3rd Grade Chinese Lanterns in Art

The third grade artists have been hard at work creating stunning batik lanterns inspired by design motifs found in Chinese artwork. The third graders started by drawing either a fish, which is used as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, or a dragon, which is used as a symbol of strength and health.

After tracing their designs to complete two sides that are symmetrical, the third grade artists carefully transferred their images to cloth, applying glue on the outlines of their designs.

After learning about the painstaking traditional technique of wax batik which is used in China and other Asian countries, as well as some areas of Africa, the students appreciated the level of detail that can be achieved in fiber arts! They made the connection that where they had applied glue to their fabric kept the fabric white and when they added paint that would fill in the rest of their fabric.


They then got ready to paint their fabric using either a warm or cool color palette.


After the paint was dry, the fabric was washed and the students were very pleased with their beautiful handiwork, which they glued in place around wire to create a lantern. They are eager to see their lanterns come to life at the Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration!