These two students used the torn sections of paper to create effect by careful arrangement

Ripping and tearing the paper gave the individual pieces texture, curling helped to add depth to the paper art 

Using tone and pattern as the brief and nature as inspiration the pupils at Murray Park School created some stunning art works, with this first batch using scissors to cut shapes. 

Paper Weaving continued. With the success of the last paper weaving, the next set of weaving I have concentrated on creating a solid form of weave to form thick cylinders.

One thing that helped when weaving with paper was to re-enforce the tubes by filling them with pipe cleaners, the difference is dramatic as you can use a little more pressure when weaving and this ensures a more even weave.  

Sculpture Ideas, using paper straws I have been learning the art of weaving Corn Dolly Style to create these twisting structures which will help inform the design of the sculpture. I would love to get these made with tubes of stainless steel to create huge spiral structures, but for this commission it would not be suitable as the finished sculpture will be sitting in a housing development and it would be too tempting for children to attempt to climb the structure. 

Week 4. Patterns with seeds on clay tablets.

This week the children were all given a clay tablet and were asked to create patterns with a range of seeds and pulses paying attention to the tones and colours of the individual types of seeds and which worked well together.

Inspiration came from the traditional form of Well Dressing which is still carried out in many Derbyshire villages such as West Hallam. 

Another student created miniature art work with tiny sections of the conifer which took a lot of patience 

One student created a series of tiny sections of bark covered with multitudes of the same plant material, they work well individually and as a collection.  

Week 2. Andy Goldsworthy was the inspiration this time and the children  were given a selection of natural materials and a sheet of black card.  Looking carefully at colour, texture and tone the children created some amazing art work in the style of Goldsworthy who creates work in the landscape using only what he finds. Often his work can be connected together with water or small pine needles in very intricate patterns and forms.