Styrofoam Sculptures
For this project, students will learn basic carving skills and how to create three dimensional art with
carving tools and Styrofoam. Once their carving is completed, students will paint their sculptures in
bold colors or to look like marble or wood.
Part One: Planning
1. Come up with an idea for your sculpture. Remember, it is important the sculpture looks good
from every angle!
2. Think about positive and negative space, where will you carve entirely through? Sketch out at
least three sides of your sculpture so you are less confused later. Make notes.
3. On your styrofoam block, use a sharpie to draw out where you should start cutting on every
side.
Part Two: Carving
1. Cut out the negative spaces using broad basic shapes at first. Once you have the basic
shape of your piece, start smoothing out areas and adding fine details!
2. Keep checking to make sure it looks good from every side and every angle!
Part Three: Painting
1. Paint your sculpture with acrylic paint. It is recommended that you either paint it one solid
bold color, or use a cool painting technique to give the illusion that the styrofoam is actually
marble or wood!