Our last Family Day celebrated winter holidays and focused on images of home in our permanent collection. What winter holiday(s) do you celebrate?
Ulysses Davis (American, 1913-1990), “Ranch House,” n.d. Carved painted wood. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of Sharon Cooper. GMOA 2013.514.
Many people spend more time at home with their family and friends during this special time. Home is a place that provides shelter and comfort. It can also be a feeling. Being with loved ones can make any place feel like home. Who makes any place feel like home for you?
The artist Ulysses Davis made this framed relief. He was a barber who lived in Savannah, Georgia. He was also a self-taught artist. This means that he did not go to school to learn how to make art. Davis created more than 300 carved wooden figures, pieces of furniture and reliefs that are in museums around the country.
This work of art shows a house. Take a closer look. What are some things that you notice? What do you think the weather feels like outside of the house? Who do you think lives here?
Imagine how your home looks in the winter. Find a pencil and draw a picture of it.
Now it’s time to decorate your home in celebration of the holidays!
You’ll need the following supplies:
- a glass jam jar (or any other kind of clear jar)
- tissue paper in different colors
- scissors
- Mod Podge (a special kind of glue and sealer used for collage and available at most craft stores)
- a paintbrush
- a battery-powered votive candle
- kraft paper or newspaper
How to make your Jam Jar Luminary:
- Cover your work area with newspaper or kraft paper for easy clean-up.
- Cut shapes out of your tissue paper with the scissors or tear it with your hands to make rough edges. Think about what shapes and colors you like.
- Using your paintbrush, paint a layer of Mod Podge on a section of the jar. Stick a piece of tissue paper on it. Then paint over it with the Mod Podge.
- Continue layering glue and tissue paper until your jam jar is covered in an interesting pattern of shapes and colors.
- When the luminary is dry, turn on the votive candle and place it in the jar.
- Step back and enjoy the comfort and beauty of your home during the holidays.
