Art Project for Kids: Found Object Sculpture

Transform found objects into a unique work of art! With just a bit of glue and some imagination, kids can construct creative sculptures with whatever they have on hand.

Photo of kids art sculpture by Andrew Greto for the book Art Sparks
Photo © Andrew Greto Photography, excerpted from Art Sparks

Artists make sculptures out of all sorts of materials, including stone, wood, glass, and wire. Some sculptures are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, and some are large enough to fill a gymnasium. Luckily, you don’t need special tools or materials to make an awesome sculpture. This project starts with a treasure  hunt. You’ll gather interesting objects from around your house or your yard that inspire you.

What You’ll Need

  • Fun stuff you’ve collected
  • Low-temperature hot glue gun (for the larger pieces) (Make sure you have adult supervision when working with a hot glue gun).
  • Tacky glue (for the smaller pieces)

Surrounded by Stuff

Photo of a child using string and a hot glue gun by Andrew Greto for the book Art Sparks
Photo © Andrew Greto Photography, excerpted from Art Sparks

Look around for interesting pieces of cardboard, packing materials, plastic containers, empty boxes, old toys, party favors, and knickknacks. Ask a grown-up if they have any old costume jewelry or buttons they can donate to your sculpture. Or, take a walk! Outside, you can find lots of natural things you can use for art, including interesting sticks, acorns, shells, pinecones, and stones.

Photo of a hand using glue on an art project by Andrew Greto for the book Art Sparks
Photo © Andrew Greto Photography, excerpted from Art Sparks

1. When you have a good idea of what you want your sculpture to look like, glue together the larger pieces with the hot glue gun. Play around with your found objects. How do your objects go together? What can you make?

2. Use the tacky glue to attach the smaller pieces to your sculpture, holding them in place for about 30 seconds to let the glue work its magic.

Try This

Photo of art project taken by Andrew Greto for the book Art Sparks
Photo © Andrew Greto Photography, excerpted from Art Sparks

As you put together your sculpture, you may want to add more items. Look around outside for some natural materials to use, such as acorns, small stones, and sticks. You can even add parts that move!

Photo of art project for the book Art Sparks
Photo © Andrew Greto Photography, excerpted from Art Sparks

Excerpted from Art Sparks © Marion Abrams and Hilary Emerson Lay.


Marion Abrams

Marion Abrams

About the Author

Marion Abrams began her career as a school art teacher and founded the Summer Art Barn in Hatfield, Massachusetts, in 1989, with a focus on nurturing creativity and teaching the joy of arts and crafts to children. Hilary Emerson Lay is a working artist and former bookstore manager who joined Marion Abrams as the assistant director of the Summer Art Barn in 2013. 
 

Learn more about this author

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