This document provides instructions for altering everyday objects through cutting, folding, gluing, painting or drawing. It suggests choosing a plastic cup or water bottle and changing its appearance or function by modifying its shape or decorating it. Examples on Pinterest and Colossal Art blog are recommended for inspiration. Different levels of complexity are outlined, beginning with basic drawing or reshaping and progressing to more elaborate combinations of techniques and multi-step projects documented in a sketchbook.

1. Make something out of nothing
Choose one or several everyday objects.
EITHER
Alter the shape by cutting, folding, gluing and assembling
OR
Paint or draw onto the object to change it’s appearance or function.
The simplest ideas are the best. Plastic cups and water bottles are particularly versatile. Look on
Pinterest and Colossal (Art blog) for ideas.
Level 5
Draw on an object with a
sharpie or black pen. Or, do
something simple to change
the shape of the object.
Think about how your work
looks from all angles.
Look at the paper cup and
folded book.
Level 6
Paint or draw a detailed
design on the surface of an
object. Add to or take away
from a shape.
Look at the plastic bottle
cacti and the painted
ceramic lady.
Level 7
Change the shape of an
object. You could combine
more than one object to
create a robot or creature.
Look at the paintbrush lady
and bell alien thing (!)
Level 8
Any of the previous ideas-
or a combination of them-
completed to a high level of
finish. Document the
planning and making
process your sketchbook.
Good Luck!