Crayon Rubbings – Mittens
Concept:
Students will become familiar with the two types of texture used in the visual arts. Physical Texture is the actual variations on the artwork’s surface that can be felt by touch (rough or smooth; wood grain or glass; fur or leather, etc.). Visual Texture is the illusion of having physical texture. See Texture Discussion Notes.
Materials:
- White construction paper mittens, pre-cut with hole punched
- Rubbing/Texture plates
- Rubbing crayons
- Yarn cut into 2-ft sections
- Pencils (for writing name)
Set Up:
Each student receives:
- 2 white paper mittens
Each table should have:
- A number of different colored rubbing crayons
- Variety of rubbing/texture plates
Class time:
- As always… keep it simple! Discuss the two types of texture – physical and visual (see TEXTURE Discussion Notes).
- Show students various artwork samples that embody the two types of texture. For example, sculptures, tile work, glass work, ect. can be shown/passed around for students to experience physical texture. Pictures of paintings from books or posters can show animals or scenes in which a texture is implied.
- Read The Mitten by Jan Brett (point out textures throughout the book)
Art time:
- Explain to students they are going to create colorful textured mittens that won’t get lost in the snow!
- Have students each choose a rubbing plate and crayon. Lay the paper mitten over the plate and, using the long/broad side of the crayon, rub back and forth until the pattern appears.
- Students can be as creative as they want! They can make each mitten a single pattern and/or color or mix up different colors and patterns.
- Once done coloring, students can string their mittens together using the yarn
Tips:
- Have students cover entire mitten with patterns and colors. They can shift the mitten or plate around as need be.
- Tell students not to press TOO hard as they rub as this can rip the paper (especially around the thumb). The texture should become more detailed and darker the longer they rub.
- It’s best to “color” the thumb by rubbing the crayon from mitten palm out toward thumb tip rather than other way around.
- Multiple colors and/or textures can be used right on top of each other. Feel free to experiment!
- It’s a good idea to have a number of “extra” mittens available in case of ripping or just not liking the outcome. Don’t announce this… just have them ready to avert a meltdown!
