3rd Grade Current Class Highlights

Using contour drawings of a favorite animal, the space was filled with the letters of their name. The letters then became positive space with the negative space between filled with different textures.

From Legos to Obama memorabilia, For Sale signs were created using graphic design, color theory, balance and the art of advertising.

Wet Felted Geodes

To extend their study of rocks and minerals, the 3 rd graders created colorful geodes using the age old technique of wet felting. After sealing their name in a waterproof piece of foil, the first layer of dyed sheep’s wool was wrapped tightly around the foil. Using hot soapy water, the wool was gently rubbed, thus forcing the microscopically barbed wool fibers to become permanently tangled together. This action is called “felting”. A second contrasting color was then tightly wrapped around the ball, again getting it soapy and wet and gently rubbing it to make felt. Additional colors were carefully added on, one at a time, felting between each layer. The last layer was gray and then the felt geode ball was wrapped in a stocking. This allowed for more aggressive rubbing and beating of the felt, prior to the final washing and rinsing stage. When dried, the geode was unwrapped, and cut in half to reveal the colorful interior and the surprised owner. Amethyst, emerald or quartz crystals (glitter) were added in the cavity, similar to those found in nature. The cavity had been created by their foil wrapped names in the center of the geode.