Paper Bag Journal

Third graders made these paper bag sketchbooks at the beginning of the year to show off their lettering skills and to bring home a book to collect their drawings and memories.  We talked about things the way artists use sketchbooks not only to draw, but also as a place to collect bits of inspiration.  These books are perfect for collecting because when the bags are folded the opening creates a set of secret pockets in the book for storing small items.  The bottom of the bag, the part that is folded over, makes a flap in the book that is a fun addition.

We used four bags for our book.  The bags have to be hole-punched one at a time.  I folded a piece of paper cut to the size of the binding and punched it twice for the children to use a template.  Finished with a  an easy rubber band and popsicle stick binding.

Sketchbooks for Kids

Sixth graders have been working on block lettering variations this month and today they put their new skills to the test on the covers of their sketchbooks.  These books were super-easy to whip up.  They are also nice and roomy for drawing and sketching.  The covers are a 12 X 18 piece of construction paper folded in half.  The pages are the largest size copy paper...11 1/2 X 17 1/2 folded in half. 

We used a modified pamphlet stitch to bind them and you can find the complete directions for this great little book here.

If you have a laminating machine at your school, laminate the covers and they'll last forever and don't forget to round the corners for a nice finished look.  

I think our sketchbooks will be happy in their new home.  They'll be living in student portfolios this semester.

Nature Printing on Day Two: Nature Sketchbooks

We revisited our great big leaf print rubbings today to try out two more printmaking techniques. For the first round, students worked with a partner.  One student was the printer, and the other was the helper.  We tried using the leaf as a stencil.  The printer decided where to place the leaf print.  The printer placed the leaf vein side up on the paper.  The helper placed a finger in the center of the leaf to hold it still.  The printer painted off the edge of the leaf to make the print.  When the print was complete the partners switched roles.
After a few prints, when the leaf was almost completely covered with paint and there was barely enough room for that little finger, we noticed we could flip the leaf over, cover it with scrap paper, and press out a beautiful print.  We also noticed we could combine these two methods. 
When students return to the art room next week we'll be making rubber band sketchbooks.  Our leaf prints will make a beautiful cover.  Students are really excited about the books and so am I.

Our book covers are cut to size 12" X 6 1/2", which is then folded in half.  The pages shown are plain white copy paper, but you could use any kind of scrap for the pages.  The pages measure slightly smaller than the cover, are folded in half and bound with a rubber band.
I hope our sketchbooks inspire lots drawing from nature.  Maybe a homemade twig pencil would be a great accompaniment.  We'll keep you posted.