Wild Constellations
Use Crayola® Oil Pastels to make stenciled skies with stellar effects.
1. Study the constellations and how, when, and where they can be viewed in the night sky in your area. Visit a local planetarium or have an expert visit the classroom to talk about the earth's rotation and its effect on how constellations are viewed.
2. Start constellation stencil-making by folding a 4 1/2" X 6" (12 x 15 cm) sheet of white paper in half. Fold can be horizontal or vertical.
3. Cut an unbroken geometric or irregular shape from the center of folded paper, beginning on the side with the crease. Leave an unbroken paper border at least 1/2" (1 cm) wide around the shape.
4. Open paper to reveal a stencil. Keep the cutout (positive) shape as well.
5. Place stencil over a large sheet of construction paper.
6. Draw around perimeter of the stencil window with oil pastels.
7. Hold the stencil firmly down on top of a drawing paper with one hand while using the other hand to rub the oil pastel off the stencil onto the paper below. This creates soft wisps of color.
8. Develop outward-facing wisps by drawing around the edges of the cutout (or positive) shape, then rubbing the oil pastel outward from the stencil.
9. Move the stencil around the paper and repeat process. Apply different colors around the stencils to extend design possibilities.
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.
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.
- Display all constellation art. Children can invent choreographed movements/dances to simulate the action depicted in their constellation art. Match dances to images.
- Use this pastel technique to create other unique designs with stencils cut in geometric shapes, block letters, or outlines of vehicles. Try using different colored background papers or painted papers.
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