Design Crafts: Papel Picado

After spending some time talking about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, our first project of the year is always papercutting, or Papel Picado (I always say that with a deep voice and a thick Mexican accent.  I can't help it.)

I start the lesson pointing out the examples of Papel Picado I have hanging from my classroom ceiling.  See them up there?


Then, like every lesson (I like routine), I start with a Power-Point lecture that goes over the history of the technique, different cultures that practice the craft and what their assignment will be.
POWER POINT FOR PAPEL PICADO LECTURE

I also make an accompanying "study sheet" with key terms in the lecture so they know what and when to write down.  I even go so far as to put the key terms in RED in the Power Point so they know when it's a key term and on the study sheet.  Isn't that nice of me?
PAPEL PICADO STUDY SHEET

In addition, I make an "Assignment Sheet" that has the project title, objectives, materials, instructions, rubric and critique form all-in-one.  The assignment sheet is great to give to students who need clarification on instructions, students who were absent and missed the demonstration, but definitely NOT for the student that was spacing out during my engaging presentation.  Because that never happens. 
PAPEL PICADO ASSIGNMENT SHEET

Their fist step is to think of a loved one that has died and that they would like to honor.  Then, they search the internet for silhouette pictures that support their memory of that person and what they were like in life.  I have them get 1 large, 2 medium and 2 small shapes, paste them in a Word document and print.  Like so: EXAMPLE OF IMAGES.

If I have time during this project, I like to show this video, from Crizmac:

With a corresponding worksheet I made that follows right along with the video.  Wouldn't want the little buggers to take a nap during this intriguing 20 minute film!

Gotta run... I'll add more to this ASAP!