Paper Sculpture: Pop-Up Paper Faces

Overview

Now that you know how to make paper shapes that stand up, let’s make a face that pops out!

Grade Level

K-3

Media

Construction

Theme/ Big Idea

We can change paper in different ways to create 3D forms and use them to make a pop-up face

Essential Question

How can we create pop-up faces by transforming paper?

Slide Deck

Materials and Tools

4 pieces of copy paper, notebook paper, or any lightweight paper
Scissors (optional)
Pencil

Activities

Step 1

First, take a piece of copy or notebook paper and fold it in half like a book. Try to match the edges before you
press the fold.

Step 2

Next, fold each side in half one more time. You will have a triangle.

Step 3

Open it up. You will see 3 folds and 4 sections.

Step 4

Now, fold the top section closed again. Try carefully tearing along the fold to make two holes, or inserts. These are where the eyes will be.

Step 5

Next, fold the middle section closed and tear out one hole on the fold. It should be in the middle. This is where the nose will be.

Step 6

Finally, close the last section. Tear out one larger hole on the fold. This will be for the mouth.

Open up your paper, and you will see holes where the face parts will go. It will look a little like a ghost!

Step 7

Next, tear another, new piece of paper in half.

With this paper, tear 5 strips. They should be about as wide as each hole.

Step 8

Fold the edges of each shape, so that they have little feet.

Step 9

Now slide the “feet” of each eye shape into the top and bottom of the eye holes. If you like, you can tear tiny holes in the middle of each eye to make pupils.

Step 10

Tuck in the nose shape.

Step 11

Are you ready for the mouth?

Slide the folded edge of the bottom lip into the bottom of the hole. Then, slide the folded edge of the top lip into the top of the hole.

Step 12

Next come the ears. Take the leftover half piece of paper. Tear it in half.

Step 13

One at a time, tear each piece into a half-circle, or semi-circle. Just slowly turn and tear two corners off. You did it!

Step 14

Now, with the pencil, mark 2 lines on the ear, and then 2 lines on the face where they will go. The lines will help you match up the shape.

Step 15

Next, tear each line to make 4 slots.

Step 16

Slide the ear shape into the face slots. Now your face has ears!

Step 17

Would you like to add hair? An easy way to do it is to tear slots along the top of the head. Then, roll or fold them to make them pop out.

You might want to make more faces. Try different ways to fold, roll, slot, and make paper holes to attach hats, long hair, or glasses.

Let’s look!

This is a paper face sculpture by artist, Pablo Picasso.

How do you think he got this face to stand up?
How do you think he made the nose, eyes, and mouth?

Credits

Paper Sculpture: Pop–Up Paper Faces
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