Title: Masking Tape Sculpture
Time: Varies with grade level and materials used – minimum 3 class periods
Standards:
VIS.5.VA.5.F.3.2 – Revise artwork as a necessary part of the creative process to achieve an
artistic goal.
VIS.5.VA.5.F.3.2 - Create artwork that shows procedural and analytical thinking to communicate
ideas.
VIS.5.VA.5.F.3.4 - Follow directions and complete artwork in the timeframe allotted to show
development of 21st-century skills
VIS.5.VA.5.F.1.1 - Examine and experiment with traditional or non-traditional uses of media to
apply imaginative techniques in two- and/or three-dimensional artworks.
VIS.5.VA.5.F.1.1 – Develop multiple solutions to solve artistic problems and justify personal
artistic or aesthetic choices.
VIS.5.VA.5.H.3.1 - Discuss how skills learned through the analysis and art-making process are
used to solve problems in non-art areas.
Essential Questions: How can discarded objects be repurposed into meaningful art? How do
shape and form relate to one another in your work? What would you change if you could recreate
this piece? How can this assignment affect your life and the lives of others?
Objective: Students will learn to manipulate masking tape and use it in a new and innovative way in
the art room. Students will create a masking tape sculpture.
Intro: Students will view a selection of work by local artists Dale and Jeff Ocasio and discuss
the art media and its use as an art form. Various techniques for using masking tape as a sculpture
medium will be demonstrated.
Materials: 1 roll of masking tape per student, Clear or white school glue or polymer medium,
recycled wire and other miscellaneous “junk”, glass beads and marbles, small bottles, toys, books,
etc. (if color is desired to finish – artists acrylics or tempera with polymer medium added)
Procedures:
1. Select an object or objects to use for the armature of the piece.
2. Completely cover the armature in small pieces of masking tape torn from the roll,
remembering to use a tool to press the tape so it doesn’t lift.
3. Begin to make threads, ropes, and braids by rolling the tape inside out.
4. Apply the components to the covered object to begin changing the form.
5. Continue to use demonstrated techniques to complete the composition.
6. In the last 5-10 minutes of class, seal the entire sculpture with a water-based “varnish” or
glue solution to keep the moisture from lifting the tape before the next session.
7. Continue the process in following class sessions, ending with 2-3 coats of the “varnish”
solution. Can be left as is, or painted.
Directions for Finishing Masking Tape Sculptures
Materials:
Glue - any water based glue is fine (I personally like Elmer’s Clear school glue) that is of a
paintable thickness, but it should not be too watery. You can thin it with water if it’s too
thick.
Water-based paints - my students use tempera or craft paints, but I use artist’s acrylics
in tubes since they remain flexible and can be peeled off glass.
Water-based varnish or matt medium

Make sure all tape edges are rubbed down well and follow directions below to apply a layer
of glue as soon as possible to keep tape from lifting.

Apply 2-3 layers of glue over the entire sculpture, covering any bare glass areas as well,
allowing each to dry before applying the next.

Paint sculpture (also cover the glass areas) with any water-based paint before adding
another layer of glue or a varnish for protection.

Clean off any bare glass areas by taking a sharp tool (Exacto knife) and score around the
edges of bare glass, close to the taped areas. Use the tip of your knife to lift the layer of
paint and glue off the glass.

Using the knife, or a cuticle stick to tuck any excess edges of paint and glue under the
taped areas, giving a finished look.
Thanks for coming today!
Ann Sealey
Pelican Elementary School, Cape Coral
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me @ annamarieds@leeschools.net
Originally, I learned this technique from Jeff & Dale Ocasio, visit them at ocasiocasa.com – they
are more than happy to share what they’ve learned!