Australian coastline: make your own collage papers

This activity needs to be done in two stages. First lesson is to make the collage papers to represent the sand, sea, sky, rocks and greenery in the sand dunes. Demonstrate the brush techniques to create textures: broad, smooth for the sky, layered, flowing for the sea, dabbing for the sand, twisting for the rocks and short vertical strokes for the greenery in the sand dunes. Once dry, these can be collaged and assorted mixed media materials added for a wonderful finished artwork. Inexpensive and no need to purchase expensive specialty papers! 

Aboriginal Salt Pan Designs

Inspired by the book "Why I Love Australia" by Bronwyn Bancroft, students can make wonderful designs after viewing her depiction of the Australian inland salt pans. I suggest a pencil sketch first then outlined in permanent marker. Encourage the students to take risks when applying water colour to let the colours mix together to create a unique effect. This book is great to make meaningful links between literature and art. I have used this book in my visual art programs from Kindergarten through to Year 6 with impressive outcomes.

Budget garage sale classroom resources

I picked up a great book about Australia at a garage sale for $2.00! It had fabulous images of Australian flora, fauna and landscape which I cut out and laminated. Instantly I had a gorgeous set of images to inspire the students in their drawing. They are very glossy and the students loved them! Many had images on the back also which is a further saving in laminating costs! We picked up a laminator for use at home for $50.00, so great value and convenient.

Stick insects

I think these stick insects in a natural habitat are fabulous. All you need are sticks, assorted debris from the garden beds and a hot glue gun. You will have to ask the students to design their stick insect and then you will have to use the glue gun! You could also make other creatures, real or fantasy. Costs very little, but a simple and fun idea. Great for a unit of work on sustainability.

Rustic colour mixing

My students love this activity. Fold newspaper three times to create a rustic palette. Add primary colours, red, blue and yellow to the newspaper plus white. Use medium size flat brushes to mix colour to paint but no water! Show students the artwork of Australian artist Queenie McKenzie as inspiration for painting the landscapes of the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Students can clean their brush from time to time by painting onto their palette but encourage them to take risks and discover what wonderful colours they can create by mixing. The newspaper palette can be folded together to spread remaining paint, left to dry and used for future collage projects, or left-over paint used in a communal artwork with a similar theme.

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 :)