Great classroom craft storage idea

Very cheaply you can store craft materials in hanging polyester nets. From IKEA I have purchased these fabulous storage tubes with six compartments for $4.99!!!! Best for lightweight materials such pompoms, feathers, ribbons, wool etc. The students love to use to these and draw their inspiration by having them in view and accessible. They come in bright, appealing colours and look great. All you need is a hook or two in the ceiling and a quick trip to IKEA then Reverse Garbage for inspirational supplies.

Scour second hand stores

When searching for inspiration without breaking the budget, I often scour the local second hand stores. I found this cute little bottle to mosaic for 50 cents. This is one of my current works in progress and next step is grouting. Often you can find tables, trays, vases, bottles and jars very cheaply which make a great base for communal projects. You need to be open minded, really LOOK and use a little imagination! Pop some loose change in your pocket and have fun....I do :)

What is the answer?

My son just asked me, "Do you think art imitates life or life imitates art Mum?" Well.....where do I begin!

Create your own collage papers

To make your budget go further, use up your paints and inks by painting onto left-over papers at the end of each lesson. Fast finishers love to help. These papers, once dry, can be cut into smaller shapes and stored in recycling containers for future use in art projects. The presentation of these wonderful painted crabs was enhanced by collaging onto these splashed and streaked recycled papers. Love this activity! It would be great if you had crabs in the classroom for observation.

Expressive lines with a dash of colour

These samples show how the students can explore the qualities of line inspired by the rainforest. Demonstrate the curved lines of the vines, structures lines of the ferns and tangled lines in the canopy using a black soft pastel. Add a dash of colour, allowing the colours to mix on the artwork itself. This activity is always successful and requires no elaborate preparation.

Christmas!

Working collaboratively on Christmas projects is a great idea! The only materials required for these activities are coloured paper (recycled if possible), craft glue, assorted boxes, ribbons, star template (discount store) and imagination! Lots of fun twisting, twirling, folding, curling and scrunching paper in a multitude of ways to create a 3D effect on the Christmas tree. You could photograph the paper craft to make interesting collage material for another project or to use in card making or for wrapping paper. I love the decoupage Christmas presents. Next time I might put a real present inside!