Stamp Pad Palette: Found Object Mark Making

In this little lesson, we'll play with mark making using found objects. We'll explore color, texture, and layering.

You will need:

* a collection of objects to make paint marks with (possibilities include feather, q-tip, small toy car, leaf, cork, string, bubble wrap, crumpled paper ... but search your environment, and find some things that work for you!)

* something to paint/mark on (paper, cardboard, whatever you have handy)

* a stamp pad palette (you can view the previous lesson to learn how to make one if you haven't already) or a watercolor or tempera tray with a spray bottle, or pre-made stamp pads. You may also want to try liquid tempera or acrylic paints, putting out only very small amounts at a time!

* a damp or dry rag or two

Prepare your space:

* cover your work area

* have several pieces of paper ready to work with

* keep drinking water nearby

* organize your mark making tools so they are easy to reach and see

* place your stamp pad within reach

* keep a dry or damp rag within reach to wipe off your tools and fingers as needed

* music? light? whatever makes it your ideal creative workspace, do that!

The work:

* choose an object, lay/press/run it through paint, then print it on your paper. Anywhere!

* experiment with how much pressure you use, how you move the mark-making object, how many times you print between dipping in the color

* overlap your prints, fill the page!

* wipe the object before changing colors, or before switching to a new object

Extensions:

* add marker lines and drawings over your work when it dries

* save your work to use as a mat board for other works, cut up for collage, turn into cards or book covers

* add text to your piece

* incorporate a color lesson (primaries, secondaries, warms, cools, complementaries ...)

* look at the work of

Have Fun! Be kind to yourself and each other.