An artist activity for Create Week created by Rachel McGivern. Children should only do this activity under adult supervision.
Materials:
- For the handles: twigs, old chopsticks, old pens etc…
- For the brush heads: leaves, some grass, an old piece of sponge, some tissue paper, feathers, a cupcake case, a cotton wool ball, some string, a piece of tin foil etc…
- Masking tape
- Scissors
- Ink or paint and a small tray (used plastic packaging works well)
- Paper / a roll of lining paper (this can be found in DIY shops)
Children should ask an adult which household materials to use and for help cutting materials with scissors.
Method:
1. Stick the brush head materials to the handles using tape.
2. Shape the brush heads using the scissors (for children, an adult can support with this).
Make a range of brushes of different sizes and shapes.
Make a paintbrush for a friend or family member.
3. Lay out paper or a roll of lining paper. Tape the paper down if that helps to keep it flat.
4. Put ink (or watery paint) into the plastic tray.
5. Dip your brush into the ink.
6. Draw on the paper and experiment with mark-marking.
What is the smallest line you can make?
What happens when you twist and spin the brush?
Can you draw dots? Spirals? Lines?
Rachel McGivern
Rachel McGivern is an artist and illustrator who loves experimenting with different artmaking processes including drawing, printmaking, painting and bookbinding. She enjoys using scrap and recycled materials to see how simple resources can completely transform with some added creativity and imagination. She leads creative workshops with charities, galleries and museums and has illustrated a picture book called ‘What Hides Inside?’ with Kettle’s Yard Gallery.
Instagram: @rachmcgivern
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