture, using nylon line to create the illusion of being suspended in air (ability to tie knots essential), consider space as part of the form. Key stages: upper KS2 to KS4. Duration: 1 day.
Printing using recycled materials (click on image to enlarge).
Printing blocks can be made from waste materials, and a variety of discarded objects will produce exciting mark-making possibilities. Once discovered these can be used to produce patterns or images for pictures or cards, the possibilities are endless. This can be linked to the Laminated Jewellery Workshop and the Decorative Vessels. Key stages: 2 - 4. Duration: Half a day to 1 day.
Decorative Vessels (click on image to enlarge)
Form vessels using paper, design and create pattern using printed shapes (link to above workshop). Make base using copper wire from electrical flex. Key stages: KS2 and lower KS3. Duration: Half a day to 1 day.
Wearable Art
Participants can work together to create a lavish costume, outrageous head wear or extravagant jewellery for a larger than life character, materials such as plastic bottles, carrier bags, drinks cans can be used. Through cutting, piercing, pleating, and many other actions these can be totally transformed into radical item of fashion. An alternative variation would be for pupils to work individually on their own wearable artwork.Key stages: upper KS2, KS3, KS4. Duration: Minimum 2 days. This could be developed into an event to celebrate the work produced, perhaps an Alternative Art-Fashion Show. Invitations, posters to publicise and the workshop and event could be film
ed.
Cuffs, bangles, bracelets.
Deceptively simple, make the bracelet using milk bottles, or for a greater challenge convert a yoghurt pot into a bracelet. A step-by-step workshop, but with the opportunity to add to the basic form to make the cuff/bangle/bracelet more individual. No one ever guesses the source material! Key stages: KS3, KS4. Duration: half a day.
Laminated Jewellery
Collaging with coloured papers, foils, plastic bags to produce patterns, which are laminated. From these shapes can be cut and formed into jewellery. A variation is to make a brooch on a greetings card. Key stages: KS2, KS3, KS4. Duration: half a day.