Art Works! is a series of blog posts created by the staff at www.EscapadeDirect.com that offer children of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on art activities that allow them to explore, discover, and express their individual creativity.
We encourage parents to join in on the activities too, and create their own Art Works!
Art Works! Activity #3: Tin Foil Reliefs
Create a tactile work of art that inspires imaginations and looks great! This is a simple, easy project using very common materials. Kids love the finished results!
What You Will Need:
- Cardboard or Chipboard
- String or Yarn
- Scraps of Cardboard or Paper
- Glue Stick or Tacky Glue
- Tin Foil (we recommend heavy-duty aluminum cooking foil) Tip: Use caution when handling foil, as the sharp edges can easily cause skin cuts.
What You Do:
- Recycle a piece of cardboard by cutting it to the size of the artwork you would like to create. Any size will work, but we do recommend starting with a larger size, such as 8″ x 10″, because larger designs are easier to work with.
- Apply glue from a glue stick over a small area of the cardboard, where you want to begin working. Work in small areas so you have plenty of working time before the glue dries. For a glue stick substitute, please see additional note in Variations below. The glue allows the string or paper from the next step, to stick to the cardboard.
- Press a length of string or yarn over the glue onto the cardboard to create a pattern. Be creative! Abstract designs work great for this project.
- Apply glue over another area of the cardboard, and continue pressing string into the glue to finish your pattern.
- If desired, cut small pieces of cardboard or paper into a variety of shapes, then glue these shapes onto your cardboard panel. Experiement with different thicknesses of cardboard and paper to create a variety of heights.
- When you are happy with the patterns and designs that you’ve created, allow the glue to dry thoroughly, to ensure your artwork doesn’t move when you apply the foil in the next step.
- Carefully apply glue from a glue stick over your entire cardboard panel (including over the string and/or other design elements), then place a sheet of foil, shiny side up, over the cardboard. Make sure the foil sheet is larger than your cardboard panel so it will completely cover the cardboard.
- Use your fingertips to gently press the foil onto the cardboard, and over the string and paper. This is a very tactile experience that kids really enjoy! Use care, and don’t press too hard, or you will tear the foil.
- Fold any excess foil around the edges to the backside of the cardboard panel. Use masking tape to hold the excess foil in place.
- If you would like to sign your name to your artwork, use a pointed cap from a marker or pen as a stylus and very gently write (or “engrave”) your name into the foil, again taking care not to tear the foil.
Variations:
- We prefer using a glue stick for this project, since the glue does not dry immediately and is easy to work with. However, if you prefer, you can use a small amount of Tacky Glue to “draw” a pattern onto the cardboard, then lay the string or yarn or paper on top of the Tacky Glue. To apply the foil over your patterns, thin a small amount of Tacky Glue with water, and carefully brush the glue mixture over the patterns, then press the foil over the glue. Spray adhesive may also work – consult the directions on the can for recommended drying times.
- Experiment with different kinds of cardboard. For example, use corregated cardboard from packing boxes – the wavy lines add texture to your finished artwork. Try smooth cardboard, like the kind cereal boxes are made from. The smooth cardboard doesn’t add any additional texture to your finished artwork.
- Make a series of relief panels. Cut three or more cardboard panels to the same size. Create different patterns on each cardboard panel. When you finish these panels with foil, hang them next to each other to create a larger display.
- Use string or yarn to create your name on the cardboard! What a fun way to make a unique nameplate for your bedroom door!
- After gluing the foil to your cardboard panel, use a pointed cap from a marker or pen as a stylus to embellish your artwork with fine lines pressed into the foil. Use very light pressure for this “engraving” process, so you don’t tear the foil.
- If you would like, paint a thin coat of black tempera or craft paint over the finished foil relief. Before the paint is completely dry, use a paper towel to remove the paint from the higher areas of your relief, leaving black paint in the creases and valleys. The foil will shine against the black paint for an interesting effect.
You Might Also Like:
Hypotrochoid Art Set – Create retro art designs with this cool set! Stores in an easy tin case!
3D Drawing Pad – Tantalize your brain with 3D drawings – you won’t believe your eyes!
Share Your Art Works! Activities!
If you have an Art Works! project that you would like to share, email us a digital picture (or scan) of your project , and we will post it in our Kids Gallery. If you would like, include the artists first name, age, and your state. It’s fun for kids to see how other children interpreted the project!
As always, encourage your children to come up with their own new ideas for art – and make sure to check back next week for another Art Works! activity in this series!
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