Art in the Open Learning Programme

3D work can be created using only screwed up newspaper and masking tape. The original shape is drawn and then cut out of card board. Newspaper balls are screwed up (make sure that pupils only use one sheet of newspaper at a time to ensure that the newspaper balls are 'springy') this will make shaping the newspaper easier. The newspaper balls are then taped into place using masking tape (which is easy for pupils to add fairly quickly). When the whole of the cardboard shape is covered with newspaper balls which have been firmly taped down, the shapes can be paper mached with coloured tissue paper, for instant colour, or paper mached with newspaper and then painted.

Vegetables made using the newspaper and paper mache technique

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Newspaper and tape can also be used to model 3D sculptures. Newspaper is screwed up and squeezed into different shapes. Different parts of the sculpture are made and then attached together using masking tape. When the whole sculpture is finished a layer of tape must be added to the newspaper sculptures. This keeps everything in place and also creates a smooth surface for adding paper mache. The sculpture can then be covered with coloured tissue paper (cover as with paper mache, in small pieces adding PVA underneath the paper and on top of the paper) or with newspaper which can then be painted.

Top Tips!

Make sure only one piece of newspaper is used at a time. This will ensure the paper is springy for shaping. Make sure that pupils have at least 5 pieces of tape torn or cut off and ready for sticking along the side of their table. This means that as soon as the shape is shaped- pupils are ready to stick! It also prevents arguments over who has the tape!!


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