Lesson Summary
Students will create personalized bookmarks using scratch paper, practicing fine motor skills and creativity. They will experiment with different fonts, designs, shapes, and colors to make their bookmark unique. Scratch paper can be used to produce highly detailed and precise textured artwork. It is a form of direct engraving where an artist scratches off black ink to reveal a colored layer beneath.
*For an extension activity, students can create additional bookmarks to give as gifts to friends or family members.
Lesson Objectives
Learn how to make detailed patterns using scratch paper
Experiment with different fonts, shapes, and patterns to create a unique bookmark design
Guiding Questions
Students will be designing their own name bookmarks using scratch paper. Your name design should carry personal significance, reflecting aspects of your identity such as personality, interests, aspirations and values. To help you begin, consider these guiding questions:
What is the purpose of bookmarks and why they are useful for readers.
Name a famous logo that is well-designed? What makes it effective?
Why is simplicity in a logo design important? Can complex designs be effective as well?
How does typography and font selection impact the overall design of a name? Can you think of examples where the font choice greatly influences the message?
What makes a name or logo memorable? Are there specific qualities that make it stand out in people's minds?
You want people to be able to easily recognize you through your name design. Like knowing what a movie or book is about by simply viewing the title design and font that is used.
Textures and Patterns
In the first part of the lesson, students will practice making textures and patterns. They can design patterns related to a particular theme or practice making some generic pattern designs. This exercise helps artists get familiar with the medium and discover the different techniques that they can apply.
Boarders. Using a square sheet of scratch paper, draw a boarder line around the entire square. Afterwards, divide the inner square into 4 equal squares.
Practice Textures. Next, practice drawing some textures such as hatching, stippling or checker patterns.
Themed Patterns. Draw some of your own themed patterns such as waves, stars, candy, pumpkins, birds, and etc.
Tip: You may sharpen the wooden stylus with a pencil sharpener to draw finer lines.
Book Mark Design
Sketch Ideas: Begin by sketching several ideas in your sketchbook. Use your scratch paper bookmark template as a guide and explore different fonts, designs, and shapes to personalize your bookmarks.
Transfer Design: Once you've finalized some ideas, transfer your chosen design onto your scratch paper bookmark. As you etch your drawing, consider which areas you want to keep black and which parts you want to remove ink.
Incorporate Textures and Patterns: Enhance your design by incorporating textures and patterns. You can utilize patterns and textures practiced in previous exercises to add depth and visual interest to your bookmarks.
Refine: Feel free to refine and embellish your design further. Use black markers to correct any errors and add intricate details to enhance the overall appearance.
Laminate: Leave your bookmark with the teacher so that it can be laminated.
Optional Decoration: Consider using a hole punch to create a hole at the top of each bookmark. This allows you to thread yarn or ribbon through the hole, adding a decorative element to your bookmarks. Tie a knot at the end for a finishing touch.
Extension Activity: For an extension activity, create additional bookmarks to give as thoughtful gifts to friends or family members. Experiment with different designs and personalize each bookmark according to the recipient's interests or preferences.
Terminology
Etching — The process of cutting or carving a pattern, design or picture onto a smooth surface.
Pattern — A repeated decorative design.
Typography - The art of making written text clear and visually appealing.
Font - A set of type of a particular style. The appearance of the type can vary in size, thickness, shape, and other characteristics.
Logo - A symbol made up of visual elements that represents a brand or entity.