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Giving Thanks Stationery

Giving Thanks Stationery

Students will create stationery using the relief printing technique and then write a note of gratitude to a person in their life.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Woodblock printing, known as xylography today, was the first method of printing that was applied to a paper medium. Letters and designs were carved into blocks of wood, then the block was dipped in dye and pressed onto paper. The non-recessed area of the block would transfer the dye to the paper, but the recessed part of the block would not pick up the dye, and therefore create a negative space image within the stamp. Have students discuss the pros and cons of this type of printing. Perhaps it was artistic but very time consuming? Ask students how letters would have to be carved in order for them to appear the right way on the paper.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create a printing block using Model Magic (or a foam plate or tray). Have them form the Model Magic into a stamper with a handle that is easy to grip. Then have students use a pencil point to etch a design or letter into the Model Magic (or foam surface). Remind them that if they want to print a letter they have to write it backwards so that it prints correctly.

  • Step 3

    Now have students brush paint over the Model Magic stamper or foam surface and then press it onto the paper. They might want to create a whole border or just put the image in the corners.

  • Step 4

    While the paper is drying have the students think about someone they want to thank and compose a note for them. It might be a family member who is always there for them, a teacher who inspires them, a coach who believes in them, etc.

  • Step 5

    After the paint has dried, have students write the note on their printed stationery. They might also want to use their stamper to create a handmade envelope that they could fold up around the note. Encourage them to hand deliver or mail it to the intended person.

Standards

ARTS: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

SS: Time, Continuity, and Change: Read, reconstruct, and interpret the past. Imagine the future. Place oneself in various times and spaces and reflect on change.

SEL: Relationship Skills: Communicate clearly/effectively, listen actively, cooperate, work collaboratively to problem solve and negotiate conflict constructively.

Adaptations

Have students write and illustrate a list of things they're thankful for in their life.

Encourage students to write a note to a friend that expresses the reasons they're grateful that this person is in their life.