Monday 7th October
I remembered hobby I had as a kid where I'd create little model birds with feathers and would sell them at school fairs. This memory inspired me to spontaneously settle on the theme - bird modelling - which should appeal to the culture club goers, according to responses from my teachers and classmates.
On that note I also came in to view what the others were doing, questioned some of the third years about their experience in second year since they are the only ones on Earth to know what second year is like.
ADVICE:
Failure lies in the brief! The goal is to document your learning, not simply to achieve "success."
Final year is probably the most exciting/anticipated, you have the opportunity to create your own brief and spend the entire summer or year reflecting on it—choose anything that ignites your passion!
Collaboration becomes easier in the course, providing you with a valuable transferable skill for various fields outside of your studies.
The bird theme is great.
SKETCHES
INSPIRATION VISUAL CONTEXT
RESEARCH and EXPLORATION
BIRD MAKING
THIS WHOLE CHANNEL IN INCREDIBLE!
FAIRYTALES. STORIES. FANTASY.
I COULD KEEP GOING
Wednesday 9th October
FEEDBACK WITH LARA
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Focus on Bird Theme: centre the workshop around a bird theme, maybe add a bird soundscape in the background.
Icebreakers: during tea we can engage participants to converse and socialise with icebreaker questions like, “Who here likes birds?” and “What are your favorite birds?” Additionally, I could conduct thorough research on various bird species to enrich our discussions and implement this into my pre-made model bases, by creating 3 body types.
Start Experimenting! It's time to begin experimenting! I’ll design the tree using Nomad and prepare quick sketches for my pitch.
Self-Reflection I need to remind myself not to be hard on myself for feeling like I'm falling behind. Everyone has different thought processes; mine tends to involve spending considerable time developing ideas before executing them. What matters now is managing my time effectively.
Action Plan (Now to Monday)From now until Monday, my focus will be on creating. I’ll engage in experimentation, prototyping, and design. I must avoid feeling overwhelmed by starting with simple concepts and expanding them as needed.
Simple ObjectivesI aim to create a bird model using various materials and develop an illustrated leaflet detailing the method. Also model the tree in Nomad if I can.
Extras For added depth, I’d like to explore creating bird-themed people or creatures. I also plan to produce a short 10-second stop-motion film featuring birds and develop a more comprehensive leaflet with links, QR codes, and resources. A brief 5-minute insight into digital modelling will also be included.
Practice Presentations: Wednesday
Final Presentations: Monday, 21st
Deadline for Blogs and Report: Wednesday, 23rd
FAIRYTALE BIRD MODELLING
A workshop that combines my love for modelling and nature.
Narrative: repopulate the fairytale tree.
Setting: The backdrop will feature a simple yet immersive nature environment, complete with prop vines and elements that simulate the beauty of the outdoors. At the center or corner of the room, there will be a Pocahontas-inspired tree (complete with a face) to display the finished creations. I can craft this tree from scratch using paper mache, 3D modeling, or a combination of both methods, potentially reaching heights of 1-6 meters. However, to save time, I may likely repurpose an existing prop and apply modelling skills to enhance it, that way it's sustainable and efficient.
Focus: Based on feedback, I recognise the need for a clear focus. While I initially considered a range of anatomies from humanoid to birds or hybrids, I’ve decided to centre the theme on birds with the option to expand into feathered creatures to align more with a whimsical fairy tale concept.
Instruction: I will guide participants in creating the body, ensuring the process is easy to teach and understand. For those with dexterity issues or preferences, I will provide premade modeling pieces made from clay, styrofoam, paper, or 3D models. I can present this through a live or pre-recorded tutorial that includes tips, tricks, and techniques, such as layering leaves.
Decoration: I think the highlight of the making would be the decoration - moulding the bird of the bird is fairly simple but is just an average base made for decorating. The decoration is where it gets interesting because its what makes the models lifelike and uniquely individual. I will organise a range of materials on each table, and I mean ORGANISE! e.g normal craft feathers for instance are hell to work with so I ll provide pre cut feathers that will easily apply and resemble a real feather, the same idea goes for all the materials.
Appeal: The workshop will appeal with the demographic of hobbyists, grandparents, artists and nature enthusiasts and more, inspiring participants to engage in a hobby, in gift or decoration making, or buisness.
Connection with Nature: Many older adults have a fondness for birds and animals, making this theme relatable and enjoyable; evermoreso because they fall into a generation born closer to the Holocene, any thus have witnessed the decine of the nature perhaps more than every other generation currently. So the concept of repopulating the tree could be heartwarming as well.
Materials: Participants will have access to feathers, pom-poms, tissue paper, glitter, wire, leaves, acorn/nuts, buttons, colours, and fabrics.
Storytelling Element: We will create a narrative for the birds, reviving the tree, or developing a fairy tale story to enhance the creative experience.
Character Design: To add an extra layer of fun, I can provide character illustrations for inspiration and allocate time for participants to design their own characters on paper or using templates, during the making process.
Inspiration: This workshop is inspired by my childhood passion for animals and crafting, recalling how I made and sold bird models at school fairs for like £5 when I was 9 or 10 years old. As well as nature documentaries I was influenced lot by cartoons, particulary those that involve nature and fantasy—like Ghibli ( Mononoke, Totoro ), classic Disney (Fantasia), Laika Studios ( Coraline ) or Rio and Wizard of Oz — so you could also enrich this worksop further by subtly referencing nostalgic films and cartoons of their youth or those they love to watch with their loved once. Film universally bonds us, the stories and experiences shared through them resonate across cultures and generations of humans. "All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography." - Federico Fellini
Integration of Digital Techniques: near the end I could briefly delve into to the further capabilities of physical sculpting to inspire group members curiosities, showcasing 3D modelling processes and softwares like Nomad. To further incorporate tech I can make a short stop-motion films or even use augmented reality software to brings the models to life.
Support:I and potential volunteers will be available to assist participants with any challenges or questions they may have.
Educational Materials:An illustrated leaflet will be provided to explain the workshop, including instructions, website links, storyboards, cute designs, materials, fun facts about birds, or maybe even a llittle game.
Digital Resources:A separate leaflet focused will be available for those interested in experimenting with digital modelling, featuring links, examples, and guidance. QR codes or websites links will connect to digital resources like Womp and Nomad
Dress : Dress in earthy, nature-inspired attire to complement the workshop theme.
RISK ASSESSMENT
WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED?
Guests
Volunteers
Myself
Staff Supervisors
WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS?
Slips and Trips from disorganised seating.
Allergies to glue, clay, natural materials etc..
Choking hazard from small objects like feathers or styrofoam pieces
Cuts from sharp objects like scissors, sticks or paper.
NAME: Serrell Tafari
LESSON PLAN
Duration: 2 Hours
Target Audience: Older adults
Materials Needed:
BASE MATERIALS
Modelling clay in a few colours (types - air/polymer/natural
Sculpting tools (e.g., spatulas, needles, and shaping tools)
Newspaper, paper, card, tissue paper
PVA Glue
DECORATIVE
Washed Leaves, Flowers, Sticks, Acorns, Shoots, Nuts, seeds and Plant fibers
Various coloured Paints and brushes
Aprons or table coverings to protect surfaces
PVA glue
Glitter
Sharpie Pens
Buttons
DRAWING
Reference images of birds (e.g., colourful, mythical designs)
Paper and pencils for sketches
STRUCTURE
10:00 : SET UP 30 mins
10:30 : ARRIVAL 10 mins
Allow participants to settle down comfortably.
10:40 : TEA AND ICE BREAKER 15 mins
Casually discuss "Favourite animals, birds, or fairytale creatures?" whilst enjoying tea.
10:55 : INTRODUCTION 10 mins
Show (physically show prototype) what we are going to make and all you can do with the teachings of it.
Brief mention behind the workshop - childhood hobby, sold at fairs, love nature and fairytales.
Briefly explain narrative of the session _ re-populating the fairytale tree to bring it life..
11:05 : DEMONSTRATE THE PROCESS 15 mins
Show basic techniques for shaping the clay, including how to form the body, wings, and tail.
Tips, Tricks and Techniques : Discuss how to easily add details like feathers, eyes, and textures / methods with the different options of materials 'if you were to use polymer clay you would instead..' all this is essentially in the illustrative leaflets anyway.
11:20 : HANDS ON MAKING WITH GUIDANCE 40 mins
Option to draw out their ideas with available colours and gels, or even create a story.
Remind that all the information is on the leaflet if they need it, otherwise we are here to help and talk.
12:00 : BREAK TO REFLECT 5mins
Take a moment to look at our creations and/or talk about them
12:05 : KEEP MAKING 10 mins (TOTAL 50 mins
finishing touches.
12:15 : REPOPULATE TREE and ROUND UP 15 mins
everyone places their creation onto the mystic tree before taking them home
12:30 : END SESSION
BUDGET
FOR MODELLING WORKSHOP:
CLAY
Air-Dry Clay
Approx. £2-£3 per pack (let’s say 10 packs for variety) Total: £20-£30
Polymer Clay
Approx. £2.50-£4 per pack (let’s say 10 packs for variety) Total: £25-£40
Natural Clay
Approx. £3-£5 per pack (let’s say 5 packs) Total: £15-£25
Overall Modelling Clay Estimate
Air-Dry Clay: £20-£30
Polymer Clay: £25-£40
Natural Clay: £15-£25
Total for Modelling Clay: £60-£95
TOOLS
Sculpting Tools Approx. £1.50 - £7.50 for a set (5 sets)
Total: £7.50 - £37.50
PAPER
Newspaper: Usually free or very low cost if sourced from recycling.
Paper: A bulk pack (e.g., A4 or larger) typically costs around £5-£10.
Card: A bulk pack can cost about £5.
Tissue Paper: A pack usually costs around £5.
Total: £15
PVA Glue
Approx. £3 per bottle (3 bottles)
Total: £9
PLANTS
Washed Leaves, Flowers, Sticks, Acorns, Shoots, Nuts, Seeds, Plant Fibers
Foraged (free) or a few £££
Total: FREE
FEATHERS
A pack of assorted feathers (e.g., craft feathers) typically costs around £5-£10.
Depending on the quantity and variety, you might need 2-3 packs for a group of 30 people.
Total for Feathers: £10 - £30
PAINT AND BRUSHES
Basic Acrylic Paint Set:
Approx. £3- £10 for a standard set of tubes or bottles (typically around 6-12 colours). x3
Brush Set:
Approx. £1-£10 for a basic set of assorted brushes. x3
Total: £13-£60
APRONS OR TABLE COVERINGS
£1-£ 3.75 each for 5 coverings
Total: £5 - £18.75
GLITTER
Approx. £3 per pack (2 packs)
Total: £6
SHARPIES
Approx. £5 for a pack x 3
Total: £15
BUTTONS
£ 2-5 for a mixed bag
Total: £4 -10
PENCIL AND PAPER
Approx. £11.25 for bulk paper and pencils
Total: £11.25
Estimated Total Cost
Overall Estimate: £145 - £260
This is a rough estimate based on glances of prices from places like amazon, ebay, the works, Tesco and Cass art. Many of the materials such as the markers and glitter are optional so material costs will definitely be on the cheaper side, around £150
FOR PRINTING ILLUSTRATED RESOURCES
Estimated cost per booklet: This could range from about £0.30 to £1.00, depending on the school's printing costs and whether you're using colour or black and white.
Total for 40 booklets: This would likely range from approximately £12 to £40.
SIMPLIFIED
Modelling Clay: £60-£95
Sculpting Tools: £7.50-£37.50
Paper: £15
PVA Glue: £9
Plants (foraged): Free
Feathers: £10-£30
Paint and Brushes: £13-£60
Aprons/Table Coverings: £5-£18.75
Glitter: £6
Sharpies: £15
Buttons: £4-£10
Pencil and Paper: £11.25
Estimated Total Cost: £145-£260
Printing Resources: £12-£40 for 40 booklets
CRINGY EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION IN MY HEAD
"Welcome, everyone! I’m so glad to see all of you here today for our two-hour bird modeling workshop. My name is Serrell, this is [ volunteer names ] and today, we’re going to make feathered friends'
Then maybe begin with a brief introduction to different types of birds and their unique features. I’ll share some fascinating facts about their behaviors and habitats to inspire our creations. After that, I’ll guide through the materials we’ll be using.
"Don’t worry—there’s no need for prior experience! We’ll be working with simple modeling materials, so everyone can enjoy the process. As we start shaping our birds..," bla bla bla
Thursday 10th October
PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP WITH KORAY
WHAT I MADE.
Saturday 12th October
SUTTON COILFIELD
I took a spontaneous trip with my friend to Sutton Colfield where we climbed, observed birds and reconnected with the wild in a goofy way.
The taxidermy birds are almost like model birds, if they wernt actual dead and stuffed birds. Weirdly enough, coming across this display reminded me a lot of my theme. They make great live references to make from, which further inspires me to start modelling and prototyping; to try replicate the level of skill and detail in these taxidermy's, minus the human corruption.
" Live Love Laugh."
SUNDAY 13th
The day after.
