Latch hook Selfies: Creating Gorgeous Digitally-Generated Portraits with Elementary School Students By Lindy Russell-Heymann LS/MS Visual Arts Teacher at Bullis School in Potomac, MD lindy_russell-heymann@bullis.org or lrheymann@gmail.com
Latch hook, in action
The fastest student in class:
Good Art Takes Time! • Inspiring Reads: – Real Talk for Real Teachers , by Rafe Esquith – The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed , by Jessica Lahey • Great Resources: – Leftsource.com (to create the pattern) – Herrschner’s.com or MCGtextiles.com (latch hook supplies)
“Please accept my sincere thanks for “It’s not about the latch introducing a long term project like hook, it’s about time the latch hooking. It helps R to management.” apportion his time investment, which is a great skill, both in art and in life.” “M has loved every minute of her latch hook. She enjoys your “I have latch hook class so much. Thank fever!” you!”
In defense of the abstract, minimal, and mysterious….
Getting from A to Z …to pattern… From photo… …to rug!!
1. Have students take photos of each other against a neutral background. Note: Rectangles make smaller rugs than squares.
2. Students upload the photos in leftsource.com
3. In leftsource, students manipulate colors and play with values to alter their photos. Limitless Bowie color combinations are possible!
4. Students print out the completed patterns or email them to the teacher for checking, printing, and record keeping. This is one pattern, based on a square photo. We use the cover sheet to keep track of our yarn.
5. Students cut and assemble the pattern pieces to create one portrait. We use the paper pattern as a guide. + + + =
6. Math time! Students use the cover sheet to calculate yarn amounts and to order the correct color.
Educreations is a great app for creating screencasts. I use it to walk students through the long division.
7. Use the cover sheet from each student’s pattern to order the yarn. Students then select their yarn on “shopping day”. Order enough hooks for each child, then add 5-10 extra.
8. Training Day!
9. Progress is slow at first, as students learn to manipulate the yarn and hook.
10. Then the project really takes off!
11. I allow students to take the work home and periodically photograph it to show progress.
12. As students finish, we build frames using chipboard, wooden shapes, and paint.
13. Show them off! Each rug has a name tag with the student’s original photo for reference.
How to use www.leftsource.com
LOGISTICS
Before you start, make one yourself! I learned a lot from creating my own… 1. Use a plain, uncluttered background.
5 inch Latch Rug Canvas is too small! Students will become frustrated trying to force their hooks into the holes. Always use 3.75 mesh.
Materials • 3.75 Mesh Latch Hook Canvas- 36x60 inch for 6 students =$5-$10 • Latch hook tool= $2 • 1 package of yarn= $1 (we use 10-13 bags per student)
Sending them home and a word about family involvement (which is mostly good!)
Modifications may be necessary
Long term deadlines with periodic check-ins keep everyone on track
Partnerships with homeroom teachers are really helpful.
Thank you so much! To contact me for resources, questions, or just to stay in touch, email me at: Lindy_russell-heymann@bullis.org or lrheymann@gmail.com
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