In the beginning of the school year, students have to create portfolios to act as folders for their art and as placeholders for their seat during class.

Of course, our portfolio must have our name, in large bold letters, written across the front. Natural materials work well for older students who have a stronger ability to tap into their imagination in an abstract way.

Younger students work well with pre cut lines that help them to form letters in a more concrete and clear way. I cut lines of various colors in curves big and small and straight lines, tall and short.

You can spot a more advanced ability when students illustrate a clever attempt at forming the letters of their name. The two images above were created using glue under the letters and also above for a sealed finish. The images at the beginning of the post created with natural materials were photographed then printed out and collaged to each student’s portfolio.