Friday 17th April Classes attending both workshops: Junior infants, 1st & 2nd class On Friday both classes began the construction of their personalised teacups. We explained to the children that as well as the larger pieces that make up the table settings every student will also create their very own teacup that will also be on display as part of the larger installation. These are made using cardboard to create the base which is then covered with strips of torn newspaper in the form of paper mache. The original pattern for the teacups comes from the site http://www.ohcrafts.net/gifts-paper-mache-teacup.php. The older classes used pre-cut templates made from cardboard, and put them together using masking tape. They then stuck a circle on the bottom to make up the base. Then the children applied the newspaper using the flour paste with their hands. We explained to the children how the paste is made from a mixture of flour, hot water and salt. The older children had used this process in their last workshop and so were familiar with it.

The younger children had the initial part of the construction already done and then applied the base onto their cup using the masking tape. The junior infants were doing it for the first time and all thoroughly enjoyed getting their hands into the paste and did so with gusto. They spoke about the texture of the paste and the overall conclusion was sticky and gooey but fun! The younger class also made the handle to go with their cup. This was made from a pre-cut cardboard template that is first covered with newspaper and paste and then while it is still wet, is then bent into and ‘S’ shape. Once dried it is then attached to the teacup using newspaper and paste.

While they were applying the newspaper and paste we discussed what the teacups might look like when finished. Some of the younger children spoke of their Granny’s good china as a reference with the type of designs that might be used when painting the finished teacups. We advised the children to look at patterns, shapes and designs around them in their daily lives to help come up with designs for their own teacups.