This project was inspired by the metal art of Haiti, and makes a great project for Easter... or anytime! I'll be doing this with children in a couple of orphanages in Haiti next week. I'll try to post some pictures when I get back!
"Foamies" and 3M foil tape are the secret ingredients for this project! You can buy these thin sheets of foam in a 9x12 size at any art or craft supply store, or you may find them conveniently pre-cut to this 4x6 size in packs of 32 at the Dollar Store. Look for the foil tape at any hardware store in rolls that look like shiny foil duct tape (used for plumbing).
Materials:
- 4" x 6" foam sheet
- 12" foil tape
- scissors
- ball point pen (medium point)
- hole punch
- Sharpies (F) in a variety of colors
- yarn for hanging
(note: You may want to prep steps 1-4 for younger children.)
1. Cut your foil tape into two pieces, one 5" long and the other 7" long.
2. Center your 7" piece lengthwise on your foam sheet, wrapping the ends under and sticking them to the back. (It's not easy to reposition the tape without crinkling it, so try to get it in the right place on your first try!)
3. Now lay the 5" piece across the first piece, about an inch from the top. Wrap the ends under and stick them to the back.
4. Cut away the foam sections that the tape doesn't cover. (Save these pieces and cover them with foil tape to make beautiful pendants!)
5. Next, "draw" a design onto your cross using a ball point pen. If you use a medium point pen, it shouldn't tear the foil, and the ink doesn't usually stick to it, so it should just leave a nice impression.
6. Punch a hole at the top and thread with yarn for hanging.
Optional: You can color your design with permanent markers for bright, vivid colors!
A pendant made from the left-over scraps!
This is so beautiful! What an easy way to get that etched tin look! Great technique!
ReplyDeleteI love this! What an amazing piece to cherish forever. This seems like a great process for every age. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI think we will try this one next year, too.
ReplyDeletek-Sue of
http://k-sue-smarties.blogspot.com/
I bought the foil tape but when I got home, I saw it had red lettering on it. Taking a green Scotch scrubber, I worked at it until the letters came off. Not too hard, but it will add time to the project in class. I'm still interested in trying it with them, though. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is a GREAT project! I added it to my blog and linked it to yours. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThis looks exactly like Mexican repujado! I love it:)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try this as part of an art challenge day tomorrow. I've just made an exemplar using cardboard covered in two layers of household foil.
ReplyDeleteAlthough not as spectacular as your version, it turned out really well - once again, thank you for the inspiration!
Happy day!