Paper Mache Letter

My 8th grade class used paper mache to make large, 3-Dimensional letters. While looking for lesson plan ideas, I found a fun lesson on Blick that uses paper mache paste and newspapers.

Project Goal =

• ·      Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of art (form, texture).
• ·      Students will create a sculpture by manipulating materials and the paper mache process.
• ·      Students will paint the surface of a sculpture inspired by their own visual ideas.

Elements & Principles of Art = form, texture

Steps =

1. Have students design the shape of a letter on a piece of paper using a pencil (with a minimum of 2.5" wide in all areas and a maximum of 14” x 22” long).
2. Trace it on 2 pieces of cardboard, and have them cut it out. (Make sure that they write their name on both parts.)
3. Have students glue Dixie cups to one letter that is face-up (stagger them from upside- to right-side up).
4. Glue the other letter cut out that is face-down.
5. Cover the entire letter with at least 3 layers of paper mache paste and newspaper (hint = if the last layer is with brown paper towel you won't have to worry about covering up newsprint with many layers of paint.).
6. (Make sure you go over how to mix paint colors, how to care for paint brushes, and to protect the tables with paper before this step.) Have students paint the letter with designs that show their interests and personality. They might need to paint multiple layers to cover up the paper completely and not have the paint look streaky. 

 (I appreciate the Doctor Who inspiration, Emma)

·