MINI ME – Colour, Texture, Contrast

Students use corrugated cardboard, washable glue and glitter paint to create a small, textured frame. Then they use shapes and expressive colour to create a miniature self-portrait to place in the frame.

Supplies:

Crayola Construction Paper
Crayola Washable Glue
Crayola Washable Glue Sticks
Crayola Glitter Paint
Crayola Paint Brushes
Crayola Scissors
Masking Tape
Rulers
Water Containers
Paper Towels

Steps:

Cut 4 strips of corrugated cardboard.
- 2 strips 3 cm x 20.3 cm
- 2 strips 3 cm x 11.4 cm
Place the strips to form a rectangular frame with the long strips on the sides and the short strips at the top and bottom.
Line up the edges of the cardboard strips so the outer edges are even.
Make sure the whole frame is flat on the desk.
Place small pieces of masking tape on each corner to hold the frame together.
The outside dimensions should be 17.7 cm x 20.3 cm.

Place the frame tape side down.
Use washable glue to draw patterns on the cardboard.
Make sure to draw glue lines along the cracks where the strips of cardboard join.
Set the frame aside to dry overnight.

Paint several coats of glitter paint on the dry frame.
Allow the paint to dry between coats.
Try painting different colours of glitter paint on top of each other to build up a rich, sparkly colour.
Set the frame aside to dry.

Use construction paper to make a miniature self-portrait.
Cut a piece of paper for the background 8 cm x 10 cm.
Use colours and shapes to represent you.
Use a glue stick to glue the pieces down.
Make sure all the pieces of paper are glued flat.

Choose a colour of construction paper that contrasts with your self-portrait.
Cut the paper so it is slightly smaller than your self-portrait.
Use a glue stick to fasten your self-portrait to the centre of the paper.

Remove the masking tape from the back of the frame.
Use a glue stick to put lots of glue on the back of the frame.
Place the frame on top of the self-portrait with the glue side facing down.
Press the paper and the cardboard together firmly.

Work with a partner.
Place your self-portraits beside each other.
Compare the two artworks.
- How are they the same?
- How are the different?
- What do the colours and shapes tell you about the person?