Sandcastle Rooflines

Recycle plastic containers into an Art Nouveau sandcastle that gleams in the light. Build your masterpiece in the celebrated architectural style of Antonio Gaudi—or invent your own unique construction.

• 1.

  Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926), a Spanish architect born in Barcelona, had a unique vision. Although his first buildings were based upon Gothic architecture (Gothic revival), his style eventually became more fluid and organic. His later work, which is classified as Art Nouveau, combines many styles and shapes. Because of its relationship to natural forms, his architecture is often compared to dragons or sandcastles.

• 2.

  Gaudi was also very interested in ornamentation, and covered the outer walls of some of his buildings with mosaics made from broken tiles, glass, and pebbles. Texture and color were very important to him. His designs were works of art, and often too expensive to be completed.

• 3.

  Like Gaudi, you can recycle materials to create your own imaginary construction. Gather a variety of plastic recycled containers. Arrange them to look like an interesting building. On a sheet of firm cardboard or a small section of plywood, use flattened balls of Crayola® Model Magic to position the containers near each other. Place Crayola School Glue on the flat surface before you apply the Model Magic. Press the containers into the Model Magic to form an armature for your castle.

• 4.

  Add details to the surface of your containers with small balls of Model Magic and glue. Press pieces of Model Magic close together—when it is fresh from the pack, it sticks to itself!

• 5.

  Add architectural details such as fancy cornices or a thatched roof. Texture them with the ends of Crayola Paint Brushes or other tools. Air-dry your construction at least 24 hours.

• 6.

  Fill any spaces with Model Magic details. Use plastic gemstones, aquarium gravel, pebbles, tiles, or other decorative craft items to create a mosaic effect. Glue these pieces to the surface.

• 7.

  Fill in the areas that you textured by applying Crayola Watercolor Paint with a Paint Brush. Dilute the paint with water so it mixes on the building for an interesting, colorful effect. Air-dry the paint.

• 8.

  Add sparkling touches with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry the castle.

• 9.

  Create plants and shrubs to landscape the area around the Sandcastle. Cut these from construction paper and glue them in place.

• 10.

  Add a walkway, steps, and outside ornamentation with Model Magic®. Fill in surrounding areas with colorful gravel or other recycled, colorful materials.

Benefits

• Children research the architecture of Antonio Gaudi.
• Children combine, texture, and paint recycled containers to construct a detailed castle.

Adaptations

• Compare Gaudi’s architecture to Frank Lloyd Wright’s style. How are they similar? How are they different? Create an example of Gaudi’s style of construction that is similar to Wright’s "Falling Water" or other buildings.
• Nature is the inspiration for many artists. Research several different artists and architects, and find the relation to nature in their work.
• Use recycled plastic bottles as armatures upon which to build other sculptures, fanciful or realistic.