Papermache Masks-- 3rd and 4th grade

This is an art project that I repeat every year, because it is such a great process for the kids... starting with an initial sketched idea, building an armature, applying paper mache, painting and adding embellishments.  I tie this lesson to the Pacific Northwest Coast masks.

You can see masks from previous years here and the process photos here.
 

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Pacific Northwest Coast Masks-- third/fourth grades

The third/fourth grade classes made paper mache masks.  We used inspiration from the Pacific Northwest Coast masks and viewed a video about their culture.  Here are the steps we used.

Start with a papermache mask form (we used some from Nasco). Then, add appendages with newspapers, LOTS of masking tape, pieces of cardboard, yogurt containers, etc.

So much fun to build up a mask!

After all the parts are very secured with tape (and I mean lots of tape, MORE is better for this project), then add pieces of newspaper strips dipped in paper mache.  We used powdered Elmer's Art Paste.

Paper maching!

Lots of paper mache.  The kids made sure to cover their mask with one or two layers.

ewww.. it's so goopy!  Some of the kids used plastic gloves because they did not like the feel of it.

Paint the masks with acrylic paints.  The children used reference sheets with Pacific Northwest Coast designs on them.  After the paint is dry, hot glue on fur, feathers or raffia

Paper mache Rattles- Kindergarten

The kindergartners made paper mache rattles after learning about Native American rattles.  We viewed a Powerpoint about the rattles used in Native American ceremonies.  The students made their own rattle which could be used for music and dancing.  We were not trying to copy the rattles, but use them for inspiration. 

Here are the steps:
1.  First, tape a paint stick to the inside of a paper plate.

2.  Put beans on the plate.

3.  Tape another plate on top.

 

4.  Use brown kraft paper to paper mache on top of the rattle.  Make sure everything is really secure and taped well, so no beans can escape.  (I wish I had taken more pictures of the progress of these.)

5.  Paint the wooden paint stick.

6.  Cut out a construction paper circle to fit on the top of the rattle.  Draw symbols (Native American or your own) on the paper using black marker and construction paper crayons).  Hot glue the paper to the rattle.

7.  Finally, tie on yarn, raffia, beads and feathers for added decoration.

Week Update

Well, I haven't updated since this past Sunday, so I will briefly tell you what I've been up to..  parent-teacher conferences were on Tuesday.  We are in the middle of various projects... monochromatic rhythm paintings (which are awesome and I will share with you later)...  Rainbow Fish paintings, bird paintings, American landscape paintings.. wow, I guess we are doing a lot of paintings now.  The 4/5s are doing a mosaic/fresco project which I will show you when we are further along.  And the 5/6s have been working on these awesome Medieval paper mache knight sculptures.  We start with a newspaper armature, without the head.  The armature is built around a wood base with a dowel rod.  Then paper mache is applied over it.  Then, the full figure is painted a neutral-ish color.  Next, a head is made with model magic and later painted.  Clothes are added with felt, leather and fabric.  These are mostly tied and glued on.  Weapons are made from all sorts of materials.  Hair can be painted on or added with yarn or furry material, or even molded with model magic.  There is a lot of leeway for how the knight can be constructed.  Most of the kids are not finished yet, but here is one done by a student who has already given it away to her grandma for a present.  I will show you more when more are finished.