Tie Dyeing
Grade: 5th Grade
Quote: “So vast is art, so narrow human wit.” Alexander Pope
Overview: This lesson is about broadening student’s idea of art. It is meant to allow more than just drawing and painting as examples of art. The lesson will be about tie-dyeing. My artists are a quilter and a fashion designer. This lesson pairs with my quote because I like the idea that art can be anything and everything if you keep an open mind.
Materials:
• Rit Dye
• Bottles for dye
• Tshirts
• Water
• Covered tables (or go outside)
• Rubberbands
Goals:
• Students will be able to list multiple examples of art.
• Students will participate in creating their own art on a t-shirt.
• Students will be able to talk about quilting or designing as an art form.
Artists:
• · Fashion Designer: Alexander McQueen
• http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/int/en/corporate/archive2010.aspx
• He pushed the boundaries of fashion and incorporated lots of textures, colors, and fabrics. His designs are said to be unique, and creative.
• Quilter: Carol Taylor
• http://www.caroltaylorquilts.com/
She uses all different kinds of fabrics to create one of a kind quilts.
Procedure:
1. The students will be asked what are some examples of art and what is art.
2. After listing what the students think about art the teacher will introduce other types of art to challenge them, for example: quilting & fashion design.
3. The teacher will present background and examples of work from both artists.
4. After the students have an introduction to multiple styles of art the students will move outside to participate in tie-dyeing.
5. Each student will have a shirt (that was previously wet and is now damp). Separate areas will be set up for each color. The rit dye is mixed with water and put into a bottle prior lesson.
6. The students can use rubberbands to form patterns or freehand whatever colors they would like on their shirt.
7. Allow shirt to dry before rinsing out.
8. Hang shirts up for everyone to see.
Assessment:
The teacher will ask the students to give examples of what they think art is and can be. They will also be able to talk about Carol Taylor and quilting or Alexander McQueen and design. Also the shirts will show the creativity and the difference of what art means to each individual student.
Questions for Discussion:
• What else can be considered art?
• Have you ever quilted or sewed before? Do you know anyone who can sew?
Children’s Literature:
• The Patchwork Quilt by Jerry Pinkney
• The Quilt by Ann Jones
Both of these books are about quilting and would be a great way to introduce quilting as an art form to students prior to the lesson.