June Art Therapy Techniques

The month of June at the work place was about the Carolinas. The focus was on water, water colors, nature, and southern hospitality.

Tides of Life
For this project I used a tub of water, sidewalk chalk, a butter knife, and water color paper.
Each group member chose 2 or 3 colors of chalk. By using the butter knife participants can scrape chalk dust into the water. Once a layer of chalk dust is floating on the water, place a piece of watercolor paper on the surface of the water. Carefully lift the paper up off the water to reveal a swirling/ marbleized pattern.
Once each group member has created a print begin a discussion about the properties of water and how they might relate to life. Crashing waves or calm serene water, each may describe a period of time in our lives. Have each member Look at their print and discuss what emotions are brought to the surface. Are they reminiscent to current experiences? Or does the image represent a different time in life.

Box of Values
Materials for this project included a small to medium sized box with a lid, watered down glue or modge podge, tissue paper, and cut out words of typical values.
The project can be broken into two sessions- the first session focused on decorating the outside of the box and the second session focused on the inside.
For the outside of the box use the tissue paper and glue to create a collage of color. This decoration can be made to look specifically visually pretty or can have a focused intention of representing the outer self.
Once dry (or in the second session) discuss the topic of values. What values does the group as a whole hold and what are some values that each member treasures. Have each participant cut out words that represent their personal values to glue on the inside of their boxes. Finally, discuss what objects and treasures they may keep in their boxes that they hold as dear as their values.

Filter Flowers
This project is simple and uses large coffee filters, water colors, green pipe cleaners and glue (hot glue for speediness, but it can leave a mark on the filter)
Have each group member paint their coffee filter using the water colors. It is recommended to keep the water colors saturated with pigment as the color tends to fade when the filter dries. Once dry, attach the pipe cleaner to the back of the filter flower and voila!

What art therapy tasks have you been utilizing?