Masking Art Project

Looking for a fabulous art project to do with your students? Well, I have a fun one for you which is pretty popular with my own 5th grade students.  I call it Name Masking Art.  Simply because it's an art project and it consists of using masking tape, charcoal and the students' names.  Before beginning, I introduce the title of the art project and my students and I discuss what the word "mask" means.  Their basic definition they usually come up with is "to cover."  Which is perfect because that is what we do.

Here are the supplies you need for this project:

* 12x18 piece of white construction paper
* pencil
* masking tape
* chalk

Outline the shapes

Smudge inward

First, I have the students lightly trace their name using block letters (single straight lines) on their piece of paper.  After I have approved the size and letter shape to be sure they aren't too small, I hand out strips of masking tape.  The students rip off appropriate strips and cover up the letters they formed.  They continue getting strips of tape from me until all their name is covered.   Once, they have completed that task, they than divide their paper into pieces lightly with their pencil.  Next, they take a piece of chalk and outline the sections only.  Finally, with their finger, they smudge inward from the outline of the shape to fill the inner space. They continue to do this with multiple colors until their entire sheet is done.  Once finished with the coloring and smudging part, they then begin to carefully pull the tape off their name.  They are left with a pretty neat looking namesake.  When doing this project, I do have the students store their work in the art drying rack (which I love - read about it here) until completely done to keep them from stacking their work on top of each others and ruining it.

This project is usually one of their favorites! They love the way their names turn out.  However, this project could be adapted in a lot of ways - instead of using names you could do words for that have meaning - like Love, Happiness, Peace, etc. Or you could have students create character trait posters for a book they are reading. The possibilities are endless.....

What are some different ways you would change this project?