Sunny Faces

Explore the rich culture of Mexico! Create this sunny sculpture of one of Mexico's most delightful images.

1. During Mexico's history, the sun has been an important symbol. Many different cultures have inhabited the Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States). About 2200 years ago a temple was built in central Mexico. In time, this temple was used by many of different groups of people. Later, people in the Aztec culture named it "Pyramid to the Sun."

2. Why do you think the sun is so valuable to people living in Mexico? Study the country's climate and geography. Compare this location to Norway or other northern countries. How do you think the sun is important to these people?

3. Find pictures of Mexican sun images. Most people think of sunny as meaning cheerful and happy. In Mexico, the sun has not always been portrayed as a happy face. Why do you think that is?

4. With Crayola® Model Magic®, sculpt a sun. To create sunny colors, tint the Model Magic by pressing it with color from yellow and orange Crayola Washable Markers. Knead to blend the color into the Model Magic. For a marbleized effect, knead the modeling compound only a little.

5. Roll the Model Magic in a flat circle. Add spikes of Model Magic for the sun's rays. Shape the face by adding or taking away Model Magic. Dry overnight.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—

• Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
• Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
• Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
• The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
• Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
• Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
• Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.

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Crafts

crayola supplies

• Markers
• Model Magic®

"These Sunny Faces enabled us to connect art, culture, climate, and geography!"
Sarah D., home-school mom of 7- and 10-year-olds.

"We made one sun for each period in Mexican history. That helped kids to keep the cultures distinct."
Morena G., after-school volunteer.

The sun stone for the temple at Pyramid to the Sun has a diameter of 12 feet (4 m). This carved stone shows the four elements that destroyed the four previous worlds---jaguars, hurricanes, fire, and floods. An image that is believed to be the sun is in the center. Each era was called a sun.