BERLINSKY COLUMN: Pumpkin seed art
If you’re like me, then you have a lot of pumpkin seeds left over after you’ve scooped, cooked and eaten them. I’m not an advocate for using food in art projects, but this is an exception. Pumpkin seeds are plentiful, especially if you’re carving more than one pumpkin. Here’s a fun way to reinforce patterns, counting, colors while creating something unique and memorable.
Other ideas for Pumpkin Seed Art
1. Count by 5’s, 10’s or 100’s. Whose pumpkin had the most seeds? Fewest seeds?
2. Sort the painted seeds by color or size.
3. Make patterns with the painted seeds.
4. Make sculptures with them (older children can use math concepts to see how high they can build a structure of seeds).
5. Discuss mosaics and then create one of your own by gluing painted seeds onto cardboard.
Scoop, wash and dry the seeds and place them flat on a large area covered with a trash bag or newspaper. Gently spray them with bright colored paints. Let that side dry and then flip and repeat so that both sides are brightly colored.
You can also put paint into a zip top bag, put the seeds in, seal, and squeeze to mix. Use gloves to place them flat on newspaper to dry.
Georges Seurat was a painter who created a unique way to paint. He used dots over and over again to create beautiful paintings. From far away these paintings look like he used a brush, but up close you can see all the dots. You can create this same look by gluing seeds onto paper or cardboard bases.
Find examples of pointillism on these cool sites:
www.kinderart.com/arthistory/ dottodot.shtml
www.webexhibits.org/colorart/ jatte.html
Directions:
1. Draw a picture on a piece of cardboard or cardstock.
Hint: The more simple the picture is, the easier this will be. Think about a large flower, car or pumpkin!
2. Pour glue onto one section and then place colored seeds onto that space.
3. Continue gluing seeds onto the spaces of your drawing until it’s completely covered.
4. Allow to dry and then hang on a wall to enjoy. ?
Robin Berlinsky is the director of education at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, adjunct professor at the College of Charleston, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance and is the owner of niki leigh spa parties. She has taught in the Charleston County School system and has three children. For more information, contact Robin.Berlinsky@gmail.com.
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