I decided to skip my "Ugly Doll" lesson with my 4th graders this year for multiple reasons, but wanted to have something fun, exciting, affordable, and where they would find a great deal of success no matter the ability level. I decided to do paper mache masks! I've not done this project in a number of years, but am excited to see it progress. This week is just the 1st stage. We start the lesson with a Power Point on masks from around the world We looked at & discussed functional, decorative, ceremonial, and party masks. After that intro we jumped into creating the base of the mask. My plan is next week that we'd start the class with a "think sheet" so they could come up with their idea for their mask & plan it out before going any farther with the base.
I'm using foam faces I acquired from a district art camp I did many many years ago. I cover them with aluminum foil for a few reasons. It protects the Styrofoam. It makes clean up easier. It adds support and you pull the masks off the face forms. Because I need to create with a new class each day...I have to pull the paper mache faces off before they are 100% dry. The aluminum gives it a bit more support.
This is what the back looks like once I pull it off the form.
Here is a front view of the paper mache.
I scored roll of paper towels to use for the paper mache. I know I could have used news paper, but the softness of the paper towel allows for a much smoother surface.
I use liquid starch for the adhesive. It is affordable, easy to clean up, and works well!!
This is what the back looks like once I pull it off the form.
Here is a front view of the paper mache.
I have students paper mache their name on at the very end so we can keep track of who's is who's.
Thinking about brushing on a coat of Mod Podge Matte finish to make sure everything stays in place.
WOW!!! This looks like a very engaging lesson.
ReplyDelete