This is a fun and creative art lesson for various ages on Mola-like projects. Students get to create their own Mola using felt, scissors, and glue.
Procedure:
1. We begin by cutting out a basic animal shape. To do this, I had several stencils made out of different animals and made sure to keep the animal shapes as simple as possible; turtles, birds, fish. I had them trace the animal shape with a black marker onto a full sheet of felt and cut it out with the scissors. They placed it onto a full, uncut sheet of different colored felt.
2. Once students cut out their animal shape, we then cut out another color shape to cover part of the animal (we cut a big round/oval shape). This gives it some contrast and helps the smaller pieces stand out against the main animal.
3. Students get other pieces of felt of various colors and cut out smaller shapes such as squares, triangles, stripes and other interesting designs. They then place these shapes in an interesting pattern or arrangement on top, making sure to spread them all throughout the main animal. I have them lay out their shapes first then glue them into place.
3. I make sure to use plenty of Mola samples and explain to students the complexity of making a real Mola. I also teach them about the historical aspect and importance of the Mola for the Kuna women in Panama. This helps them be more creative in the process of making their design.
Materials:
Felt sheets, scissors, glue, animal shape stencil for main animal, black sharpie
Procedure:
1. We begin by cutting out a basic animal shape. To do this, I had several stencils made out of different animals and made sure to keep the animal shapes as simple as possible; turtles, birds, fish. I had them trace the animal shape with a black marker onto a full sheet of felt and cut it out with the scissors. They placed it onto a full, uncut sheet of different colored felt.
2. Once students cut out their animal shape, we then cut out another color shape to cover part of the animal (we cut a big round/oval shape). This gives it some contrast and helps the smaller pieces stand out against the main animal.
3. Students get other pieces of felt of various colors and cut out smaller shapes such as squares, triangles, stripes and other interesting designs. They then place these shapes in an interesting pattern or arrangement on top, making sure to spread them all throughout the main animal. I have them lay out their shapes first then glue them into place.
3. I make sure to use plenty of Mola samples and explain to students the complexity of making a real Mola. I also teach them about the historical aspect and importance of the Mola for the Kuna women in Panama. This helps them be more creative in the process of making their design.
Materials:
Felt sheets, scissors, glue, animal shape stencil for main animal, black sharpie
