Japanese Art, Kimono scratch art, Greenbriar West ES 09-10

This project was used in the grades:  K - 6

Materials used:     

White rainbow scratch paper and wooden scratchers

Cardstock kimono templates

Basic description of process: We had the docents discuss kimonos in Japanese Art - and included some sample pictures of modern kimonos found on the Internet.  The kids traced a kimono shape on the rainbow paper and used the wooden scratchers to make designs on the kimonos.  We encouraged the kids to sketch out a design beforehand because they would get only ONE piece of rainbow paper.

Other comments: This was our “splurge project”.  The rainbow paper was $27 for a package of 50 sheets from SAX Art.  The results were gorgeous.  Some teachers still have them up on the wall. 

One thing we’d do differently is to monitor the wooden scratchers better and not put them all out at the beginning of the month.  The classes at the end of the month had to use dull scratchers and they didn’t work as well. (Added note - you can sharper the scratchers using a pencil sharpener, just be careful they don't get too sharp)