Thursday, January 8, 2009

mixed media background tutorial

I have been doing a mixed media project with my elementary kids and we are having a lot of fun using layers in art so here is a quick tutorial if you want to try it out with us.
First, use crayons and trace or draw shapes in different colors, overlapping them to create new shapes.
Next, add stamp images in different colored inks overlapping and coming off the edge.
Next, color in the shapes with different colored pencils or crayons. Use similar colors, and use the same color in different areas to creat unity.
Add details, words, patterns with another layer with darker markers, overlapping more.
The last step can be collage. Add layers of images over your mixed media background. Have fun make art!

9 comments:

Sir Pumpkin said...

I am going to try this too. I love the way you create the background.
And how marvellous to get the youngsters expressing their creativity.

Anji Gallanos said...

You know I needed something to get me started and this little tutorial might be the perfect thing. I love watching kids create.

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Wow, that's gorgeous! I'm working on a roundup of projects for kids and I'll be linking!

julie king said...

these doodled backgrounds look like fun!!!! thanks for the idea!!

scrapnchat said...

So cool Jenn, looks like a lot of steps though. I am so ADD these days.... Maybe I will try it with Devyn. Heather

kathy said...

HEY _ GIrl -- I am so glad for inspiration for my kids I do a craft for every week at a mission church( 50 weeks a year and needs to fit what the bIble point that week -- when it is feelings etc - or caring it gets hard ) --our church sponsers -- This is a great idea -- then I can print the Bible scripture and some graphic and they can glue it on - YEAH _ !!--YOUr sweet puppy too adorable - Kathy - ga

Margaret said...

great tutorial thank you! will be having a go at this

ch said...

This is a great project. I will definitely be trying this myself and with my kids!
Thank you for the inspiration!
Cindy

Davinia said...

Only a few months late, but I just discovered you blog and your fantastic backgrounds. Great for big kids too! Hope you dont' mind but I've put a link to your blog on my blog.