Masks made out of recycled news paper.
"Paper Mache"
All Work you can see in this post were made with children with multiple disabilities.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Recycling Materials into Art Works
Recycling Trash Into Art Work
Coke Pet Bottles turned into Flowers
Magazines Christmas Trees
All Work you can see below were made with children with multiple disabilities.
Turning Old Records Into Art
Origami Workshop
About Origami
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and crease patterns preferably without the use of gluing or cutting the paper, and using only one piece of paper.
Origami only uses a small number of different folds, but they can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. The most well known form is probably the Japanese paper crane. In general, these designs begin with a square sheet of paper whose sides may be different colors or prints. There is much speculation as to the origin of origami. It is generally believed that most of its modern developments occurred in Japan; however, there have also been independent paperfolding traditions in China, Germany, and Spain, among other places.
Origami had already become a significant aspect of Japanese ceremony by the Heian period of Japanese history. Samurai warriors would exchange gifts adorned with noshi, a sort of good luck token made of folded strips of paper. Origami butterflies were used during the celebration of Shinto weddings to represent the bride and groom.
Special origami paper, often also referred to as "kami" (Japanese for paper, among other things), is sold in prepackaged squares of various sizes ranging from 2.5 cm to 25 cm or more. It is commonly colored on one side and white on the other; however, dual colored and patterned versions exist and can be used effectively for color-changed models. Origami paper weighs slightly less than copy paper, making it suitable for a wider range of models.
Origami Workshops
Thursday, July 23, 2009
All you should know about Face Painting
Face painting:
Face painting is the artistic application of cosmetic "paint" to a person's face. There are special water-based cosmetic "paints" made for face painting; people should ask before having face paints applied what products are being used. Acrylic and tempera craft paints are not meant for use on skin and are not acceptable, nor are watercolor pencils or markers. Products not intended for use on skin can cause a variety of issues ranging from discomfort to severe allergic reactions.
From ancient times, it has been used for hunting, religious reasons, and military reasons (such as camouflage and to indicate membership in a military unit). In re-entered the popular culture during the hippie movement of the late 1960s, when it was common for young women to decorate their cheeks with flowers or peace symbols at anti-war demonstrations.
For several decades it has been a common entertainment at county fairs, large open-air markets (especially in Europe and the Americas), and other locations where children and adolescents are. Face painting is very popular among children at theme parks, parties and festivals throughout the Western world. Though the majority of face painting is geared towards children, many teenagers and adults enjoy being painted for special events, such as charity fund raisers.
(Source: Wikipedia online)
"Face painting is a fun activity, and can be a very rewarding business. For some people, it is an occasional event where they paint just a few kids. For others, it becomes a career involving days or even weeks of 10-hour days at festivals, painting person after person. No matter which type of painter you are, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when you are painting."
Top 10 Tips for "Face Painting"
Tip 1: Use Suitable Paints (Face Painting Safety)
“Non-Toxic” does not mean “safe for skin.” Acrylic craft paints are not meant to be used on the skin – nor are watercolor markers or pencils. Just because the package says "non-toxic" does not mean that it is safe to put on skin. Many people are allergic to the non-FDA approved chemicals and colorants used in craft paints (such as nickel), and will break out in a rash from these paints. Watercolor markers (or "washable markers") do not remove from skin easily – it can take days to get the stain removed. The "washable" part of the name refers to fabric, not skin. There are many brands of safe face paint readily available (Snazaroo [Buy Direct], Wolfe Brothers, Fardel, Fantasy World Wide, Paradise, Mehron, Kryolan, and Ben Nye, for example) and they are not more expensive than craft paints since a little bit goes a very long way!
Tip 2 : Value Your Paints
Professional face paint and stage makeup can be expensive, particularly if you're painting a whole kids party's worth of faces. Don't leave them around where people can get hold of them and try them out for themselves. Try out different types of paint to see which you find the best for working with, such as paint in tubs or paint in stick form.
Tip 3: Sponge Don't Brush
If you're wanting to cover a large area or put on a base color, use a sponge to apply the paint rather than a brush, it'll be quicker. Having a different sponge for different colors eliminates the necessity of washing out the sponge during a painting session (the same applies to brushes).
Tip 4: Be Patient and Think Thin
Let the first color dry before applying a second. If you don't, they'll mix and you'll probably have to wipe it off and start again. Also, rather than applying one thick layer of paint, which may crack, apply a thin layer, let it dry, then apply another.
Tip 5: Visualize the Finished Face
Know what you're going to paint before you start, don't make it up as you go along. Kids aren't known for their patience and won't be able to sit still why you ponder what to do next. Have a basic face design fixed in your mind; you can always add special touches to this once you're finished.
Tip 6: Ensure You’re Comfortable
Make sure you have a comfortable chair for yourself, if you paint sitting down, or very comfortable and supportive shoes, if you paint while standing, to protect your back. It is very easy to do long-term damage to your back by holding an uncomfortable position for hours, and face painting is an activity that can easily cause repetitive-stress injuries.
Tip7: Use Stencils
If you're not confident painting freehand, or are short of time, why not use a stencil? Stars, hearts, flowers will all stencil onto a cheek. Have stencils in a few sizes to hand, to allow for small and larger faces.
Tip 8: Temporary Tattoos
Even faster than stencils are temporary tattoos. But some people's skin reacts badly to them and they take longer to remove.
Tip 9: Getting a Decision
If you've got a row of kids lined up to have their faces painted, ask the next kid in line what they'd like a few minutes before you've finished the face you're currently painting. This way they've a little time to try to decide and you don't lose painting time. You may suggest a few faces, to try to limit the choice to one you're confident painting. Consider creating a chart of designs for kids to choose from; it makes it much easier for the kids to make up their minds. Include simple things such as hearts or balloons, as many kids love these.
Tip 10: Never forget: Mirror & Tissues or Baby wipes
Remember to take a mirror so the person who's face you've just painted can see the result (they will always want to see the results). Face painting can be messy, but it's fun! Never forget tissues or Baby wipes that work fast and easy for 'mistakes'; you can also be assured they are safe to use on faces.
(Source: About.com)
Most Popular Face Painting designs include:
* Tiger - This design, in most cases, consists of a body of orange and yellow paint, with black stripes painted on. Details include bushy eye brows and a muzzle or whiskers, alongside a black painted nose.
* Clown - This design, in most cases, consists of a body of white painting. With shapes and features such as a red nose or bright eyes the model is made to take on the features of a circus clown.
* Spiderman - This is a body of red paint with white eyes and spider like black patterns on the models face. Similar to that of the mask worn by Spiderman.
* Dog - Commonly a dalmatian, this design is white with large black spots on the eyes and cheeks. A black nose is added along with whisker pores. A tongue is commonly added to give the effect of the model panting, similar to that of a dog.
* Butterfly - A design consisting of the body of the butterfly being painted on the nose and the wings added across the cheeks. Wing patterns vary.
* Cat - Many designs may feature under this heading. It could be a plain black tabby cat or a wild leopard. Either way, it usually consists of a neutral body of paint with bushy eyebrows and a muzzle.
Face painting is the artistic application of cosmetic "paint" to a person's face. There are special water-based cosmetic "paints" made for face painting; people should ask before having face paints applied what products are being used. Acrylic and tempera craft paints are not meant for use on skin and are not acceptable, nor are watercolor pencils or markers. Products not intended for use on skin can cause a variety of issues ranging from discomfort to severe allergic reactions.
From ancient times, it has been used for hunting, religious reasons, and military reasons (such as camouflage and to indicate membership in a military unit). In re-entered the popular culture during the hippie movement of the late 1960s, when it was common for young women to decorate their cheeks with flowers or peace symbols at anti-war demonstrations.
For several decades it has been a common entertainment at county fairs, large open-air markets (especially in Europe and the Americas), and other locations where children and adolescents are. Face painting is very popular among children at theme parks, parties and festivals throughout the Western world. Though the majority of face painting is geared towards children, many teenagers and adults enjoy being painted for special events, such as charity fund raisers.
(Source: Wikipedia online)
"Face painting is a fun activity, and can be a very rewarding business. For some people, it is an occasional event where they paint just a few kids. For others, it becomes a career involving days or even weeks of 10-hour days at festivals, painting person after person. No matter which type of painter you are, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when you are painting."
Top 10 Tips for "Face Painting"
Tip 1: Use Suitable Paints (Face Painting Safety)
“Non-Toxic” does not mean “safe for skin.” Acrylic craft paints are not meant to be used on the skin – nor are watercolor markers or pencils. Just because the package says "non-toxic" does not mean that it is safe to put on skin. Many people are allergic to the non-FDA approved chemicals and colorants used in craft paints (such as nickel), and will break out in a rash from these paints. Watercolor markers (or "washable markers") do not remove from skin easily – it can take days to get the stain removed. The "washable" part of the name refers to fabric, not skin. There are many brands of safe face paint readily available (Snazaroo [Buy Direct], Wolfe Brothers, Fardel, Fantasy World Wide, Paradise, Mehron, Kryolan, and Ben Nye, for example) and they are not more expensive than craft paints since a little bit goes a very long way!
Tip 2 : Value Your Paints
Professional face paint and stage makeup can be expensive, particularly if you're painting a whole kids party's worth of faces. Don't leave them around where people can get hold of them and try them out for themselves. Try out different types of paint to see which you find the best for working with, such as paint in tubs or paint in stick form.
Tip 3: Sponge Don't Brush
If you're wanting to cover a large area or put on a base color, use a sponge to apply the paint rather than a brush, it'll be quicker. Having a different sponge for different colors eliminates the necessity of washing out the sponge during a painting session (the same applies to brushes).
Tip 4: Be Patient and Think Thin
Let the first color dry before applying a second. If you don't, they'll mix and you'll probably have to wipe it off and start again. Also, rather than applying one thick layer of paint, which may crack, apply a thin layer, let it dry, then apply another.
Tip 5: Visualize the Finished Face
Know what you're going to paint before you start, don't make it up as you go along. Kids aren't known for their patience and won't be able to sit still why you ponder what to do next. Have a basic face design fixed in your mind; you can always add special touches to this once you're finished.
Tip 6: Ensure You’re Comfortable
Make sure you have a comfortable chair for yourself, if you paint sitting down, or very comfortable and supportive shoes, if you paint while standing, to protect your back. It is very easy to do long-term damage to your back by holding an uncomfortable position for hours, and face painting is an activity that can easily cause repetitive-stress injuries.
Tip7: Use Stencils
If you're not confident painting freehand, or are short of time, why not use a stencil? Stars, hearts, flowers will all stencil onto a cheek. Have stencils in a few sizes to hand, to allow for small and larger faces.
Tip 8: Temporary Tattoos
Even faster than stencils are temporary tattoos. But some people's skin reacts badly to them and they take longer to remove.
Tip 9: Getting a Decision
If you've got a row of kids lined up to have their faces painted, ask the next kid in line what they'd like a few minutes before you've finished the face you're currently painting. This way they've a little time to try to decide and you don't lose painting time. You may suggest a few faces, to try to limit the choice to one you're confident painting. Consider creating a chart of designs for kids to choose from; it makes it much easier for the kids to make up their minds. Include simple things such as hearts or balloons, as many kids love these.
Tip 10: Never forget: Mirror & Tissues or Baby wipes
Remember to take a mirror so the person who's face you've just painted can see the result (they will always want to see the results). Face painting can be messy, but it's fun! Never forget tissues or Baby wipes that work fast and easy for 'mistakes'; you can also be assured they are safe to use on faces.
(Source: About.com)
Most Popular Face Painting designs include:
* Tiger - This design, in most cases, consists of a body of orange and yellow paint, with black stripes painted on. Details include bushy eye brows and a muzzle or whiskers, alongside a black painted nose.
* Clown - This design, in most cases, consists of a body of white painting. With shapes and features such as a red nose or bright eyes the model is made to take on the features of a circus clown.
* Spiderman - This is a body of red paint with white eyes and spider like black patterns on the models face. Similar to that of the mask worn by Spiderman.
* Dog - Commonly a dalmatian, this design is white with large black spots on the eyes and cheeks. A black nose is added along with whisker pores. A tongue is commonly added to give the effect of the model panting, similar to that of a dog.
* Butterfly - A design consisting of the body of the butterfly being painted on the nose and the wings added across the cheeks. Wing patterns vary.
* Cat - Many designs may feature under this heading. It could be a plain black tabby cat or a wild leopard. Either way, it usually consists of a neutral body of paint with bushy eyebrows and a muzzle.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Simple origami tutorial
Lily Flower
(Simple origami tutorial)
Here are two Lilies I folded earlier. The paper is coloured on one side and white on the other which gives a nice stripe effect down the centre of the petals.
.
1. Start with a square of paper - I suggest NO smaller than 20cm or it will be too fiddly for first timers. Fold the paper in half both ways diagonally and horizontally and vertically to make a star as in the pic below. Ensure all of your creases are sharp and precises as possible by running finger nail along each crease for every step of this model.
Fold a star shape in the paper. Note how precise the lines are. It's important to take your time in being precise and fussy when folding origami.
2. Now fold the paper (right side out) into a triangle and using the creaselines as a guide begin to push one of the sides in as shown below...
Push one of the sides into the centre of the triangle and repeat with the other side. The result is shown below.
View from top. Push both sides into the centre, this will be the result.
3. Ensure that the open edges of the shape are facing away from you and then take one of the sides and fold into the centre crease line as shown below...
Fold one of the side edges into the center creaseline and repeat with the other side edge and you will get the result shown below...
Now flip the model over, repeat with the other 2 side edges and unfold all of the edges again and you will get the result shown below...
As you can see we have just been making creaselines that will serve as guide for the next step.
4. Take one of the folded side edges and slip your index finger into it as shown in the pic below...
That scar is the result of a small argument (that I lost) with my olfa cutter - we suffer for our art! Slip your finger into the side edge/flap (or whatever you want to call it) and using the creaselines as guide press the flap down so that you get what looks like a kite with a white tip as shown below...
Now repeat the previous step with the other 3 flaps and you will get the result as shown below...
Result. Notice how there are 8 'pages/sides' to the model; some of the 'pages' look like the picture above (with white tip) and other pages look like the pic below...
and others look like this (plain with no white tip) I'm just mentioning the difference in the way the pages look because it's important for the following steps.
5. Ensure the a 'white tip' page is facing up and fold the shape in half by bringing the bottom tip and the top tip together as shown below...
Fold shape in half and make a sharp crease and unfold. We have just made a crease line for later on.
6. Ensuring you have the kite shape with the white tip facing upwards, take one of the top half side edges and (precisely) fold it into the centre crease line as shown below...
Fold the side edge into the centre crease as shown, repeat with the other side, and open out again and you will get the result as shown below...
Result. As you can see we have made creaselines for a triangle. We are going to use these lines for the next step.
7. Follow the steps CLOCKWISE from top left in the pic below...
Clockwise from top left: slip your finger into the top edge of the pocket (pic 1) and using the side creaslines as a guide pull the lip of it all the way down (pic 2), ensure everything is aligned on the centre creasline (pic 3), push the small resulting triangle upward on the creasline as shown (pic 4).
Repeat the whole of step 7 for the other 3 sides (with white tips).
8. Nearly there! Ensure you have a plain side (with no folds or flaps etc. on it) facing up and the open tip open edges are facing away from you. Follow the steps CLOCKWISE from top left in the pic below...
Clockwise from top left: plain side is facing up and the open tip ends are facing away from you (pic 1), precisely fold one of the side edges into the centre creaseline and repeat with the other side (pic 2), repeat with step with the other 3 PLAIN sides (pic 3), this should be the result (pic 4).
9. Pick up the model with the side facing you (as in pic 4 of the previous step) and pull one of the petals downwards as shown in the pic below...
As you pull the petal down you'll notice it will only go so far downwards, at the point where it will go no further make a crease at the base of the petal. Flip the model over and repeat on the other side. Open out and repeat for the remaining 2 petals.
10. Grab a pencil or ruler and curl the edge of the petals to make things even more pretty as shown below.
Curl the petals under with a pencil or ruler and you're done!
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