Spur of the moment projects are sometimes the best fun! I had planned for Mr. B to research some Greek mosaic projects online and then write up a notebook page but it was a long afternoon with not much else planned so we decided to make some real mosaics.
We "Googled Greek Mosaic patterns" and we found a few that would work. This one was our favorite: Examples of Greek Key Roman Mosaics. We each printed something out that we thought looked interesting. I had some 4" by 4" tiles sitting on the shelf that were supposed to be painted for another project but I donated them to the cause. I also had a tub of little ceramic tiles left from a project that we did two years ago which were gathering dust in the supply cupboard.
We used ordinary Elmer's White School Glue to adhere the little tile squares to the big tile.
Mr. B placed his tile pattern all the way to the edge which turned out better than mine. He adjusted his design and found some of the little tiles that were a bit smaller to make it work.
I am fairly sure that I purchased this tub of mosaic tiles at Michael's art store.
Mosaic Stones on Amazon.com
So here are the two finished projects, mine on the left and Mr. B's on the right. I think they will be used in the kitchen as trivets....functional art projects always make me smile.
We took advantage of the time we worked to listen to an audio book of Greek Mythology which turned this ordinary mosaic research project into a full-blown mosaic experience, complete with a little Greek culture mixed in.
Tales From Greek Legends on Amazon.com
Here are a few more photos of his Greek art study.
Ancient Greek notebook page from my Ancient Art ebook.
Greek vase project done with pencil and markers.
Athena sketch for art notebook.
Column styles done from memory.
High school is still a time for having a good time with art. Mr. B and I decided to initiate a regular Friday afternoon art session together even if it is just to view some art online and discuss it together.
Savoring the moments......
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
5 comments:
Thank you for post these posts on the projects that your high school boys are doing. Many think that once they are in high school, there should not be any more hands-on projects, but just as you have shown, it isn't until they reach this skill level that they can produce such beautiful pieces. I was particularly impressed with the drawing of the Greek vase. He has talent that you have nurtured so tenderly. It is wonderful to see it now flower.
I totally agree with the idea that high school IS a time for hands-on projects. They are now able to do their own research and make each assignment their own without me spoon-feeding them from my lesson ideas. Another thing that I have learned is that you cannot make them do projects that don't mean something to them and expect good results. Balance...it is all about balance.
Thanks Phyllis for the thoughtful comment.
Great post! We are back to Ancients next year. We did a small mosaic project last time around, but I didn't have the small tiles. Instead I flattened out some polymer clay, cut it into little pieces and baked. Homemade tiles! We just glued ours to a piece of cardboard.
Thanks for the resources.
Sarah
Love the idea of making our own Sculpy tiles, maybe another time when we think of it beforehand.
I have been doing mosaic projects around the house for fun...added some sparkly tiles to our walkway when we built it last fall. It makes me so happy to see it every time I walk by.
Thanks for the Sculpy idea.
While the polymer clay worked out well, it is true what they say about necessity being the mother of invention. Lack of planning (and my dislike of shopping) forced me to come up with an alternative!
Sarah
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