AMACO-Lesson Plan #35-Sculptamold Cat

Create a Cat with AMACO Sculptamold and WireForm Metal Mesh

By Michelle Zimmerman

Lesson Goals and Objectives:

Understand form and color of identifying features of animals, like this cat.
Create an animal from Sculptamold® with armature which as features typical of that animal.

This project is suitable for grades 4-6.

National Visual Art Standards Addressed:

Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and culture.
Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes.
Using knowledge of structures and functions.
Choosing a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas.
Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics of artwork.
Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines.

Materials and Tools

AMACO® WireForm® – Expandable Metal Mesh – Aluminum (Diamond Mesh)
AMACO® Sculptamold®
String – 2’ (thin)
Acrylic Paints in Orange, Black, White, and Green
Gesso
Wooden Toothpick (broken in half)
Aluminum Foil
Medium Size Cereal Bowl or Similar
Mixing Bucket
Water
Measuring Cup
One Quart Plastic Zipper Bag
Craft Sticks, Tongue Depressors or Small Disposable Sticks
Cling Wrap
Paint Brushes
Latex Gloves (optional but make for easier cleanup)
Scissors
Paper (to protect your work surface)

Technique:

Step 1 Cut two pieces of WireForm® wire mesh 2″ x 6″ each. Line the inside of the cereal bowl with cling wrap. Make sure the cling wrap extends over the edges of the bowl by a couple of inches (see photo #1).	Photo #1
Step 2 Mix 2 cups of Sculptamold® (firmly packed) with 1.25 cups of water for each cat in the zipper bag. Mix thoroughly inside the bag (see photo #2). This mix is wetter than the one recommended on the package but allows for more working time and a smoother result.	Photo #2
Step 3 Tip all but 1/3 cup of the Sculptamold® mix into the lined cereal bowl and push it into shape to fill the bowl (see photo #3).	Photo #3
Step 4 Bend both pieces of the wire mesh into a curved shape and push them one at a time into the back of the molded piece to form a cross shape. The wire will give it stability as it dries (see photo #4).	Photo #4
Step 5 Wait 3-4 minutes then flip the bowl upside down on a sheet of aluminum foil so that the molded shape pops out of the bowl (see photo #5). Carefully remove the cling wrap. Use one craft stick to smooth the Sculptamold®.	Photo #5
Step 6 Push the two toothpick halves into one side of the shape to mark where the ears will go (see photo #6). Using ¾ of the reserved quantity of Sculptamold®, form two ears and affix them to the sides of the cat’s head covering the toothpicks (see photo #7).	Photo #6
Step 7 Place the remainder of the Sculptamold® in the middle of the face and shape it to form the nose. Try not to press too hard on the shape or you will deform it.	Photo #7
Using a second craft stick, make small dents for the cats eyes, mouth and whiskers (see photo #8). Set the piece aside until it is completely dry. Sculptamold® can be dried more quickly if you place it on a heatproof tray and in the oven at 190°F for two to three hours.	Photo #8

Step 8
When the cat is completely dry and when it sounds hollow when you knock it with your knuckles you are ready to paint it.

Paint the cat with a coat of gesso to seal it and to provide a good base for your paint.

Paint the cat’s face in an orange acrylic paint and, when dry, add black markings and a black nose. Use white paint for the eyes and then paint iris of the eyes green and paint small vertical dashes for the pupils.

Cut six pieces of fine string, add some glue to the dents that you made for the whiskers in the cat’s head and adhere the string to make the whiskers.

You can adapt this project to make all sorts of other animals. Most animals can be designed using a circular shape by adding ears and distinguishing marks. This is a good project for children to use to determine what characteristics uniquely identify a particular animal when compared to other animals. Ask them what features a cat has that makes it recognizable as a cat rather than, for example, a dog or a pig.

For more ideas, visit our Craft Library