Foil Sculpting: Intermediate - Sword
Summary
Sculpture
What can you create with a single sheet of foil? Students will be learning the techniques necessary to use foil to bring their ideas to life. They will be developing a better understanding of 3D form and material manipulation through their work with the medium of foil. Students will learn methods of manipulating form and space, and how these can be used to best represent the 3D object they are trying to replicate.
Essential Terms
Form: An element of art, means objects that have three dimensions
Shape: A two-dimensional area that is defined by a change in value or some other form of contrast
3-D / 3-Dimensional: Having or appearing to have length, breadth, and depth
Isolate: To be or remain alone or apart from others or things
In the round: When sculpture is viewed “in the round” it can be seen from all angles
Objectives
Students will be able to use limited materials to create a 3-dimensional object.
Students will be able to create a foil sculpture while keeping the sheet intact.
Students will be able to work slowly and carefully in refining their final product.
Master Artist / Historical References
Claes Oldenberg
Alexander Calder
Age Level(s)
7 - 9 years old
Needed Materials
Foil (we recommend Member’s Mark 9 x 9” foil sheets)
Downloads
Project Instructions (PDF)
Attributions
Content Creator: Douglas Shaw Elder
Curriculum Developers: Tamah Minnis, Augustine Smith
Step 1
Start with a sheet of foil that is about 9 inches long. You can buy precut foil sheets that are all the same size, but if you are working with a roll of foil, make sure to cut or tear each sheet to the same size. Consistency is key when you are trying to develop a new skill.
Step 2
Pre-crumple your foil sheet. The foil should remain flat rectangle on the table, just gently scrunched to have more texture.
Step 3
Making the t-shape: make two incisions into each side of your foil that are parallel but not touching. The first incisions should be one inch down the long edge of the foil, not connecting. The next incisions should be placed one inch below that. (reference video for placements).
Step 4
Curl the larger sections of the foil to look more tube like, while leaving the small “arms” alone.
Step 5
Once you have this basic lower-case t shape, crumple and crunch the sections gently inward, trying to replicate the form of a sword. The shorter appendages should become the handle, with the longer section being formed into a pointed blade.Now that you have the basic form of the sword, use a popsicle stick or dull butter knife to apply pressure to smooth edges and shape details.
Bonus Tips
Remember to move slowly and gently, foil is easier to crunch than to un-crunch!
Lightly “pre-crunching” your foil sheet will allow you to create curves and organic shapes in your sculptures. Without this “pre-crunch” the foil will want to fold rather than bend into shape.
