1. SWBAT recycle old greeting cards

2. SWBAT study and have a discussion on the design choices artists makes for greeting cards.

3. SWBAT design and create their own greeting cards as part of a group and as an individual.

4. SWBAT provide thumbnail sketches of their cards.

5. SWBAT have a discussion with the class on why they designed their cards the way they did.

1. Old greeting cards

2. Paper scraps (cardboard, construction, etc.)

3. Markers, colored pencils or paints

4. Glue

5. Scissors

6. Embellishments (glitter, feathers, etc.)

7. Typing paper (for thumbnail sketches)

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

1. Students will bring to school old greeting cards to be turned into new greeting cards that they designed and created.

2. Using some of the greeting cards brought to school discuss the design choices the original artists made for the cards.

----GROUP PROJECT----
3. Next the class will split off into groups. Each group will be given a type of card to create.
Examples:
* Get well soon
* Happy holidays (students choice of holiday)
* Happy birthday

4. Before starting work on their cards have students produce 4 thumbnail sketches of their card 4 different ways. Then pick one to turn into a greeting card. (Take into account the colors and materials used, plus the placement of text.)

5. Using the old greeting cards as a base, start painting over or glue your pieces of scrap paper over the card to cover up the previous artwork on the card. Then proceed to create your greeting card.

6. Once done, as a group present your card to the class for a discussion.

----INDIVIDUAL PROJECT----
7. Students will complete steps 3-6 by themselves.

1. Recycled pattern paper (This previous lesson plan works well with this project.)
http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1717/Recycled-Pattern-Paper

A fun add-on for this project is to setup a school wide greeting card trade, especially around the holidays.

Abstract Art

Color/Value, Contrast, Rhythm/Pattern

Acrylic, Collage, Colored Pencil, Crayon, Drawing, Marker, Mixed Media, Watercolor