MODERN MILLWORK ORNAMENTS

Modern Millwork Ornaments

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create a wooden ornament using traditional techniques learned in class
• Use intense colors (beech green, carmine pink, neutral gray), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and value (shade, tint)
• Use design principles (balance, variety, proportion) to recognize cultural influences, personal experiences, and historical or traditional context within German Culture
• Define Ornament (decorative small object hung on a tree)

Lesson One

Day One, Art Start

1. Millwork Golden Age (1880-1910) Lauscha Germany
2. The Memory Tree by Fred Neff
3. Reflect on German Legend "Legend has it that 16th Century preacher Martin Luther was strolling through a forest one Christmas Eve. He was so enchanted by the beauty of the starlight twinkling on snowy fir trees that he brought a small tree in doors and decorated it with candles. He believed such a tree would remind children to reflect on the true meaning of the holidays."

Lesson Activities 

1. Use carving techniques (cutting, sanding, smoothing) to make ONE Wooden Ornament
2. Use mold appliques to add vintage images, patterns, and gold embellishments 
3. Use intense colors (beech green, carmine pink, neutral gray) for painting festive designs

Reminder:

• Initials & Home Teacher on back of Wooden Ornament 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Wooden Ornament for Assigned Table
2. Berrien Springs, MI, Christmas Pickle Capital of the World
3. Reflect on German Tradition "The origin of the Christmas pickle is shrouded in mystery. Some claim the pickle tradition originated in Germany and others claim this tradition started during the Civil War by a captured prisoner who wanted to eat a pickle. Whatever the origin, the Christmas Pickle now appears on trees around the world and provides for an enjoyable family experience. On Christmas morning, whoever finds the pickle on the tree will have good fortune throughout the year and receives a special gift!"

Lesson Activities

1. Use mold appliques to add vintage designs, patterns, and gold embellishments
2. Use intense colors (beech green, carmine pink, neutral grey) for painting festive designs
3. Add value (lightness, darkness) to decorative details of the wooden ornament

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Wooden Ornament for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (Ribbon, Drill, Acrylic Paint)

Lesson Activities

1. Use intense colors (beech green, carmine pink, neutral gray) to finish painting festive designs
2. Use value (lightness, darkness) to finish adding decorative details to ornaments
3. Use ribbon, string, or yarn to hang wooden ornament on christmas tree

Artist Examples

Student Examples