Category: Zentangles

Zentangle or Tangle Tiles

12/31/2015

My high school students just recently finished their Zentangle or Tangle tile project. We talked about the differences between geometric and organic patterns. Students were asked to divide their 12"x12" drawing paper up into at least 12 different sections with each section having a different pattern. Students used sharpies with different widths to create their patterns and designs. Students were also asked to create an equal balance of darker patterns and lighter patterns. I allowed students the option of adding color.

My students with anxiety and depression really seemed to benefit from this project. My room was so quiet when they were working on this! Not to mention, my room was less of a mess! I played relaxing piano and classical music while they worked...which surprisingly most kids enjoyed. Some students said this was their favorite project of the semester!

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Medieval Art & Illuminated Letters

6/4/2014

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What a crazy project, but so much fun! The last project for my 6th graders involved creating a medieval art inspired coat of arms. We talked about illuminated letters, heraldry symbols, and characteristics of Medieval art.

The kids really seemed to like this project. We focused on lines and patterns to create an interesting background for our coat of arms. Students were asked to add a letter to their coat of arms. Some students chose graffiti style letters, while others went the more traditional route. We started running out of time, so not all students got to color in their coat of arms. But even black and white looked cool!

I had a huge pack of gold leaf laying in my craft room and allowed some students to add the gold leaf. It was pretty tricky (next time I would use a gold paint pen instead) but the kids were amazed. They were convinced the gold leaf would make their artwork very valuable. ;)

Steps for this project:

Students trace a shield stencil. Next, they create a letter (larger than their hand) using their own font or copying a font. I had examples of different fonts at each table for students to look at.
Next, students chose at least three heraldic symbols that represented them. Students were required to draw these symbols somewhere on or outside their shield.
We then talked about using different lines to break up the space on the shield. I showed the students examples of zentangles and how to add different patterns to the shield.
Students used India ink to go over all of their pencil lines. Some students really struggled with using the calligraphy pens and India Ink, so I had sharpies as an alternative.
At this point, some students were allowed to add gold leaf to small places on their coat of arms.
The last step was to color the shield using colored pencils or markers!

Detail of one student's use of gold leaf. The gold leaf was adhered with simple clear craft glue.

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Zentangle or Tangle Tiles

Medieval Art & Illuminated Letters

Mrs. Quam

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