Papier-Mâché Doughnut Sculptures

This year, my students created papier-mâché doughnut sculptures. 5th and 6th graders looked at doughnut inspired art by a few contemporary artists then got to work sculpting their own doughnut art. I will definitely be repeating this project, the kids LOVED it! 

Some artist we studied before beginning included Kenny Scharf,  Jae Yong Kim, Wayne Thiebaud, and Peter Anton. 

On day one, students sculpted the armature of their doughnut using tinfoil. This was probably the most difficult part. Several students needed assistance and reminders to not squeeze the tinfoil too much. We created the doughnut shape by carefully rolling two pieces of tinfoil. We then curled one of the pieces into a spiral shape, making a tiny doughnut. The second piece of tinfoil was used to wrap around and "hug" the tiny doughnut. A little bit of masking tape was used to hold the shape in place. 

Some classes were able to create their doughnut shape and begin the papier-mâché process. For this part, each student used Elmer's Art Paste and recycled missal paper (similar to newspaper) strips to wrap their doughnuts. 

On the second day, students finished up their first layer of papier-mâché and did a second layer with paper towel strips. This helped make the doughnuts a little more smooth and also made a better surface for painting on. 
Student's had an easier time with this part of the process and were so excited when the day finally came to paint and decorate their doughnut!

For the frosting, I set out cups with enough Elmer's Glue All to fill the bottom (too much glue makes the frosting too runny). After the students were finished painting the sides and center of their doughnuts with peach colored tempera paint, they grabbed a cup of glue. I then sprayed a little shaving cream inside (about 1 part glue 2 parts shaving cream). Students had tempera paint at their tables, so they could scoop out a color with their brush and mix it in the cup to color their "frosting".

Students mixed up the shaving cream, glue, and paint with a brush and then added it to the top of their doughnut. 

Students then had the option of adding details with small pieces of foil or puff paint. I let the students decide how they wanted to decorate their doughnut using the supplies available. The following day, when everything was dry, I sprayed on a coat of mod podge.