Striking Impressions

Striking Impressions lesson plan

Press cool textures into Crayola® Model Magic. Cut creative shapes. This multilayered wallhanging will WOW everyone!

  • 1.

    Press, impress, print, imprint, layer, overlap. You can easily do it all with Crayola Model Magic! Experiment with creative modeling techniques to design a unique wallhanging. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • 2.

    Roll out bright colors of modeling compound into various thicknesses. With plastic dinnerware, incise designs in the surface. Cut your Model Magic into different shapes. Remove shapes, such as triangles from the center of pieces, and make holes in those shapes. For uneven edges, tear away sections.

  • 3.

    Layer your pieces on a thick base of Model Magic. Overlap some of them to create rough or flowing terrain. Bend shapes to mold them to each other. What visual effects can you create by layering different colors?

  • 4.

    Find interesting objects to create textured impressions in the Model Magic. Press patterns, varying how deep and close together you press.

  • 5.

    Make small balls, ovals, or snakes with colored Model Magic. Press or flatten them on to your construction. Add texture to them, too.

  • 6.

    If you want to hang your creation, while the Model Magic is still damp, poke a hole in the base with a drinking straw. Or embed a large paper clip in the back. Air-dry for at least 24 hours. Thick pieces may take longer to dry completely.

Benefits

  • Students construct a layered sculpture using regular and irregular geometric shapes.
  • Students experiment with making textured impressions in their modeling material.
  • Students create a unique, multilayered 3-D wall hanging.

Adaptations

  • Instead of pressing textures into the modeling compound, push textures out of it.
  • Use the same objects to print on paper with paint or make crayon rubbings. Compare the results.
  • Try to identify the objects your classmates used to create their impressions.
  • Study the word impress. Explore its various meanings, derivations, and uses in English. For example, at one time sailors were impressed into the English Navy.