Week 6 {tiny paintings project}

This Week: LOVE BUGS

I made these found-object bugs for Christmas presents with my kids, and then the whole class made them for an art auction fundraiser, Now the whole school is making bugs. They seem to be multiplying. Better these friendly bugs, than those other ones that went around school. Happy valentines day!

I used natural materials and string for these, but you could go sparkly too.  How about a bird made out of things found in a make-believe nest? Or a trophy head from a combo of different plastic animals?  A tiny knitting project? What else?

Get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

Fig. 1 Supplies: This Letraset double sided tape is working for me. I got the 1 ½” roll and I cover the back of the printout, and then cut it out. Printout, and mat board of a thickness that you are comfortable cutting. Metallic marker, craft knife, glue gun, and clippers. Bits of nature.

Fig. 2 Mount the artwork and cut around it just outside the black border. Color the edges and border with marker. Today I used bronze.

Fig. 3 Start with a wood chip or a stick for the base of the bug.

Fig. 4 Add legs. Give them some gesture. Don’t make everything symmetrical.

Fig. 5 Add wings, a head, and bits of color and pattern. Lentils and split peas make good eyes.

Fig. 6 Add antennae and decoration. Then turn the bug over and coat the back of delicate leaves twigs with hot glue to reinforce them.

Name your bug! 

BUG INSPIRATION