Houses of Power
Study the architecture of government buildings then create a suspended bas relief sculpture.
1. In most cultures, the architecture used to create important government buildings usually reflects the powerful positions of those who frequent the structures. To show this status, designers often use architectural elements, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian capitols (tops of columns) that represent architecture in more formal times.
2. Research the architectural styles of the Classical Period of buildings that originated in Greece and Rome. Capitols became more ornate with time: Doric, the simplest capitol, has concentric rings around the top of the column. The Ionic capitol has two scrolls, and is best viewed from either the front or the back, giving it a 2-D effect. The most ornate capitols, Corinthian capitols, represent layered acanthus leaves, and are viewable from all angles.
3. Use Crayola® Model Magic® to build a bas relief model of an important government building. Bas relief means a somewhat-flat model, with some sculptural elements built on its surface. This style was used to decorate the pediments (triangular areas under the peak of the roof) of ancient buildings such as the Parthenon. Include architectural elements such as columns and capitols in your design. Dry.
4. Cover a table top with recycled newspaper. Color your architectural model with Crayola Washable Paints and Paint Brushes. Dry.
5. To support your sculpture so it can stand up, cut cardboard into two identical frame shapes with Crayola Scissors. Attach the pieces together with Crayola School Glue. Decorate one side of the frame with glue designs. Dry. Then decorate the other side. Dry. Paint your frame to compliment your architectural sculpture. Dry.
6. Use Model Magic to create feet for your frame. Form two slightly flattened balls, then press the frame into them and glue. Dry.
7. Use toothpicks or bamboo skewers as pivots to fasten your sculpture in the frame. Push the toothpick partly into the sculpture at the bottom, center point, then apply a small dot of glue to the point of entry. Do the same to the top center point. Immediately place your sculpture into the frame by pushing the toothpicks into the cardboard. Apply a dot of glue to the entry points on the cardboard. Dry flat.
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.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Mirrors, Picture Frames, and Plant Pots—Close adult supervision is required when children use craft materials that could shatter or break. Handheld mirrors, picture frames with glass, ceramic pots, and similar breakable items may be used only by children 8 years and older. For children 7 years and younger, use unbreakable materials such as wood or sturdy plastic picture frames, unbreakable mirrors, and plant pots that will not shatter into sharp edges.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points
- Research the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. To what do the words Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian refer? Create a bas relief of each of these capitols, with an accompanying description of the time period.
- Create a Model Magic bas relief of a contemporary building. How does contemporary architecture differ from classical architecture? Write a short description of the differences you see.
- Study the architecture in a city. Sketch buildings that have Doris, Ionic, and Corinthian capitols. Find out when they were built, and why that style of architecture was chosen.
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