Improving Creativity in the Education Sector
Decoupage
Decoupage was a decorative paper skill which I aimed to learn about. The term comes from the French word “decouper,” which means to cut out or cut from something else.
People who decoupage, engage in the artistic skill of gluing items to a surface. This is classed as an art form. It can be as simple or as detailed as the creator wishes, some fine artist's creating fantastic, unique pieces. Various papers and fabrics can be added to surfaces to enhance objects, as well as embellishments and paint techniques such as gold leaf. Even napkins, wallpaper and tissue paper (patterned or plain), could all be used.
The main benefits of this activity is that it is suitable for all ages and abilities. Paint brushes with extra grippable handles can be used for those suffering arthritis, and brightly coloured materials used for those with limited vision. Fine motor skills will be developed throughout and if working on a larger item, then gross motor skills could be used also. Some individuals prefer their patterned papers to match so an eye to detail can be formed for pattern recognition, whilst others are happier to use an abstract approach.
Experimentation:
Being a new craft this needed a few experiments before deciding and designing a final larger piece. Linking to the sustainable theme from the previous week, I searched through the house to see which materials I could revamp and recover with patterned papers, napkins and wallpapers. I found an old wooden chair and some small boxes to experiment on and found contrasting papers with varying colours, patterns and textures.
A few problems occurred as initially I underestimated how much paper was needed, therefore I ran out fairly quickly. Because of this, the designs were adapted to incorporate other patterns and colours which compliment the initial design. Mod-Podge is the correct sticking substance but schools would struggle to buy enough for large groups therefore a cheaper alternative would be watered down PVA. Another slight issue which occurred was small bubbles arising during the drying process. This was tackled by using less glue, a stiffer brush and then if any still shone through, fine sandpaper could be used to refine the overall finish. This would result in a vintage look which would be effective.
Another problem during this week was a lack of time due to work commitments. As it was limited this week, unfortunately I was only able to practise on one small piece. Maybe there would time in future weeks to cover my large wooden chair with colourful papers.
Work in progress:
This week also included the delivery of three arts & crafts sessions facilitated in local care homes. This week's theme being 'Elephants'. Residents were asked to decorate two elephants using paints and embellishments which I could then turn into calendars for them. One resident added so much paint the poor elephant wouldn't stand up so he had to be balanced over a small dish. Everyone enjoyed the activity and particularly liked adding the embellishments. I noticed these had to be bright colours for the partially sighted and large size those with dexterity issues.
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