The Sculpture Challenge continues...

Many 2nd graders have already started gluing their paper mache` projects after completing strong armatures made from cardboard scraps, newspaper, boxes, and masking tape. I am amazed at the innovation and designs many of these students developed with their own abilities! Check out some of the amazing examples below! See the original lesson explanations here and here.

Armatures and Paper Mache`

Students in 2nd grade are currently building armatures for their paper mache` animals. After looking at images of some of our favorite animals, each student chose one to study and draw using three dimensional geometric shapes. This is our plan for building our armature. We discussed various ways to build using paper towel and toilet paper tubes, as well as cardboard and newspaper. After completing their preliminary drawing, students may begin building with tape, tubes, newspaper and cardboard from supply boxes in the art room.

Once completed with the armature (the "bones" of our animal sculpture), students can begin the paper mache part. This can be incredibly messy, but most students thoroughly enjoy this step. Another discussion we have during construction of the armature is stability. We really want our animal to be able to stand on its own, so we need to work through any problems, such as the example below where the head is too heavy and the animal falls forward. Most everyone is ready for the glue step now.

Paper Mache` Animals (continued)

We are very near the end of the school year and I always get a little nervous as to whether or not we will finish this project, no matter how early I start it. Many second grade classes have as little as five days of art left with the last day reserved for fun Rainbow club day activities.

Many students are finished with the final touches, including eyes, ears, and tails and have their animals on display in the 2nd grade reading nook. Here are some of the amazing projects completed so far. To find out more about this fun, yet messy, project look at my previous posts here and here.

Animal scupltures from cardboard tubes

Without a kiln and not being a huge fan of air dry clay, it is sometimes difficult to incorporate three dimensional projects in the art curriculum, but using recycled materials and paper mache makes this project economical and exposes students in second grade to three dimensional art. Not only that, but it has a cross curriculum connection to science by including research into animals and their habitats.

Using only newspapers, cardboard tubes, masking tape and paper mache craft glue (powder form), students can create a three dimensional animal. First step is to build an armature. Body and head shapes are created by crumpling newspaper into balls and wrapping masking tape around it. Legs, necks, and arms are created by the tubes. I tell students to use three pieces of masking tape to connect each tube to the body or head. Ears and tails can be cut from cardboard scraps and taped with masking tape to the body.

Once completed with the armature, students can begin the paper mache part. This can be incredibly messy, but most students thoroughly enjoy this step. Another discussion we have during construction of the armature is stability. We really want our animal to be able to stand on its own, so we need to work through any problems, such as the example below where the head is too heavy and the animal falls forward.

Building the armature and adding paper mache usually takes a couple of weeks worth of art classes to complete and students can then begin on painting and final details.

Creativity Stretcher using only TP tubes and scrap paper

First graders are almost complete with their toilet paper tube and scrap paper creativity stretcher. Many of the examples can be found on our online art gallery at Artsonia. I love this creativity stretcher as much as my students because they have the freedom to create and develop their own ideas without any direction from me. The only two rules I have; students may only use scrap paper to create shapes and lines and any details. No markers, crayons or pencils can be used, and at least one cardboard tube must be included in the final design. I wish I could record each and every single story the students tell me about his or her creation. The imaginations are amazing! I love how many have a three dimensional appearances in relief and sculpture.

Cardboard tubes of various sizes.

Scrap Paper from multiple projects.

Projects drying.

This is an entire bear cave network with different floors for each bear cub!

Angry character whose feet allow him to sit upright!