GRADE LEVEL: Middle School

*warning* this project uses math! You will have to measure with a ruler, and maybe add a little. You'll also have to know your shapes. If you can't handle it, you might have to miss out on this cool project.

Objective

To make a bookmark or picture frame inspired be the work of Piet Mondrian.

Art Concepts

shapes, lines, solid colors

Materials

• Scrap Paper and Pencil
• Ruler
• Graph Paper
• Sculpey Flex or Sculpey:
  • white
  • black
  • red
  • blue
  • yellow
• a tool to roll Sculpey out with
• a sharp blade or knife

Cultural Exemplar

Piet Mondrian

The artist Mondrian did many paintings using bold black lines, solid colored shapes, and white spaces. The space and geometry of his works are very simple, but striking. In this project you will learn how to use his ideas as inspiration for your geometric, and functional art works.

Scope and Sequence

Step 1 - Sketch your idea on scrap paper. When you're satisfied, redraw it with a ruler on graph paper, exactly the size that you want it. You will use the drawing to help lay out your pieces later.

Step 2 - Select your colors, use bold contrasting colors like red and blue, and have black and white for your base colors.

Step 3 - Roll out a piece of Sculpey large enough for your base, about 2 mm thick. If you don't have a small rolling pin or a Sculpey-dedicated pasta maker, round pencils and markers work just fine. Using a ruler and a sharp blade, cut out the base.

Step 4 - Roll out your other colors to about 1 mm thick, and cut out your shapes, starting with the largest. Lay them out carefully on your base, using your drawing as your guide.

The smoother and cleaner your pieces are, the nicer it will look.

Step 5 - If you are including black edge lines, put them on last. They can be done in one of two ways, 1) cut narrow strips with a ruler and lay them in place, or 2) roll out snakes and place them, then flatten into place.

Step 6 - Lastly, add the finishing touches to whatever your piece is. For a bookmark, cut a hole at the top for the tassel. For a picture frame, add on triangular supports on the back to hold it up.

Step 7 - Bake according to package directions, laying flat.

Note - The bookmark could be made of Sculpey Flex for more flexibility, while the frame should be made of regular Sculpey for more strength.