Paper Sculptures

I'm currently teaching an art class focusing on 3D art. This exercise with paper is a good way to show children how sculptural pieces can be viewed from many angles.

Begin with an 8 1/2 by 11" sheet of card stock. Fold in half. Cut lines from the bottom arching up toward the fold, stopping about 1/2 inch from fold. Add interest by punching holes. Open the paper and add stamps or other decoration. Fold again. Alternate between folding the strips in opposite decorations.

Make Stamps from Corks

Someone recently gave me a rather large bag of wine corks with the thought that I would use them in art projects. They have turned out to be rather handy to use for making stamps. I had a scrap piece of craft foam with the sticky peel-off backing. I cut some simple designs out and stuck them to the end of the cork. I added acrylic paint to damp sponges to use as my "ink pads".

Tissue Paper and Food Coloring

This a fun, simple activity that I did not have high hopes for. I had expected the tissue paper to tear when I opened them, and I really was not counting on such lovely designs. It's a great project to do with children since it has that extra bonus of surprise when you unfold your tissue.

Fold your sheet of tissue paper the long way so that you have one long strip. Start at a short end and fold back and forth into triangles. Mix three small bowls with a slightly diluted food coloring or other thin water based paint. Dip each corner into a different color. Let dry. Unfold!