This is a very cost-effective project that children and teachers use to learn about pattern making. Mosaics were used to cover floors, walls and even pottery to add a decorative element. It is helpful to look at images of Medieval mosaic work prior to starting your art activity. Use small squares of paper to mosaic the cover of a book or create a design to be framed. This project requires paper, glue and scissors.
Adults can use actual tiles or broken pieces of pottery to create wall hangings or to cover flower pots for a useful decorative element in a garden or windowsill. You will need a base on which to glue the shards of ceramic, as well as grout to fill in between the cracks.
Children can take the first letter of their name and create it into a character that has relevance to the child's life, or make up a coat of arms using the first letter of their family name. The colors used in this art activity should be very thoughtful and reflect the child's interest. For example, if the student enjoys gardening perhaps they can use the color green, emphasizing the predominant color of their garden. This can be created in colored pencil or paint. Gold or silver paint used as accents will help create a more authentic Medieval effect. This project looks great on the cover of a diary, journal or folder that contains research on the Medieval time period of history.
Adults can create a similar project using parchment paper, paint and brushes to create their own unique story. Gouache, watercolor and inks work well to create an "antique" appearance. Instead of using gold or silver paint, try using gold or silver leaf, which is what the monks would use create a luster to their illuminated pages.
Creating a Medieval coin in clay is a tactile art project that can become quite intricate. Students start with a blob of clay about the size of their fist. They flatten it down into a thick pancake shape. The edges can be patted down so they are flat. Using clay tools, student choose and then design an image of who their imaginary leader of that time period would have been. Add in elements that the leader may be known for. Perhaps they were known for slaying dragons and there is a dragon in the background, or a sword. Maybe there is a laurel wreath indicating they were a famous athlete, or a suit of armor because they were a knight. Tools to create this art activity will include toothpicks, Popsicle sticks and forks. Older artists may use actual clay tools which are found in hobby shops and sold in sets.
An alternative approach to this project for adults is to create a coin in wax and find a local foundry that can create a lost wax casting and turn the wax sculpture into a metal coin. Metal costs vary depending on what type of metal is chosen.