Paper Haikus and My Summer with Bigfoot

I wanted to post this a few days ago-- on 8/26-- but I didn't have time to sit down and indulge in a little collage until this past weekend. When, thankfully, this idea that had been in the back of my head for a while kept me occupied all through the wait for Irene.

A few summers ago, I interned at 826 Boston, a chapter of the 826 National tutoring program and home of the Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute. It was one of the most fantastic experiences I've ever had-- a total blast as well as a wonderful learning experience.

I was part of the first cohort of summer interns at 826 Boston, which meant we had a lot of opportunities to shape the program. One thing I had the chance to do was develop an activity as part of the summer camp curriculum. What I came up with was such a great imaginative kick-starter that I've been wanting to revisit it for a while.

My challenge: create a paper haiku.

To create a paper haiku, choose seven different collage materials and cut them into squares (Mine were a few pieces of scrapbooking paper, pages from an old New Yorker, and test strips from printing photos in the darkroom.) Find something to use as your canvas-- I used pieces of cardboard cut into 6x6 squares.

For each "haiku," choose five squares from the collage materials you've prepared and create your collage with only those materials. (I cheated a bit and allowed myself to use pens and embroidery floss in addition to the paper.)

Make a few! Challenge yourself to see the same pool of materials in a new way each time.

Originally when I did this at camp, we wrote haikus about imaginary creatures (like Bigfoot) and then illustrated them in "paper haikus." This time I decided to forgo writing and instead just use the impending hurricane-- and the hurricane tracking maps that were on the news all weekend-- as my inspiration.

If you have a chapter of 826 National near you, you should look into volunteering as a tutor! It's an amazing way to devote some of your time to a great cause and to be a part of an inspiring, completely unique, organization. If you don't have time to volunteer, at least stop by the store. I'm sure you're in need of pirate gear, or time travel equipment, or superhero supplies-- because really, who isn't??

Comments

[Mel]

I love 826! I tried to volunteer last year at 826Boston, but the hours were too different from my 9-5 schedule. Love the program though.

[Lola]

@Mel, Isn't it an amazing place? I had the same trouble with trying to volunteer at 826NYC. If you're still interested, call and see if they need help in the storefront on weekends. It's a ton of fun! The volunteer orientation might still be mid-week only, but that's just a one time thing.