Paper mache is a favorite project for the art students every year. We begin with an idea, construct the sculpture from objects we would normally throw away, and then develop a great piece of work. The students have made everything from "little critters" to tribal masks to Pop art. What's fun is seeing the sculptures develop from an idea to the finished piece. We thought you would enjoy seeing this process too. The photos shown include both the 2007 and the 2008 art classes.

Build the armature.

Students began their sculptures by building an armature. An armature is simply the skeleton of the sculpture and it is probably the most important part. It must be made well and it must also be very strong. Our armatures are made from ordinary objects, such as cardboard, old posterboard, egg cartons, paper towel tubing, and lots of tape. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out just how to make one, but we don't give up. In this picture, Kayla S. and Jorden R., are working on their armature for a giant tube of lipstick.

Some students must begin their armatures by applying paper mache to a balloon. After the balloon is dry, it serves as a base to build off of. They are great when building objects like pigs, fish, and birds. Seth R. and Katarina S. are busy applying paper mache to their ballons in this picture. Did I mention working with paper mache can be messy? O.K., so we do get dirty, but we have a great time too!

Paper Mache

Students mix flour and water to the consistency of heavy cream and use that to apply paper strips to their armature. You may also use glue and water, wheat paste, or wallpaper paste. We have found that for the amount of armatures we have to cover, flour and water works just fine. Warning! It does get a little stinky at times. This group is working on covering balloons which will be the base of their armature.

Painting

Painting is the third stage of the project. It is really when the sculpture comes to life. We prefer to use acrylic paint for this. Sometimes we put on a base coat before we paint, but this year we did not. We round out the painting with fabric paint. This helps to clean up edges. Josg G. is almost finished with the painting of his fish.

Kayla O. took the theme, "I just gotta be me!" for our collaborative penguin sculpture to heart. Her penguin sports a mowhawk.

Alexy P. begins the final touches to her pig titled, "Pretty in Pink".

Kayla F. adds sequins to her ruby red slipper to give it the perfect look.

FINISHED!

This is the favorite part of the project. It is great to see all the hard work and effort pay off. Excitement is in the air as we ready the sculptures for display. Now, it's time to admire everyone's work!

Several students worked together making penguins for a collaborative sculpture with the theme, "I just gotta be me!" Pictured with their penguins are Michelle C., Matthew C., Vanessa G., and Elizbet G.

Super Size It! Students have ended their paper mache unit with another great collection of sculptures. The group pictured collaborated on sculpture with a McDonald's theme.

Harley S. smiles as she completes her mask.

Critters everywhere! Many students chose to make several different imaginary critters, such as Diana G.'s "Baby Blue", Courtney S.'s "Tommy" the turtle, and Tyler S.'s pig.

Alexy P. and Tori K. enjoyed creating pigs.