About Me
My name is Ursina Amsler and I am the 7th grade art teacher at Masconomet Middle School in Topsfield, MA. I have taught art to grades K-12 over the years in districts such as Marblehead, Massachusetts and Beverly Hills, California, though most of my teaching career has been spent in the middle school classroom. Why middle school? Some people flee in terror at the thought, but there is something about the enthusiasm, energy, and spirit of these kids that keeps me inspired and motivated every day. Middle Schoolers are blossoming with potential and are constantly discovering new connections to the world around them. They are flexible enough to try thinking “outside of the box”, and have a growing skillset that enables them to produce some amazing and expressive artwork. I have the best job!
I am excited and honored to share with you that I was recently named Massachusetts “Middle Level Art Educator of the Year” by the Massachusetts Art Education Association!
I love sharing my passion for creating art with my students and fellow educators!
I’m very excited to share our success in the 2022 Scholastic Art Awards!
Click Here to see all winning work from both 7th and 8th grade students at Masconomet!
Ms. Amsler's Artroom 
Dec 04, 2017 @ 21:04:59
Hello, my name is Carole Bronzino and I teach middle school in Roswell, Georgia.
I love the lessons you have on your blog! I watched your video explaining how to do the explosion book and I am about to try this with my 7th grade. Could you tell me the measurements of the large abstract painting? Thank you so very much and thank you for explaining this in a way that middle schoolers will understand!
Feb 15, 2018 @ 11:37:11
Hi Ursina 🙂
Your art ideas are awesome! Thanks so much for sharing them!
Regarding the “Watercolor and Crayon Resist Fish Paintings”, did you use water colour paper or something else? Did you use authentic water colours or the ‘cakes’?
Thanks again!
Julie from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Feb 16, 2018 @ 05:23:45
Hi Julie, I used student grade watercolor paper. I use the Prang “semi moist” watercolors. they are the ONLY student grade watercolor I will ever use. great value, rich colors, very responsive to a wet brush. Enjoy!
Feb 16, 2018 @ 05:24:26
Just planned a trip to your city for this summer! Never been but it looks amazing!
Sep 20, 2018 @ 22:43:24
Amazing lessons! I am now a middle school teacher and can’t wait to try some of your amazing ideas! I love your blog!
Oct 11, 2018 @ 16:50:49
my name is Rebecca I am a yr7-10 art teacher in Australia. I love your lessons and the fantastic student works you have posted. You are an inspiration.
Oct 11, 2018 @ 20:17:19
Thank you very much! Enjoy! 🙂
Feb 23, 2019 @ 20:54:37
Hi there! Grade 5 teacher from Ontario, Canada! Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas, instructions and samples with us! I have a question about a specific project that you have shared on here… for the “Reverse Painting Acetate Self-Portraits” how did you attach the acetate to the paste paper?
Feb 23, 2019 @ 21:09:54
Hi there, In answer to your question, I usually cut simple mats out of black paper to display the acetate self portraits. The acetate and the paste paper are always different sizes: I usually work with 8.5″ by 11″ acetate and the paper for Paste paper is roughly 9 by 12, (but any size will do.) Cutting a mat with an opening of, say, 8″ by 10.5″ allows you to affix first the acetate to the back, then the paste paper. It usually looks like a taped mess from the back, but from the front, you don’t see the irregularities! I will often have the kids do this mounting/presentation work as part of their grade. It’s a good opportunity to address craftsmanship and how effective neat presentation can be! A general goal for this step is 1.) NO TAPE should be visible from the front, and everything should be well attached and flat.
Feb 24, 2019 @ 23:19:32
Hi, The “Reverse Painting Acetate Self-Portraits” are fabulous!! The locations of the colors on their background papers look so specific when the acetate is laid over them. How did they plan this out (or did they)? Thanks so much! I’d love to do this with my classes.
Feb 24, 2019 @ 23:42:51
There’s no real planning, but much of the acetate remains unpainted/clear, so there is a nice play between the background paste paper and the painted parts of the acetate. The “in progress” pictures at the bottom of the page show you some of the acetate and paste papers, separately.
Apr 10, 2019 @ 23:55:37
Hi, I am interested in trying your reverse painting lesson. I am wondering how the two pieces are put together for the final project. Are they just glued?
Apr 11, 2019 @ 00:44:59
In regards to the attachment question: The best thing to do is pre-cut simple mats out of black paper (or have a template and have the kids do it.) This way, the acetate and paste paper can all be taped to the back and if the two pieces were different sizes, it won’t matter. You can also play with what is seen through the window using this mat frame. Generally, the back is a hodgepodge of overlapping layers and strips of tape, BUT what is seen through the window of the mat should be pristine and neat. I generally have the kids assemble all their “layers” as part of their craftsmanship and effort grade.
Hope this helps!
Aug 09, 2019 @ 11:17:56
I have a question in regards to the actual acetate paper used for the reverse portraits. I have done this project before and had an issue of the acetates paper curling once the student applied the paint to it causing it to be very difficult to continue painting. They were using acrylic for the colors as said in your instruction. Any idea on how to fix this solution?
Aug 12, 2019 @ 08:14:21
Tape it down at the top and bottom edges on something bigger and stiffer. If they want to check what it looks like from the front, they can unhinge JUST the bottom, lift and peek, then reattach. Put the whole kit and caboodle in the drying rack while wet and un-attach when the paint is dry. No mess!
Aug 28, 2019 @ 01:38:50
To clarify about the acetate: The Sharpie is done first, (no curling happens with the Sharpie,) THEN tape the prepared image down as described prior to painting.
Sep 01, 2019 @ 19:27:10
LOVE this project! Can you tell me what weight of acetate you used? Thanks!
Sep 01, 2019 @ 21:32:59
I’ve used all types—usually what I can get through our supply vendor! (I’ve even used overhead transparencies, which are thin.) Anything works, just know that thinner acetate will be more likely to dent or pucker, but is often more clear, allowing the background to peek through better.
Aug 13, 2019 @ 14:22:36
Good morning from Greece, my name is Yiota and I wish I could watch a tutorial on your work with the students. I am so interested in how to make these portraits. Is there a video somewhere or paid lesson even i could watch? thank you very much
Aug 13, 2019 @ 18:56:37
Hi Yiota! I have two tutorials on youtube: (search “Amsler Art Room”) but not any for my portrait lessons. Which lesson are you talking about? I have several different portrait projects posted. Let me know and I’ll see if I can help you out.
Aug 14, 2019 @ 01:37:53
Oh thank you very much for you quick response! I am very much interested in the Reverse Painting Acetate Self Portraits (to paint others to tell you the truth and not so much myself lol). If you could point me in the right direction I would be most grateful.
Aug 21, 2019 @ 00:07:51
Hi! I love your site so much! Would you please share the materials you used for the “jeweled bugs”? Did you buy a roll of foil or pre-cut sheets?
Aug 28, 2019 @ 01:36:03
I buy this foil, it will last you several years: https://www.schoolspecialty.com/foil-sheet-roll-400929
You can also buy smaller rolls, but this is the most cost effective. I use Sharpies for the color!
Sep 30, 2019 @ 06:35:29
Hello! I loved your reverse plexi glass painting project with the paste paper. I just completed a wonderful version of this with my elementary students, but I am having trouble finding a glue to adhere the paste paper without streaks or marks. What did you use to adhere the paste paper? Thank you!
Oct 01, 2019 @ 01:42:37
In regards to the attachment of everything: The best thing to do is pre-cut simple mats out of black paper (or have a template and have the kids do it.) This way, the acetate and paste paper can all be taped to the back and if the two pieces were different sizes, it won’t matter. You can also play with what is seen through the window using this mat frame. Generally, the back is a hodgepodge of overlapping layers of tape, BUT what is seen through the window of the mat should be pristine and neat. I generally have the kids assemble all their “layers” as part of their craftsmanship and effort grade.
Oct 03, 2019 @ 11:57:19
Really love all of your ideas and work! Would love to bring this to my high school students. Question about material management and planning! How do you manage your materials / clean up? I have class sizes that range from 30-35 students so it can get a little messy at the end of each period. Also how do you manage/incorporate using references in your planning? Do you print out images for students to trace or use stencils? Is there a specific way you teach them how to use it? Thank you again so much for all of these amazing ideas!
Oct 03, 2019 @ 20:46:02
In regards to clean up, My general rule is NOBODY leaves until everyone is cleaned up and seated back at their tables. This gives kids incentive to provide helpful reminders to their slow-cleaning peers. 🙂 Also, in my 7th grade classes, I award daily clean-up points from 1-10. Every two weeks I total the points and the class with the highest overall point-average gets a prize coupon, (“Art Buck”) that they can redeem for a small trinket, toy, or piece of candy. In regards to reference pictures, I am a BIG fan of using them, (BUT no tracing allowed) I generally provide lots of reference pics in the theme of whatever our lesson is… insects, flowers, animals, etc. I also have many clip art books of animals, mythology, nature, etc. (Dover publishes great ones that are cheap). I’m not sure which projects you have specific questions about, so if I didn’t answer everything, just let me know. I will be posting a video soon of how I manage printmaking for middle schoolers. Stay tuned!
Oct 21, 2020 @ 23:04:07
Good day
I need to get in contact with you urgently, please contact me on ilze.schultz@optimi.co.za with regards to permission on using your imagesin our text books
Oct 22, 2020 @ 01:58:10
You can email me at uamsler@masconomet.org with specific questions you have about my website.
Oct 02, 2021 @ 21:04:30
Hello! I am a college student in NY who loves braiding kumihimo in my spare time. I stumbled upon the page of this website where you describe teaching your students round braids and I am in awe. What a great idea! I’m so excited at the thought that these kids will grow up with increased discipline, patience and a love for kumihimo! Bravo!
Oct 02, 2021 @ 21:16:21
Great! Have you seen my video tutorial? Here’s the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y40cudjj76o My students always love learning this simple technique. We start with two colors and then expand to up to 8 once they get the technique mastered.
Nov 02, 2021 @ 02:30:18
omg. I love all your lessons and ideas so interesting, do you post the new lesson here? are there any more new lessons?
thank you!!!!!! you are one of my favorites
Nov 02, 2021 @ 16:49:00
Hi! If you follow the blog, I believe you will get an email notification when I post something new!
Jan 12, 2022 @ 22:42:37
Hi Ursina! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your website when researching a printmaking lesson for my 8th graders! Your style of teaching is so relatable. I teach 7th & 8th grade art in Virginia (just outside of DC). I appreciate all of the tips and tricks that you include on your site – I learn so much from you! You are thorough and organized and I think we are kindred spirits in how we like to run our classrooms/teach our lessons! Just wanted to take a moment to say thank you! -Jessi
Jan 13, 2022 @ 02:06:02
Thanks Jessi, I appreciate your kind words! I never imagined that this site would reach so many teachers, far and wide. (Thanks social media!) I love sharing my success with others. There’s nothing more rewarding for an art teacher than when you find a lesson that engages everyone. Happy to spread the love. 🙂
Jan 18, 2022 @ 23:30:14
Thanks so much for the kind words! 😍
Jun 03, 2022 @ 08:17:10
Hi Ursina, I just found out about your connection with Bethany Thiele! She and I are fellow art teachers! Such a small world 🙂
Jun 03, 2022 @ 17:22:15
Never met in person, we just both admire each other’s online art educator presence! Would LOVE to meet face to face sometime. 🙂
Oct 05, 2022 @ 11:26:41
Hi from Australia Ursina, I have followed your explosion book tutorial on You Tube, and intend to make it with my granddaughter (8) who will be visiting from Denmark in Nov. May I ask – when the children painted the abstract sheet from which they cut the pieces for the pages of the book – do you have a tutorial or instructions for the different processes?
I have also made some explosion books, and used images of my artwork, which turned out very well. Keep safe and well Regards , Denise
Oct 07, 2022 @ 16:12:49
Hi Denise, Here are the basic steps,
> Day 1: torn paper collage. Tissue works great, or mix in some patterned paper. NO SCISSORS. Use watered down glue and a brush to apply.
> Day 2: Tempera paint: three analogous colors plus white. No water, No more than 1 brush: just let things mix spontaneously. I demonstrate different mark making techniques, i.e. spirals, large dots connected with a wandering line, “seeds”, (random, short lines), “rays”, (parallel lines radiating out from another shape, like a piece of tissue) “ripples”, (lines that radiate around a shape). They will be annoyed that they can’t wash their brush, because they want to keep everything one perfect color, BUT THE MIXING IS WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING! I use disposable paper plates on this day to maximize work time and minimize clean up.
> Day 3: watercolors: more of the above mentioned techniques, and or fill in gaps.
> Day 4: Thick Sharpie: outline any edges, which might include the literal edge of a piece of tissue or splotch of paint, BUT it can also be where you see a perceptible color/value change within the paint, where colors mixed. (This might take 2 classes)
> OPTIONAL: watered down white tempera as a final “spray” effect here and there.
> Once they’ve selected their best areas and made their triangles and squares for the book, we also go in with metallic silver or gold for more edge work!
Feb 17, 2023 @ 22:56:41
Hi! I’m wondering if you were available sometime in April to do a paint night for the Centerville community in Beverly!
Feb 18, 2023 @ 00:21:20
Hi Naomi, YES! I do paint nights, (and other DIY projects!) email me your contact info, uamsler@masconomet.org
Feb 27, 2023 @ 01:28:38
Hi! I am in the midst of doing a Bisa Butler and Kehinde Wiley inspired self portrait project with my 8th graders and came across your Reverse Painting Acetate Self Portraits. I’m thinking we’ll use a similar technique but focus our backgrounds to be specific to the artist inspiration. I was just wondering, how did you wind up adhering the acetate to the background paper?
Mar 01, 2023 @ 00:03:29
Usually when I do this lesson, I am working with 8 1/2 x 11 acetate, but the background upon which we are mounting the portrait can be of varying sizes. I usually just attach the two things with tape, but I disguise the connection by making simple black paper mats with a window slightly smaller than the portrait size. This covers any variation between the size of the layers, as well as the point of attachments!
Mar 01, 2023 @ 00:03:08
Usually when I do this lesson, I am working with 8 1/2 x 11 acetate, but the background upon which we are mounting the portrait can be of varying sizes. I usually just attach the two things with tape, but I disguise the connection by making simple black paper mats with a window slightly smaller than the portrait size. This covers any variation between the size of the layers, as well as the point of attachments!
Mar 15, 2023 @ 20:07:16
I just wanted to tell you what a blessing your site has been to me and my students. I have tried a couple of your projects and plan to do many more! Thank you for sharing!!
Mar 15, 2023 @ 20:29:59
So glad you have found it helpful! Thank you!
Mar 22, 2023 @ 21:48:03
Hello from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, UK.
I have found your work so inspiring and helpful – my children have used your step by step guide to create clay dragon eyes – the plastic wrapping of the iris was genius and solved a week long headache in working out how to do it so huge thanks from me. Decisions afoot – paint with hints of metallic … or glaze and refire…
Huge thanks from all of us here at Upperthong J & I School.
Kate
Mar 22, 2023 @ 21:53:07
Thanks so much for the positive feedback! Having glazed and painted clay, I think Acrylic is the way to go with these, but, let me know if you end up glazing— I’d love to see some variations!
Mar 13, 2024 @ 05:30:18
Hi! I am not an art teacher, but putting together an art “camp” for teens this summer and love your reverse painting portrait. I think I understand how to accomplish that (I hope I do at least, lol), but am wondering if you can give some insight on the paste paper behind it? How do you mix the glue, water and paint to achieve this look?
Do you happen to have any video tutorials on either the portrait or paste paper works? Thanks so much!
Mar 13, 2024 @ 17:01:20
This post shpuld help: under the student art tab: https://amslerartroom.com/student-work/paste-paper-masterpieces/
Oct 17, 2024 @ 19:50:32
Hello, I love your idea for junior high art work, and want to try the nuerographic self portraits, what size was the final paper? Did you use watercolor paper?
Oct 17, 2024 @ 20:22:31
I do use watercolor paper, and the size has varied… but generally they are about 15″ by 19″
Apr 08, 2025 @ 02:05:06
I am so inspired by your work. I teach art at local parks and community centers and I’m always looking for new ideas. Thank you so much for your wonderful detailed instructions! It’s so kind of you to share. I love patterns, Zentangle, abstract art, photography so your work is exactly what is giving me such inspiration.
Thank you!
I can be found at: Marion e Art on instagram.
Have a wonderful day!
Marion
Apr 08, 2025 @ 04:06:10
Thanks for the positive feedback! I am happy to share what has been successful in my classroom. 🙂