Elle and Lou

Spooky Halloween Trees: Art for Primary Children

2013-10-24T20:09:00.000+10:00

Here is a quick halloween activity

for primary students.

Firstly, grab some A3 paper in white or yellow.

Blue could work nicely too.

Find a circular object and trace around it to make the moon.

We discussed that a centred moon

does not make a terribly interesting composition.

Now for the fun... charcoal experimentation!

Students were challenged to try using their charcoal sticks

from all angles and create all manner of marks.

This gets a lot of their system as well as being fruitful.

Then I demonstrated how to create variety of tone

by varying the pressure, using smudging etc.

They filled in the background, except the moon.

Ink time!

Brushes, nibs, sticks.

More experimentation time.

When it was time to move on,

they used ink to create a tree.

Trees always look easy peasy,

but actually can be quite challenging for some.

Its important to discuss overlapping,

and the change in the thickness as the tree branches out.

Many students just put the tree to one side,

but I like the way this student is playing with position and composition.

Finally, an introduction into light sources.

Turning the fluros on and off in the classroom

and noting how it changes the light on our faces and the objects around us.

We noted that in our spooky pictures

the moon was our light source.

We used a waxy white pencil and simple lines to highlight the branches and trunk of the tree.

A simple line on the underside or top side of the branch

was all that was required to make the trees extra spooky.

What else?

Add a eerie bird.

Take a photo of the image and play with filters.

Create a new foreground.

Or, simply put it up for halloween!

Boo everybody!

Trees, dots and colour blending :TR Mack style Yr 5 Primary art

2013-06-19T09:19:00.002+10:00

My year 5 boys have just completed a painting unit based,

inspired by the work of TR Mack.

There are a number of art education ideas

floating around the internet,

regarding this artist.

One I particularly admire

is by One Crayola Short,

so check it out too.

I have taken a slightly different approach with my Yr 5 boys.

We began with some colour wheel theory and vocabulary (building the foundations).

Eventually we turned our focus
to monochromatic colour schemes.

The boys were set the task
of painting a monochromatic background.

We discussed choices they could make such as blending,

or using a more textured cross hatching approach.

Monochromatic Background using a textured approach

The next step was to look at the work of TR Mack
and deconstruct his approach to tree scapes.

The boys practiced drawing trees...
splitting branches again and again.
We discussed styles; swirly, angular, sparse, spooky etc.

(incidentally there are real science and Maths links

possible here, as my husband pointed out).

Fill in the trees in a solid colour such as black or navy

Before the boys were ready to draw
up their tree(s) on their background,

we recapped some compositional concepts
that we had covered in a previous unit.

Points such as:

avoid placement in the centre,
anchoring the image by connecting to the edges,
variety of size if there is more than one tree etc.

Add a ground if you wish

Finally, we printed dots,
and dots on dots,
and dots on dots on dots.

We used old corks, cotton buds,

industrial offcuts, anything circular will do.

Testing colours and objects for printing.

Spacing is important here,

and we discussed clusters,

regular spacing, irregular spacing

and the pros and cons of all possibilities.

These examples are only a handful of the class,

as they were all successful.

I love how each tree has its own story.

Elle and Lou in the Media

2013-06-08T18:55:00.001+10:00

An unexpected bit of sunshine shone on me today.

A friend alerted me that my

little vintage transit pass holder

had made it into the winter publication of

Peppermint Magazine.

This is exciting for me because it has never happened before and it was someone who found my work,

I wasn't actively pursuing the publicity.

The other important reason why I value this feature
is that I love everything that this magazine stands for

which is eco-style.

I have been air punching and heel clicking all day.

I hope your day has been as good.

Vintage Tea-towel Table Cloth

2013-05-05T17:18:00.003+10:00

A recent thrift score find

resulted in the acquisition

of 15 (ok, actually it was 17)

vintage tea towels.

The tea towels were a large chunk

of someone's well looked after collection

As they travelled around Australia and abroad,

she (must be a lovely woman don't you think)

purchased a linen tea-towel.

I have great plans for my tea-towels (insert evil laugh).

Today I embarked on a desperate quest

to rid my house of TACKY, CHEAP

Disney placemats given to my children by relatives.

Bloody princesses and #$*!ing BEN 10

I really hate, hate, hate

marketing to kids!

So,TA-DA

I made a tablecloth.

Here it is unironed.

Not so amazing its true,

but I'm loving the colour and the kids

can learn some geography while they

scoff their bangers and mash.

All the tea-towels feature Queensland destinations.

My all time favourite though is

pineapple laden

"Sunshine Plantation"

Does it get any better than the Big Pineapple I ask you?

I know what you are thinking...

a table cloth doesn't solve the need for a

wipeable surface.

And so, the final touch....

the plastic cover.

I love how the plastic reminds me of those granny sofas protected by plastic.

Can it get more kitsch?

Well, yes I'm think of adding a red pom-pom trim.

What do you think?

Now onto the cushion.

My Embroidery Learning curve

2013-04-07T19:35:00.003+10:00

I have been teaching myself

free-motion machine embroidery

and really enjoying the process.

This is my chronological embroidery journey.....

So that's is it in a nutshell.
Some of it is on Etsy and some I am putting in
Reverse Garbage's upcoming exhibition
"Thread Count".

If you want to keep up I post much more regularly on Facebook and instagram (elle and lou).

Free Motion Embroidery: 1st timer

2013-03-10T11:19:00.001+10:00

I've had a hankering to try my hand at something different.

So I purchased a new foot for my machine

and began to have a small play

with some fabric sample discards.

Not to sure where this was going,

I glued it onto some more sample fabric

from Reverse Garbage.

Working over the print with some more

stitching added some much needed detailing.

Time for framing in the hoop.

Finishing the edges.

Fabric glued.

(Note to self- but some more bull dog clips)

Amazing stories:

I'm actually happy with it!

(I might even put it on my wall)

I'm

Cancer Council Art Eggs

2013-03-01T19:10:00.000+10:00

My boys have been doing something for others.

Its what we all need to do-

think of others a little more.

They have been decorating wooden eggs

for The Cancer Council.

These eggs are sold around Easter time as a fundraiser.

Some eggs are also given to the courageous people

fighting the hardest of battles.

The Cancer Council

is not just an organisation.

Its backbone are the volunteers in the shops,

the researchers, the educators, the supporting carers.

Its backbone are the people,

who search out schools and other community groups

to help where they can.

They quietly plug away,

doing and amazingly selfless job.

My students researched messages

of hope that 'spoke to' them,

and used the words to decorate their eggs.

It was touching to see the boys

approach this task with such pride and care.

It was wonderful to use Art as a link between

the students and the community.

Teacher Aides: Super-workmates

2013-01-27T17:32:00.003+10:00

I hear a lot of people grumble and bitch

about the people they work with.

This makes me feel sad for them,

and all the more appreciative of what I have.

There is one person in particular

who enables my workplace

to function smoothly and happily.

Maybe you are lucky enough

to have one of those people in your work place?

They are always happy.

They will always to do what ever is needed.

They find the time for everyone.

They are supportive.

They are generous and graceful.

My super-workmate and friend

is the art assistant / teacher aide at our college.

She works tirelessly and is always positive.

Teacher aides are the backbone of our schools

and so often unrecognised for their efforts.

I love our chats about creativity, family.. whatever!

Teacher aides are the backbone of our schools

and so often unrecognised for their efforts.

So today I made her a little thank-you gift.

A metrocard wallet with one of her favourite singers-Pink.

Its not much but I hope it gives her a smile.

Here's cheers to 2013 -cherishing this time

2013-01-08T18:11:00.002+10:00

Welcome to the New Year!

(even though we are already 8 days into it)

In Australia it is school holidays .

We have been catching up with many family and friends with afternoon barbies and long lunches.

To not be concerned with time and dates

is indeed a rare treat and to be cherished.

My studio has been neglected,
my sewing machine abandoned,

my creative life paused.

This afternoon,

I ventured into my studio and

opened a shoebox.

I found some bunting I began roughly six months ago.

I think I have forgotten how to stick to a task,

or perhaps I never quite got the hang of it.

Today I made another 4 triangles

and so I am a step closer to the end

of this project.

I will finish this bunting before my holidays end,

but I intend to cherish my

freedom from the clock for as long as possible.

Love Lace Exhibition Review: Powerhouse Sydney

2013-01-01T13:55:00.002+10:00

It is the museum aspect of the Powerhouse

that makes it an attractive destination

for children and parents alike.

Certainly, the robots, tram rolls

and eco displays are interesting.

It is the artwork that I found exciting in a recent visit.

The current exhibit is

Love Lace

(Make Lace not War)

Simply put: It is a sensational investigation

into the world of positive and negative.

When I first entered the exhibition space there

was an elderly lady tatting away in the traditional way.

You could be fooled at this stage

that the curator, Lindie Ward,

had designed a predictable lace display.

Love Lace is anything but.

Optical fibres create this Lace Jellyfish

The definition of lace for this exhibition is rather open to include any ‘openwork structure whose pattern of spaces is as important as the solid areas’.

Jenny Pollak installation

Love Lace is a playful exploration by

artists and students alike

and includes a competition also,

The Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award.

The use of new technology and a mind boggling variety of materials ensures that there is something to inspire

youth and the elderly (and all us in-betweeners)

while strategically placed lighting

brings to life beautiful shadow play.

Chain wire fencing

As an art educator,

I regularly try to impress upon the students

the equal importance of positive and negative.
I can't recall an exhibition that asserts this concept
with more clarity.

Traditional notions of lace are relegated to fibre and textile work, a deeply entrenched female domain.
Through the materials and artists' approach to the theme,
these boundaries and definitions no longer exist.

Screen

My only disappointment is that Sydney is a bit too far to take my students for an excursion.

However, the website is a plentiful source of educational resources for art teachers and class teachers alike.

For educational links click here

Reindeers and Elves: Handmade Cards

2012-12-02T22:56:00.003+10:00

Well, there is a reason for my blogging absence...

Work.

Life.

Family.

and Instagram is faster and more immediate :)

Another reason is my commitment

to making and gifting handmade this year.

No "Made in China" for me this year.

Oh, one exception:

I can't handmake a trampoline for the kids.

Here is a card I made tonight from

a vintage 1976 Golden Book

"Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer"

Are you into Christmas this year?

Or maybe you just couldn't be christmarsed!

(got to love the Urban Dictionary)

Halloween Bunting Winner

2012-10-25T19:52:00.003+10:00

Thanks to everyone who entered my halloween giveaway, Steph took it out!

Thanks too to my likers on Facebook

and supporting me here too of course.

Since I have been blogging etc

I have met some great people,

and been inspired by many more.

so,thanks!

Spooky Halloween Bunting Giveaway

2012-10-20T13:56:00.000+10:00

Halloween is in 13 days -spooky.

We don't have much time...

So I'll cut to the chase.

I'm giving a way some handmade

Book Bunting.

The book is vintage 1981,

"The Great Bear Scare"

There is a tag...

the giveaway is only for
Elle and Lou Facebook supporters.

So pop over, hit 'like' & this handmade bunting maybe heading your way next week.

The competition closes on Wednesday morning at 10am and is only open to Australian and New Zealand residents.

ipad drawing lesson for students and adults

2012-09-23T09:42:00.001+10:00

The Background:

ipad drawing apps are plentiful.

They interest me for both my personal work and my high school teaching.

This is what I have been doing and am now teaching to my Yr 8 classes.

I use Sketch Book Express with the students- but Sketch Book Pro is worth the $1.

To Begin:

It is pretty simple to begin with a line drawing like Twiggy.

In the first lesson or two I get the students to use a specific pencil (no 4)

and then they practice brush shortcuts.

"Just play with variation of thickness and opacity".

App + App = image development:

Filter Apps like Instagram, Camera Bag and my favourite BeFunky allow students to manipulate their saved image. Through these simple apps they make visual choices regarding cropping, saturation, frames, filters and more.

The students now have two images and are building up a portfolio.

A Step Further - Using screen shots and Layers:

Once you have a basic line drawing - you can add a layer.

Here I simply took a screen shot of a 1960s fabric and imported the photo as a new layer.

I erased parts of the fabric layer so that my 1960s woman was visible underneath.

A Third Layer- Colour:

SB Express is limited to 3 layers- SB Pro has 5 layers- much better!

So now with the hair I have added a third layer on the bottom for my colour.

Having the drawing layer, the screen shot layer and colour layer separate is really important.

When teaching this to a class, the students need to be aware all the time WHICH layer they are working on.

The benefit of adding colour onto a separate layer?

Students can delete the layer if it isn't working.

So here we are - almost finished.

Once again, export the image to the photo library

and extend the image by employing filter apps to manipulate the image.

When teaching this is a great opportunity to have discussions

about what is successful and why?

In the classroom- some points:

Get the students to 'save a copy' regularly during the process as Sketch Book doesn't have this feature in built.
For younger classes and classes lacking confidence begin with a screen shot of an image and trace over the image on a second layer. One class I am working with began with screen shots and photos of a still life. Then they traced over these images - this engages all students extremely well, they don't fail and their confidence improves- BAM!

This is all pretty new to me and I am learning still.

What I do know is that ipads and tablets are now part of education

and the way I see it they are extremely applicable in Art.

I love the potential, it is exciting don't you think?

It is also an addictive introduction for students into the power of digital apps and the further potential of more powerful software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

I am so interested to hear what anyone else is doing in this area.

Do you have a favourite drawing app?

What is your favourite filter app?

My user name on Instagram is elleandlou.

Tissue BoxCover

2012-08-16T17:02:00.000+10:00

I'm not overly emotional

(well, you only have MY word on that one)

But when I go to the shops

I don't by one box of tissues,

I buy six!

I am actually from loud sneezing,

allergic rhinitis royalty.

My tissue use is prolific.

Now while my nose likes to get a littler hyper,

my eyes work perfectly.

So this week I set out to create a tissue box cover

that would mask the ugly boxes that decorate my bench tops.

I punched out some circles from origami paper

and mod-podged them randomly onto a mdf blank.

Finally, I sealed them with a few coats of Mod-Podge.

It was ridiculously easy, relaxing and I kind of like it-

it certainly beats the cactus barcode design.

I hope your nose is kind to you this week :)

Sharing here:
Craftionary

Intagraming jammin'

2012-08-11T09:09:00.001+10:00

I've been doing it in private for sometime.

But recently I decided to take it public.

Instragraming jammin'

I may have a documenting dependancy!

Where am I going?
What am I doing?
What was that?

I may never know the answers
but I am savouring the visual sensations along the way.

So, if you are on the instagram road,

look me up:

elleandlou

1960's Fashion Print: Creatives Book Club

2012-08-05T19:09:00.004+10:00

Once again my Creative Book Club choice

is a quick read.

Obviously I am not one to tackle the epic...

it may have something to do with my attention span,

but I think I'd rather put it down

to the fact that I am a visual person.

And this book is all about the visual.

All the same it does have some short sharp paragraphs

giving a brief history, circa and name of the pattern.

Useful, interesting info.

I love the 60's!

I spent my teenage years being a try hard mod

-embarrassing yes,

but not as embarrassing as the 80's fashion of the time.

Yummy colour galore.

Read it if:

If you dig the 6o's
Fabrics are your thing
If you want some inspiration for pattern or colour
You have a spare half hour

Find me on Facebook

Creative Book Club: Steal Like an Artist

2012-07-28T20:06:00.002+10:00

My local library is a regular haunt.

Every week I go and pick up 20 new books

for my children

and

a couple just for me.

Lately I have come across so many intriguing books,

sparking the idea that it would be a waste not to share them,

especially with the creative souls out there.

So this is the first of my Creative Book Club reads:

(that name is so daggy but, hey, its about the books not the name)

Steal Like an Artist

(10 Things Nobody Told you About Being Creative)

Austin Kleon

Last year I realised that whilst raising children and beginning a new job
I had neglected a big part of me :

my need to imaginative, innovative and experimental.

I realised with sudden clarity that I just needed to 'do'.

This book gives you strategies to 'do' asserting

Don't wait until you know who you are to get started.

This is great advice, cause lets face it if we all waited the world would be a colourless place.

Being an Art teacher the fruitless quest for originality

and post modern concepts about appropriation are nothing new. Kleon, however, does educate how to 'steal' in the honorable way. I hope people catch on.

I won't go into the rest because this book

is short and super easy to read.

Read it if:

Your in a creative rut
You're a creative wannabe
Your a student (of life, college or uni)
You have a spare hour

Do you have a book I should read?

Indie Designers Market- D-day

2012-07-18T20:12:00.002+10:00

Last Saturday the skies cleared in Brissie,

just in time for the

BrisStyle Indie Designer Markets.

I have never been part of any market before so I decided it was about time I took the plunge with my vintage eco-wares.

When I went through uni I supported myself by working in retail and the hours dragged...boy did they drag.

But having my own stall did not feel like retail at all.

I enjoyed meeting the customers and seeing old friends who made the special effort to support my stall and meeting the other stall holders of course.

I am so inspired by their creativity, quality and processes.

As an art teacher I am intrigued to find out how resin or laser cutting or spinning is done!

Little Chrissy

Kate from Mixed Bag of Threads

I may not be buying that cottage in the Bunya mountains yet (or any time soon actually) but I feel like I am learning all the time and to me that is more valuable than money!

3 Little Kittens Bunting in a Book

2012-07-06T10:55:00.001+10:00

The Three Little Kittens

story has always been a favourite with me.

So when I happened upon this 1974 Golden Book publication it was destined to become "Bunting in a Book".

I did leave out the pages of the mother cat

spanking the kittens over her knee, however tempted I was.

I can't wait to find out where this bunting is destined for-

hopefully a sweet little nursery or child's room.

I'd like to think that the new owner will end up loving this story and much as me.

I'll bring this bunting and other "Bunting in a Book"

to the BrisStyle indie Designers Market

on the 14th July in the heart of Hamilton, Brisbane.

How to make a Robot Mask

2012-07-03T15:57:00.001+10:00

How to Make a Robot Mask Tutorial

Art teachers are always being asked to just "whip up" something for someone.

It could be to screen print t-shirts for the cross country team,

make a gigantic fly for a sketch on assembly (true story)

or in this case 12 robot masks for a drama competition.

So even though it is school holidays,

this is what I've been up to.

Begin with a generic paper mask like this one.

They cost about $1 (or less) from art stores.

Grab a pencil and mark out your areas as below.

Get a kraft knife and cut out the eyes

(be careful, your goal is

to retain your own eyesight and all of your fingers).

With silver acrylic paint,

brush on the eyes, center head and sides of the cheeks.

Mix silver and blue paint together to paint the other areas.

Use black paint and a smaller brush

to define the feature areas.

Use a cotton bud to dot on 'rivits'

I used off-cut stickers from Reverse Garbage

to create the central detail on the forehead or you could paint something similar.

Too easy- look and it doesn't have to be perfect.

And you could add more, or less as you desire/require.

Metropolis x 12 and now...

to tackle the astronaut helmets.

Sharing this Elle and Lou Post at
Bloom designs
My Creative Space

Birthday Cards and Movie Moments

2012-06-23T18:59:00.000+10:00

Yes, here I am

days later and still working on my 'Birthday Issues'

My actual birthday came and went I am proud to say without a tear nor tantie.

The same cannot be said for these

beauties of the silver screen:

Bette Davies

(...we love you- I always think of the Madonna song Vogue)

Audrey and Katherine Hepburn

and Catherine Deneuve.

Oh Katherine is it oh so bad?

Here's hoping that someone out there shares my slightly distorted sense of birthday humour, either that or my girlfriends are getting these cards for quite some time.

On the flip side..

Hope you are having a Doris Day!

Birthday Issues

2012-06-16T18:07:00.000+10:00

My birthday is a in a couple of days.

It isn't a significant one - just one of those in between years.

These are the ones that I like best!

The birthdays that end in zero come with the pressure that you simply MUST celebrate in a befitting manner.

Lots of people, lots of food and drink,

lots of organising, lots and lots and lots of stress!

Its enough to give you birthday issues.

Joan Crawford -Birthday issues

I was a lot like Joan Crawford when I turned 40

(minus the glamour unfortunately).

I'm over the ~~trauma~~ drama now of course,

really... I AM!

Joan is part of my new range of cards entitled

"Birthday Issues". I've been really enjoying making these cards in the lead up to the BiDM markets in July. I have a little chuckle as I collect the melodramatic images.

Hopefully the recipients will see the humour in the drama too.

What about you?

Ever had a Joan moment?

Vintage and Future Cars

2012-06-14T10:47:00.003+10:00

Do you know about Cars?

Of course not!

Some people have love affairs

with their 4 wheeled polluters.

Not me- I really couldn't give a clutch.

Last weekend, however, we went to the Lifeline Bookfest and this little 1963 book caused my differential assembly to spin round altogether.

Fiat Bambino

I try not have regrets,

but in my 20s I passed up the opportunity

to buy a little red Fiat Bambino.

Idiot!

I never got to put a scarf around my head and pretend I was in driving to a cocktail party in Italy (sigh)

Oh and look at that Combie

(this page is destined to become a travel wallet)

So if I slam into reverse,

maybe I should reevaluate and admit

I love the whole design element of automobiles.

Also, they do get me from A to B (albeit at a crawl in Brissy)

Hope to catch you soon in the anti-gravity design blazing down Coronation Drive.

Photo Advice wanted

2012-05-29T22:09:00.001+10:00

I get bored very easily.

This is ONE of the reasons

I find it hard to stick with a project.

Take a look around my studio

and you'll exactly what I'm on about.

So, today I was listing some of my travel card sleeves and luggage tags on Etsy and realised I was dead bored with the white background routine.

(see below)

I decided to have a little play with backgrounds, like this-

Grace Kelly went from this-

to this

Hedy Lamaar, the Austrian beauty
on white-

and on fabric

Not only do I get bored easily,

but I can be indecisive too.

(painting a pretty rosy picture here-not)

I'd love any feedback.

I do wonder if these new backgrounds

are too busy and distracting?

I can take it :)

...I think ;)