pattern mugs

After Christmas break, I decided I wanted to do a drawing project with my fifth graders that was inspired by the art of Zentangling. After doing some research, I found a blog with a mug drawing project that incorporated colorful patterns. It seemed to fit what I was hoping for and I loved how bright and colorful all the student examples were. 

Assignment Description: Create a drawing of a mug, incorporating colorful patterns in each part of the picture. 

Materials:

- 8x11 drawing paper

- thin sharpies

- crayons

We spent a few days talking about the difference between a "pattern" and a "good pattern." A good pattern must have: color, repetition, line, shapes, and detail. Students did a worksheet practicing creating their own unique patterns before even beginning the mug drawing project. 

Once I felt students had a firm grasp on what a "good pattern" looks like and how to design one, we began the project by drawing the mug in pencil. We did this together, me guiding them step-by-step on the board. After the pencil drawing was complete, students traced the lines in a thin sharpie to define the lines. 

Students were able to reference their pattern worksheets as they began drawing their patterns in pencil in the different parts of the image. After all the patterns were drawn, student began coloring, using at least three colors in each pattern. 

So many wonderful, colorful, pattern-filled mugs

This project really allowed students to demonstrate excellent problem-solving and creativity. Some of the patterns students used were incredibly intricate and clever! Each mug was so unique and vibrant. I would definitely do something like this again, maybe change up the object, but I really like how the pattern part challenged them to think outside of the box.