Materials:

• Aluminum foil
• cardboard (8 1/2″ x 11″  pieces cut into 4ths)
• colored Sharpie markers
• yarn – 4 ft pieces
• masking tape
• scissors
• pencils
• Q-tips

Set Up:

Give every student a piece of cardboard, pencil, scissors, a ruler, a Q-tip, and a 4′ piece of yarn. Set out colored Sharpies for students to share.

Discussion:
Discuss Physical and Visual Texture from Texture Discussion Notes (2)

In the late 1800’s, tin ceilings were introduced to North America as an affordable alternative to the exquisite plasterwork used in European homes.

Durable, lightweight and fireproof, tin ceilings were an attractive design to  home and business owners.

Many patterns can be used in tin tiles today that cover not only ceilings but walls and other surfaces, too.

Tin work, known in Mexico as hojalata, goes back to the 16th Century. Artists use natural, oxidized and brightly lacquered paints to create ornaments, nichos, mirrors, lanterns and other decorative pieces.

Class time:

1. Cut 2 slits on the short side and 3 slits on the long side of the cardboard piece (no longer than 1 inch) – prior to class, volunteers can draw the slits with a pencil for students to cut.
2. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard using the slits to hold it in place. As long as they have yarn, they can overlap and zigzag the yarn any which way.
3. Lay the cardboard over the tin foil and fold up the edges.
4. A parent will need to help tape the foil on the back side of the cardboard.
5. Lightly go around the yarn with their Q-tip to make the yarn stand out (if the foil rips, add another layer on top of this one).
6. Color in the shapes with different colored Sharpies.  Take the sharpie and outline the shape inside the yard.  Try not to color the tin foil over the yard.  Fill in each shape to have a stained glass effect.