How to Make an Extruded Shape Sculpture

Scultping is a fun activity for all ages. There are many different types of sculptures, some of which can be very complicated and difficult to make, but others are actually very simple and easy and great for children. Children have a lot of imagination and creativity, that is why most of them jump at the chance to do an art project. Coloring is fun, but it gets dull after a while, if you have some extra time and money to spare, try an extruded shape sculpture. This is a bit of a complicated project so it is not for younger children.

Materials
-chip board
-tape
-scissors
-plaster strips
-joint compound
-paint
-x-acto knife

Instructions
1. The first step to this project is picking out a shape. You can do an abstract shape or you can do a real shape, like a heart, cloud, flower, or anything you think you could manage. Once you have decided what you want to do, draw that shape on the chip board. The size doesn't matter, but if you're doing this with children, a smaller shape is probably best so that their attention span doesn't run out before they finish.

2. When your shape is drawn, it will need to be cut out of the chip board. To do this, it is easiest to use an x-acto knife, but scissors can work as well. If you are doing this project with children, do not let them work with the x-acto knife, they will cut themselves, and it won't be pretty.

3. After cutting out your shape from the chip board, you will need another shape exactly like it. The best way to do this is to lay your already cut out shape on another piece of chip board (or the same piece if you have room) and trace around it. Cut that shape out and put the knife or scissors away.

4. The project is called an extruded shape sculpture, so to make the shape look 3-D, you'll need to cut out strips of chip board (the width depends on the size of your shape). Tape these strips to the edge of your shape so they stand and this will extrude your shape. Once you have lined your shape with these strips, put the other shape on top and tape it.

5. Once your shape has been extruded, it's time for the plaster strips. Get a small bowl of water to dip these in, and apply them to your shape. Cover your entire shape and let dry.

6. When the plaster strips are dry, add the joint compound. When you are applying to joint compound, you can add texture to your shape if you wish. You can make it rough, or smooth, or anything you can come up with. Once you have applied the joint compound to your entire shape, let it dry.

7. When your shape is completely dry, paint it. There are many different options when it comes to paint, but acrylics work best with this project. Paint your shape, give it a second coat if needed, and let it dry. Once your shape is dry, your new sculpture is done and ready to be displayed.