Cyber Studio: Natural Materials Self Portrait

Create a quirky self portrait made out of natural materials with MAM art educator Catherine Pezo, inspired by FOR by Martin Johnson. 

Want to create more art with Catherine? Join her SummerART camp session on August 10!

You'll need:

  • Collected Natural Materials: 
    • Sticks
    • Optional: Wildflowers, Woodchips, Pebbles 
  • Scissors
  • Glue (Hot Glue or Tacky Glue)
  • Markers
  • Scrap Fabric
  • Twine (found in nature or store bought)

 

Steps:

  1. Collect natural materials you find outside.  They do not need to be the same as our example, but you will need twigs or sticks.  Select four sticks of similar size and height.
  2. Cross two of the sticks as shown and secure them by making a knot with your twine.  Wrap the twine in a criss-cross pattern around the sticks 3-5 times.  Cut off excess and weave or knot in the ends.  
  3. Repeat with other sticks to create a rectangle.  Tie two pieces of twine to your structure to section it off.
  4. Using your markers, draw a design or self portrait onto your fabric. Keep in mind the drawing might stretch depending on the fabric. 
  5. Glue your fabric to the twigs and twine of your structure.  Try to deliberately glue some fabric to the back, some to the front, and some on an angle.  Tie another piece of twine to strengthen the tension of your fabric if necessary. 
  6. Glue on your natural found materials to reflect your personal style!