Today in my new three-week art camp at the Fillmore Arts Center, we did a quick printmaking project in which the kids traced their own hands, and then made detailed Maori tattoo-inspired designs.

After a week off, it's good to be back in the classroom. Yesterday, in two different classes the kids were inspired by the work of artist and illustrator Marcus Oakley. While the nine-year-olds did terrific paintings inspired by his abstract collages, the eight-year-olds started wonderful painted cardboard collages. I can't wait to see them finished!

I took a week off after finishing up the last week-long art camp, and so am only now posting some pics of one of my favorite projects. We were inspired by the wonderful jointed paper animals of Clare Youngs, and made our own versions. Using cardboard, tempera paints, and some brads for joints, the kids made some delightfully whimsical creatures!