Keys
The key is an object with symbolic qualities with power to open and close.
It represents knowledge, initiation, mystery, freedom and curiosity. Wikipedia
A small amount of keys is included with the kits, but it sure is nice to be able to riffle through many and find the perfect key to inspire a piece of thoughtful artwork. Adults and children both seem to choose keys by how they feel. Having many more than you need is fun and used keys are easy to get. Start by asking students to check with family and friends for any keys they no longer need. Check your own drawers at home. The school custodian may be able to contribute as well. Any kind of key is fine.
When I first started this project, I put an ad in the local paper and I was surprised by the response! It felt like people were waiting for someone to ask for their used keys. People have a hard time throwing them away. They were happy to contribute to this big art project. The Key Idea™ always accepts extra keys, if you end up with more than you need, please donate them to this project. You can bring any extra keys to the conference or pop them into a flat rate mailer and send them along.
Keys often arrive on a variety of rings and tags. They need to become more neutral for the project. Take the keys off all of the rings, even the really plain ones. (Older students can handle this as a group project ahead of time) I always wash the keys in a little warm water and dish soap and lay them out on an old towel to dry. Mix them up. Most keys really represent people and their lives. Blend keys from many sources together. Keep any interesting old tags. More on that in the lesson plans.
I like to present keys on shallow trays of all sizes. I’ve noticed that adults and children both gravitate to a trayful of keys.
© 2016 Lenore Lyons and The Key Idea, Inc. retain all rights to the artwork.
Participating teachers agree to the terms of the artwork and trademark.
When I first started this project, I put an ad in the local paper and I was surprised by the response! It felt like people were waiting for someone to ask for their used keys. People have a hard time throwing them away. They were happy to contribute to this big art project. The Key Idea™ always accepts extra keys, if you end up with more than you need, please donate them to this project. You can bring any extra keys to the conference or pop them into a flat rate mailer and send them along.
Keys often arrive on a variety of rings and tags. They need to become more neutral for the project. Take the keys off all of the rings, even the really plain ones. (Older students can handle this as a group project ahead of time) I always wash the keys in a little warm water and dish soap and lay them out on an old towel to dry. Mix them up. Most keys really represent people and their lives. Blend keys from many sources together. Keep any interesting old tags. More on that in the lesson plans.
I like to present keys on shallow trays of all sizes. I’ve noticed that adults and children both gravitate to a trayful of keys.
© 2016 Lenore Lyons and The Key Idea, Inc. retain all rights to the artwork.
Participating teachers agree to the terms of the artwork and trademark.