PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook

Students personalize a sketchbook by creating a 3-dimensional image that reflects something of importance to them on the cover. 

Required Time

120 Minutes

Grade Level

Grade 1 to Grade 10

Subject

Language Arts
Visual Arts

Vocabulary

draft outline personal sketch

Materials

Crayola Acrylic Paint Crayola Paintbrushes Masking Tape Tissue Paper Pencils Paper Plate White Glue Sketch Paper Hard Cover Sketchbook Water Container Scissors

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Steps

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step One

Step One

Make some preliminary sketches of ideas for your book cover. Have some fun with your design.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Two

Step Two

Gather supplies needed.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Three

Step Three

Put one layer of masking tape on the front over.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Four

Step Four

Start creating your image by scrunching up balls of masking tape and sticking them onto the cover. Continue until you are satisfied with your creation.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Five

Step Five

Cut tissue paper into 5 cm x 5 cm (2"x 2") squares. Use Project Glue to glue the tissue paper squares to the cover. 

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Six

Step Six

Glue 3 layers of tissue paper squares over the entire book cover. Allow to dry overnight.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Seven

Step Seven

Create additional detail pieces to add to your book cover. Use masking tape to form the pieces, and then use Project Glue to glue 3 layers of tissue paper to them. Allow to dry overnight.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Eight

Step Eight

Paint the book cover and any extra detail pieces with Crayola acrylic paint. Mix colours on a paper plate. Once the paint is dry use Project Glue to attach the detail pieces.

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Nine

Step Nine

Cut out meaningful words and quotes from magazines. 

PERSONAL POST – Altered Sketchbook - Step Ten

Step Ten

Use Project Glue to glue the words and quotes to the book cover.

Learning Goals

Students will be able to:

  1. Create a 3-dimensional image on the cover of a sketchbook/journal;
  2. Use the elements of design to create a design that reflects something of importance to them;
  3. Use placement of objects to create areas of emphasis;
  4. Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity; and
  5. Support their ideas with evidence found in the works.

 

Extensions

  1. Have students use their journal on a weekly basis to reflect on things of importance to them. 
  2. Invite students to use their journal to draw and write poetry.

Prepare

  1. Gather all materials needed for the activity.
  2. Create a sample.
  3. Talk to the students about the sample you created. 
    - How it is personal to you.
    - Why you chose to create it the way you did.
  4. Download images of sketchbook/journals from the Internet, for example,
    Journal 1
    Sketchbook Journals

Introduction

  1. Have students look at a variety of sketchbook/journals to see how varied their use can be. Talk about how expressing feelings and ideas in a personal sketchbook/ journal can allow creativity to flow.
  2. Have students make a list of things they love and are important to them.
  3. Ask students to circle three of four things on their list that are most important to them.
  4. Introduce the challenge.

Activities

The Challenge

  1. Create a 3-dimensional image on the cover of a sketchbook/journal.
  2. Use the elements of design to create a design that reflects something of importance to you.
  3. Use placement of objects to create areas of emphasis.
  4. Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity.
  5. Support your ideas with evidence found in the works.

The Process

1. Have students make 4 thumbnail sketches of possible designs for their book cover. Remind them to use the things on their list as a jumping off point.
2. Ask them to choose the design they like best.
3. Guide students through the steps outlined in this lesson plan.
4. Observe students as they work. 
5. Provide individual assistance and encouragement.

Sharing

  1. Once all the books are complete ask students to share them with a partner or in small groups. 
    - Look closely at the cover illustrations.
    - Share thoughts about the work.
    - What was difficult about making the book cover? Why?
    - What was the most satisfying thing about making the book cover? Why?
  2. Ask some students to share their ideas with the whole class.
  3. Place the books on display so students may view them throughout the next few weeks

Assessment

  1. Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
  2. Observe students as they discuss the art works – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
  3. Use a checklist to track progress. (Download - POST_tracking.pdf)
  4. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Download - POST_self-assessment.pdf)

Downloads

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