Check out how I used doodle chairs as a fund-raiser and classroom decor.
THE STORY
Every two years my school hosts a large gala as a school fundraiser. The silent auction is a huge part of that and every gala the art department is asked to create a class project to donate to the auction. I had tried a number of projects in the past from centerpieces to wall hangings, and was never satisfied with a project, until the doodle chairs.
While brainstorming with a coworker and the art gala liaison, someone suggested a piece of furniture as an art item. We did research and found some examples of doodle chairs. I was immediately hooked, this was going to be fun and create a very successful final product.
The parent organization that plans the gala provided the chairs and we set to decorate them. These same chairs can be found at Home Depot. I did a lot of experimenting before getting to work. I was hoping to find a way to draw the doodles with a sharpie, then spray the chair to help protect the drawing. I tried at least 6 different spray coat products and every single one peeled off of the plastic finish. In the end, I decided to keep the doodle mostly on the back of the chair, where sitting would not rub the doodles.
STEP ONE
I left the legs off while we doodled to make it easier to access the bottom. I set the two chairs on a table in the back of my classroom and whenever students finished an assignment early or needed a break, they would doodle. I started the design on one chair so my students would have an example to get started, but then I mostly let them run with it.
STEP TWO
My students covered the back and bottom of the chairs and I decided to wrap part of the design onto the front. I kept it minimal in hopes that it wouldn’t rub off after a lot of use.
The final product was beautiful. I loved the contrast in the design and the modern look. I was sad to pass these on to the auction but glad my class was able to help.
DOODLE CHAIRS
If you are looking for an art fundraiser, this could be a great way to go. You could ask for donations from parents to purchase the chairs or you could find wooden chairs at Goodwill or similar to paint white with acrylic paint or chalk paint, then add the sharpie design on top.
I hope these chairs are being loved and enjoyed in a happy home! I am very tempted to purchase another pair to create a doodle chair set in my classroom.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog! Interested in other crafty projects? Check out what else I have worked on here. Looking for art lesson ideas? Check out my posts here. Check out more blog posts here. Shop my education resources here. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for weekly visual journal demos. Until next time!
2 responses to “Art Class: Sharpie Doodle Chairs”
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What a beauty! Did you position the chairs to look like a pair of birds on the first photograph? That’s what I see. Two birds touching their beaks, their bodies covered in very cool doodles. Beautiful and functional art. Love it.
What a lovely thought! No, that was purely coincidental, but I love that you made me see that!