Paper Sculptures

My 4th and 5th grade students worked on these variations of the 2-D/3-D collage project the younger students were working on. The students started by creating a 2-D graphic design thinking about creating contrast. 

I then taught them how to make 3-D forms with paper using fringing techniques, 3-D spirals, folded tabs (to allow the paper to project away from the base), and paper springs. I encouraged them to come up with their own ways to make the cut paper become three dimensional. I even dragged out our old textured paint paper from the Eric Carle collage project and let them use that as well. This is a great project for using up those extra paper scraps in storage! 

Loved the variations they came up with!

Materials Needed:

paper scraps

white cardstock for base

watercolor markers

scissors

glue sticks

Procedure:

1. Students draw a 2-D graphic design on the base. I encourage them to use contrasting colors, line thicknesses, and sizes.

2. Students create 3-D paper forms which are glued to the base. The only rule is that the paper glued must be three dimensional and pop off the base.