Overview
You will make a sculpture from different pieces of paper around your home.
Grade Level
K-3
Media
Construction
Theme/ Big Idea
We can change paper in different ways to create 3D forms.
Essential Questions
How can we change different kinds of paper to make 3D forms?
Materials and Tools
- Cardboard boxes (tissue boxes, cereal boxes)
- Mail envelopes
- Magazines
- Newspaper
- Receipts
- Construction paper
Activities
Step 1: Collect various paper and boxes. Flatten the boxes by opening them at the seams.
Step 2: Tear or cut papers into thin, thick and medium strips.
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-123.jpg)
Step 3
Look at and feel each strip of paper. Is it thick or thin?
Sort the strips into a thick pile and a thin pile.
What else do you notice about each paper?
- Is it sturdy or flimsy?
- Is it smooth or rough?
- Does it make a sound?
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-124-1024x769.jpg)
Step 4
Change the paper in different ways. Compare how the thin paper and thick paper are different.
- Fold a thin strip and then a thick strip.
- Twist a thin strip and then a thick strip.
- Roll a thin strip and then a thick strip.
- Crumple a thin strip into a ball, and then a thick strip into a ball.
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-125-1024x769.jpg)
Step 5
Arrange the paper forms in different ways.
Pieces can go under or through.
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-80-1024x585.png)
Or over and on top!
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-126-1024x712.jpg)
Pieces can also go around or inside.
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-127-1024x769.jpg)
When you finish, take pictures of your artwork from 2 different angles and share them.
Save the collected materials for the next lesson.
Reflection
What qualities did you notice about the paper you collected?
Describe 3 papers:
Example: This paper is thin. I can twist it.
1. This paper is _____________. I can _____________ it.
2. This paper is _____________. I can _____________ it.
3. This paper is _____________. I can _____________ it.
![](https://createart.studioinaschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-128.jpg)
Credits
Paper Sculpture: Collect and Compare
Written by Cynthia Chen, Artist Instructor
Studio in a School NYC Team
Andrea Burgay, Associate Director
Julie Applebaum, Senior Director
Hasna Muhammad, Ed.D., Chair, Board of Directors, Studio in a School Association
Alison Scott-Williams, President, Studio in a School NYC
Copyright © 2023 Studio in a School NYC LLC