Dale Chihuly: Coffee Filters in the Rain

We have been enjoying learning about Dale Chihuly in Art History, and are so excited to go see his artwork next week at the Missouri Botanical Garden!

Today we did Chihuly-inspired Macchia (PDF)
with basket coffee filters, markers, plastic cups, rubber bands, spray starch.

I want to make some notes for myself, for the next time I do this project.

2 coffee filters per child

6-8 markers per child

2 large red plastic cups per child

one painting board per child

It takes longer than you think it will for the students to color them.

It is best to do this project on a rainy day instead of trying to spray each coffee filter with water. That takes forever and all the children will need the spray bottle at once. Color also drips down the side and gets everywhere. Why go through that when you can just put them out on the sidewalk?

Shape the coffee filters by draping them over a cup (hold in place with a rubber band) or placing them inside the cup.

Keep a sharp eye on them and bring them in after a while or the color will all melt away. Wear gloves when you carry them in or your hands will be covered in swirls of color. Place them on an easy-to-clean surface to dry.

Spraying them with starch after they've gotten fully wet is optional.

We can't wait to see what they look like when they are dry. This project is definitely going on the "What To Do If It Rains" list for summer camp!

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