Soft Sculpture: Creepy Cuddly Critters

What is Soft Sculpture?• Made using cloth, plastic, paper, fibers and similar

material that are supple and non-rigid. • Usually created by manipulating fabric into a 3D shape

with any number of binding and filling processes. • Claes Oldenburg

popularized soft sculpture in the 1960's with soft everyday objects such as a fan, light switch and food.

Claes Oldenburg

What is a Comfort Object?• Item used to provide psychological comfort,

especially in unusual or unique situations, or at bedtime for small children.

• Among toddlers, comfort objects may take the form of a blanket, stuffed animal, or favorite toy.

Your ActivityYou will create a soft sculpture critter using found fabrics and fiber materials.

Your critter should be something scary or creepy that becomes a soft, comfort item.

Research soft sculpture art using the links below, or other sites you find in your own research.

http://peepwool.com/page/peepwool

http://www.kreepydollfactory.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/weirdbuglady

http://www.abbyglassenberg.com/

http://www.softsculpture.co.uk/

http://www.naughtymonsters.com/

http://www.nga.gov.au/EXHIBITION/softsculpture/

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http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Sew./

WorksheetsWorksheet #1: Brainstorming & Sketching. List 10 creatures, animals, people… that are creepy or scary. For each, do small thumbnail sketches of how you could turn

them into 3D soft sculptures. Print visual references for your best 3 or 4 ideas.

Worksheet #2: Final Drawing & Materials Plan. Choose best idea. Complete 3 different drawings from 3 different angles. Drawings should have some detail and be in color. Develop a list of materials you will use and where will you get

them. Be specific and considering sharing with classmates.

Basic Hand Sewing Demonstration tools needed threading the needle knotting the thread various types of stitches finishing with knots creating a pattern

WorksheetsComplete Worksheet #4: Name & Story. Give your critter a name and a background story. Can be as funny or as serious as you wish. Must be at least 3 complete, well-written sentences.

BunnyeyeBet his eye in a poker game, and won, then accidentally poked it out while picking a carrot. That makes him sad.

Requirements• Worksheet #1 – Brainstorming & Sketching• Reference images• Worksheet #2 – Final Drawing & Materials Plan• Worksheet #3 – Name & Story • Create final soft sculpture critter using a high

level of creativity, care and craftsmanship

TODAY!• Finish Worksheet #1 – Research & Sketch• Print References• Finish Worksheet #2 –Drawing & Plan• Bring in old clothes, fabric & notions for next

class

Questions?

Examples?

Weird Bug Lady

Weird Bug Lady

Weird Bug Lady

Emma O’Brien

Emma O’Brien

Emma O’Brien

Abby Glassenberg

Abby Glassenberg

Abby Glassenberg

Abby Glassenberg

Abby Glassenberg

Abby Glassenberg

Abby Glassenberg

BruzoFor breakfast he eats his lunch for lunch he eats dinner for dinner he eats a living creature, and for desert he eats breakfast then for a snack he eats rocks and marbles.

Steve’s AddictionSteve is addicted to art.

Kreepy Doll Factory

Mr. Spotted FrogB&W and cool as H.

MotzartPoofy yet sad fellow.

Kreepy Doll Factory

Anvil ManHead banging to heavy metal.

HericulesStrongest thing to ever wear pink houndstooth.

Kreepy Doll Factory

Grandma and her Poodle

Peep Wool

Swimmer with Floatys

Peep Wool

Balloon Guy

Peep Wool

Licker

Peep Wool