3D Foam Art Crafts
Foam is a great option to use with kids to create sculptures. Foam can be purchased in sheets, blocks or even recycled from cleaned meat trays or packing material. Creating 3D foam activities is easy and uses basic materials. These activities can be created with kids individually or as a group.
3D sculpture
Use blocks of foam, either purchased or recycled from packaging, to create a 3D sculpture with kids. With plastic knives, glue, toothpicks, pipe cleaners and paint, a special sculpture can be created.
Have each child sketch out an idea for his 3D sculpture. The sculpture can be based on a realistic form such as an animal or created from the child's imagination. When the child is satisfied with his sketch, begin creating the 3D sculpture with the foam.
Use plastic knives to cut to the foam to create shapes and forms. Glue can be used to hold forms and shapes together. Use toothpicks and pipe cleaners to add additional elements to the 3D foam sculpture.
When finished forming the sculpture, use tempera paints to finish the creation. Display the foam sculpture for others to see.
Foam masks
Create a foam 3D mask with sheets of flexible foam. Foam can be folded, bent and even sewn together to create a colorful 3D mask for children to wear and enjoy. Determine where eye holes should be located on the mask and use scissors to cut them out. Have each child create their own 3D mask by gluing additional foam shapes onto the main shape of the mask. Feathers, beads and natural elements such as leaves and sticks may be added for additional detail.
When children are finished, punch holes on the sides of the 3D foam mask and string lengths of leather through holes. Tie on masks for children to wear. Take a picture of each child wearing their masks and print out for them to have.
Building blocks
Make 3D building blocks out of large blocks of foam. Have children cut shapes out of foam using plastic knives. Create many different types of shapes in different sizes.
After the 3D shapes have been cut out of foam, paint with tempera paints. Use the handmade building blocks to create buildings and other interesting creations.
