EASTER EGGS ALA MATISSE ~

Giant paper Easter eggs with Matisse style cut out designs is a fun, easy art project for kids of all ages.  While learning about Henri Matisse and his colorful, bold, organic paper cut outs, kids will love working with  the bright colors and the fact they are giant Easter eggs.  Eggs can be displayed on walls or in a window.  Kids can either cut out the shapes or an adult can cut out the eggs and a selection of colorful shapes and kids can choose and glue shapes to eggs.

MATERIALS ~
Several sheets of poster board in bright Spring color for giant eggs.  Lightweight board is fine but construction paper is a bit too light.  Extra colors for cut outs which can be a combination of poster board, construction paper or any bright colored paper.
Pencils or marker for creating eggs and making pattern
Scissors
Glue sticks
Newspaper for creating egg patterns, or whatever you have on hand such as newsprint if you no longer enjoy the fun of reading a real newspaper.  I just had to say that because I love my paper.

INSTRUCTIONS ~
Make an egg pattern any size you choose or a variety of sizes.  Our pattern is about 36X22.  You can adjust size of egg to fit your poster board, or go for smaller eggs if you prefer.  I use newspaper for making patterns because it is so easy as it comes with basic lines to follow.  Fold newspaper lengthwise (if you need extra length or width, just add extra paper with tape)  A basic egg shape can be done by starting with 2 circles (half when folded), bottom larger than top circle, and then go from there and fill in the rest.  Cut out your pattern and trace and cut an egg, adjust it a bit if needed.  You can now use your first egg for your pattern as the newspaper is a bit flimsy.  Cut out as many eggs as you need.

Cut out a variety of colorful shapes to glue on the eggs.  You can do some flower shapes for Spring, lots of wavy lines, leaf shapes, uneven hearts, circles, and squares (see the sample photos for ideas).  If you have a book on Matisse Cut Outs (or look online) you can refer to that for a little inspiration and to show the kids Matisse's work.  Even better, if you are lucky enough to live near an art museum (like Los Angeles) with some of his work on display, take the kids as it's a wonderful way for them to enjoy art and the museum.  Once you get the idea, you can come up with lots of shapes.  One of the nice things about these shapes is they are so organic and free form, anything goes.  An adult can cut the shapes, kids can, or both.

Put all of the shapes out an a large table or the floor along with the giant eggs and some glue sticks and have fun!