PAPIER MACHE ANIMALS OR MASKS

Description:
This lesson incorporates the skills acquired from the previous paper sculptures projects and utilizes them at
an advanced level. The students will be creating animal or mask sculptures using basic materials, which
include newspaper, glue and found objects.

State Benchmarks:
Content Standard 1: Performing
1:14 Apply materials, techniques and processes with sufficient skill, confidence, and sensitivity that
personal intentions are carried out in artworks.
1:15 Intentionally use art material and tools effectively to communicate ideas.
1:16 Apply organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual arts problems.

Content Standard 2: Creating
2:19 Apply materials, techniques and processes with sufficient skill, confidence, and sensitivity that
personal intentions are carried out in artworks.
2:20 Create artworks that use organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual arts
problems.

Content Standard 3: Analyzing in Context
3:20 Analyze the effectiveness of selections in communicating ideas and reflect upon the effectiveness
of choices.
3:23 Reflect upon the characteristics and assess the merits of ones personal artwork.

Content Standard 4: Arts in Context
4:2 Describe the functions and explore the meaning of specific art objects within varied cultures, times
and places.

Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. create a realistic papier mache animal or mask sculpture.
2. use the proper art vocabulary when describing the work.
3. learn how to construct a complex image using found objects and/or materials.
4. solve three-dimensional construction problems.

Materials:
1. Animal images (students provide) or mask drawing
2. Newspapers, cardboard or plastic jug
3. Masking tape
4. Scissors
5. Wall paper paste
6. Buckets
7. Tempera paint
8. Brushes
9. Mixing trays
10. Paper towels
11. Blender
12. Miscellaneous items that students may bring from home: feathers, grasses, boards, sand, beads, etc.
13. Elmers glue and a hot glue gun / glue sticks
14. Handout - History of Papier Mache
15. Visual examples









History of papier mache:
1. Review handout pertaining to the uses of papier mache from ancient times to modern.

2. Show examples of professionally created papier mache animals as well as student examples.

Procedures:
1. Students need to bring in a minimum of three images of the same animal. The animal may be of a
domestic pet or any type of wildlife. In addition, the students may bring in sketches of the animal.

2. The images need to be analyzed to determine how to start the piece. The students should begin with the
body of the animal and add additional pieces as they progress.

3. The body of the animal is constructed using newspaper. The newspaper is crushed to form the basic
shape of the animal. The paper is held together with masking tape. Students need to avoid using too much
tape because it will just come apart as they add the papier mache glue.

4. The glue needs to be prepared in the morning in order for it to thicken to the appropriate consistency. It
should be mixed in a bucket with a cover. Using a covered bucket enables leftover glue to be stored from
day to day.

5. Newspaper needs to be torn into strips. By tearing the newspaper instead of cutting, the edges are softer
and it gives the surface a smoother appearance. Paper strips are dipped in glue and the excess glue is wiped
off. If the excess glue is not wiped off, the paper may have a tendency to slip off the piece.

6. Layers of paper are added each day. It takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks to build enough layers on the
body in order for it to support the addition of other parts of the animal.

7. Once the base is completed, the remaining parts of the animal are constructed, covered with papier mache
and added on. The other parts may be constructed using crushed newspaper or rolling cardboard and taping
it in place. All of the parts that are added need to be covered with the glued newspaper.

8. Once the entire animal is constructed, the piece needs to be covered with 2 layers of torn paper towels.
This provides an even final coat that will make it easier to paint.

8. Texture can be added by creating paper pulp mixed with glue. Small pieces of newspaper are torn and
then chopped up in a blender. This makes a pulp that can be used to create fur texture and or features that
can not be constructed with the torn paper.

9. The piece needs to dry thoroughly before painting.

10. The piece will be painted with tempera paint. The students should refer to their original images to
determine how the colors should be applied to the sculpture. They should pay attention to the subtle tone
variations and visual patterns on the animal.

11. Some students may have an animal that requires the addition of miscellaneous found objects. This can
be done by gluing with either Elmers or a hot glue gun.

12. Items created will be displayed in the library.

Completion Time:
1. The completion time of this project varies from group to group. In general it has taken between 2 1/2 - 3
weeks to finish the work.








Assessment:
1. Student evaluation - the following questions will need to be answered by each student regarding their
work.
A. What problems did you need to solve in order to construct this sculpture?
B. How did you solve the construction problems?
C. What parts of the sculpture would you change?
D. What elements of art were incorporated into this piece?
E. What principles of design did you use when constructing this piece?
F. Does the piece satisfactorily represent the idea that you intended?

2. Teacher evaluation - the students will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
A. Does the sculpture adequately represent the intended image?
B. How well did the student solve the problems of constructing a three-dimensional image of an
animal or mask?
C. Did the student have enough reference material to use while constructing the piece?
D. How well were the elements of art utilized?
E. How well were the principles of design utilized?
F. What level of craftsmanship did the student achieve by completing this piece?

3. Quiz - the history of papier mache