Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Kindergarten "Chihuly" ceiling



So- I had the kindergarten students use permanent markers to draw designs on their cup. I asked them to choose either warm or cool colors, and we had a lengthy discussion on the meaning of PERMANENT. After their cups were complete, we melted them in a toaster oven (near a vented window). It gave the effect of Chihuly's Machias. They were then hung to the plastic sheeting over our light fixtures in the hallway.

10 comments:

Mr. E said...

This is fun Julie...love them on the lights!

Ms. Jamieson said...

This is a wonderful project, so original. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

This is very cool. I know the kindergartners love it.
I'd like more info about melting the cups.

Mrs. Fritz said...

Artsy Teacher- it's really easy. I had 9 oz clear cups left over from my art reception this summer. We used permanent markers to draw all over the cups. I then melted them 2 at a time in an Oven Style toaster- about 300, don't get hotter than that, and in about 1 minute, they will melt. I let the kids watch, and tell me when they looked "melty" enough. Hot glued to the plastic over our neon lighting in the hallway.

Unknown said...

Mrs. Fritz
Thank you so much. I will try this with my kindergarten students.
Ginny
wkeartsmarts.blogspot.com

Snippety Gibbet said...

Those are beautiful! I'm going to have to do that one. jan

Mrs. Fritz said...

One thing-if you do this in the classroom as I did, make sure you have the toaster in a well vented area. I set mine up near the open window. It doesn't get too smelly, but better safe than sorry when it comes to fumes.

Ms.Smith's Class said...

This is such a cool installation idea. Have you taken them down? Did it harm the light panels? I am worried what our building manager might say.

Mrs. Fritz said...

I was in the unique position to do this project the year before our school underwent a massive re-construction. SO, I had free reign. However, the Janitors really had no complaint. They were lightweight, they were on with hot glue, which can be popped off if needed. Another art teacher used a piece of clear plastic wired right under the light- so, you could do that. Unfortunately, I did have to take it down for construction, but am plotting a new way to do one. They changed the fixtures in our new space, so we don't have that flat plastic covering anymore. Hope that helps.

Mr. LaFleur said...

I am overwhelmed! Our 5th graders just went to the symphony today and as there is a large Chihuly piece in the foyer, I gave a quick art lesson on him and his work. The kids loved the piece, but I never thought we could do something so powerful in "his" style. Thanks!