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Lesson: Peace Sign Paper Sculpture

September 21, 2015 | By Rachel Zink

Each year, an International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21 to strengthen the ideas of peace within and among all nations and peoples. This paper sculpture is the perfect Peace Day project!

Goals:

  • To promote positive thinking through sculpture and drawing.
  • To develop creative thinking and fine motor skills through pattern design and cutting.

Materials:

  • White cardstock
  • Colored construction paper or cardstock
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Thin black Sharpie
  • Pattern sheet
  • Markers
  • Glue stick
  • Stapler

Directions:

  • Think about it: What does peace mean to you? What are some common symbols and signs for peace?
  • Place your hand down on the white cardstock and use the pencil to trace around the outside.
  • Cut out the hand shape and use it as the stencil to trace another hand on a colored piece of cardstock or construction paper.
  • Cut out the second hand from the colored paper and glue the two hands together using the glue stick.
  • Use a thin black Sharpie to draw patterns and designs on the white side of the hand (you can add patterns and design to both sides of the hand if you want to). Use the pattern sheet to get ideas if needed.
  • Color in the patterns with different color markers.
  • After the coloring is complete, bend the ring finger, pinky finger, and thumb toward the middle of the hand to form the peace sign. Try it with your own hand to see the shape and notice how the top of the thumb covers over the top of the other two fingers.
  • Use the stapler to staple the finger tips together.
  • Cut a heart shape out of the card stock and add color and/or patterns to it.
  • Glue the heart shape over the stapled area of the thumb and two fingers to complete you peace sign paper sculpture.
  • If you want the sculpture to stand upright, cut a rectangle piece of cardstock and bend in half. Glue one half to the back of the hand, and bend the other half until it supports the hand.

Tweak It!

  • Combine the peace sign with art history and decorate your hand shape in the style of your favorite artist!
  • Instead of filling the hand shape with patterns, write wishes for peace on the hand.

Photo: “Peace Sign” by Skye, age 6

© 2015 Arts For Life