Polyethelene Sculpture: the “Mummy Method”

I’ve collected a lot of scraps of polyethelene packaging over the years. These scraps are marvelous for creating sculptures, using a variety of methods. Here's my favorite:

The polyethene is cut and joined to form an armature. Then fabric strips are applied around the armature, mummy-style, using latex or acrylic paint as the adhesive.

The method can be used by children or by adults. You can work in a precise and tidy manner, or you can let your pieces be more free-form and expressive. This type of sculpture is very versatile.

Polyethylene foam, plastic knives, hobby knives, cotton fabric, nitrile or latex gloves, latex or acrylic paint, assorted craft materials for trimming

For the first project, keep it simple. Choose just two or three pieces to join.

(I probably chose something a little too tricky for my very first piece, but that's how things worked out!)

For young artists, use plastic knives to cut the foam. A steady back and forth motion should be used. Older artists may make use of hobby knives.

For my example, I tried using just two pieces to make a moving puppet. The longest piece will bend, and it has holes for my fingers. The top portion of the head will be attached, but also needs a finger hole.

Because I often work with children, I will write these instructions with SAFETY in mind. 

It may be faster and easier to use some sort of “pin” to join the pieces, but this method leaves us with a sculpture that could injure someone. Let’s not do that. 

While hot glue CAN be used, carefully, with polyethelene foam, it is tricky and the fumes are unpleasant.

The safest construction method is shown in step 4.

Attach pieces by cutting slots and tying the pieces together with strong cotton string.

Tear the fabric into strips, about an inch wide. 

I usually get all excited and jump into a project without gloves. This project can be messy. Wear gloves.

Begin attaching strips to the armature

This step is MESSY but fun. If you have leftover house paint of any kind, this is a great way to use it up. 

NOTE: If you are making a “fine art” piece, you can use acrylic matte medium, but it is much more expensive.

The idea is to wrap the project with one or more layers of fabric strips, using latex or acrylic paint as the glue.

Begin by applying the paint directly on the foam. (A)

Place the fabric over this paint and paint the top of the fabric strip. (B)

Wrap the fabric strip around the foam, using paint both under and over the strips. (C)

The edges of torn cotton fabric tend to curl, and if you paint over that "curled edge" you will get a ridge.

To avoid the ridge:

Apply paint to the fabric BEFORE placing it on the armature. Stroke from the center outward, UN-curling the curled edges.

Apply the painted fabric strip to the foam.

Continue applying paint, a fabric strip, then more paint. Wrap the fabric around the foam. You can do this very neatly and precisely, or you can let things get lumpy and bumpy. Have fun.

It may be necessary to work on all sides of the sculpture at the same time. This can make drying difficult. Pieces of foam can also be used to built a stand for drying. I used chopsticks and a long piece of foam to build this simple stand.

Use scissors to cut notches in the fabric whenever necessary, particularly at corners or uneven edges.

When working with children, demonstrate this technique!

Continue wrapping and painting until the entire piece is covered.

Keep in mind that this first layer should all be the same color. Details will be added later.

Drying time will vary. If you have a lot of layers, it may take hours to dry completely. Be patient.

Once the piece is dry, add details. Use paints and/or additional craft materials.

You can also paint directly on the foam. This is a nice quick method for creating small props.

A simple project for children: start with round or oval shapes and provide chenille stems, yarn, and other trimmings.

Instead of fabric and paint for the "mummy method," use mulberry paper and acrylic matte medium.