Paper Casting Relief Sculpture Lesson Plan

Lesson Title

Relief Sculpture and Paper Casting

Grade Level

High School Art / Sculpture / Ceramics

Lesson Objective

Students will create a relief carving using clay, produce a plaster mold from their design, and create a final paper casting using handmade paper pulp. This lesson introduces students to sculpture techniques, mold-making processes, and relief print-inspired casting methods while exploring texture, depth, and composition.

Materials

  • Clay slabs

  • Clay carving tools

  • Rolling pins

  • Plaster of Paris

  • Mixing containers and water

  • Cardboard or mold walls

  • Paper pulp or recycled paper mixture

  • Sponges and towels

  • Release agent (optional)

  • Aprons and gloves

Lesson Introduction

This lesson introduces students to the process of relief sculpture and paper casting by combining ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media techniques. Students begin by designing and carving a relief image into clay, focusing on texture, depth, and composition. They then create a plaster mold from the clay carving and use paper pulp to produce a final paper cast. The project helps students understand positive and negative space, mold-making, and texture transfer while encouraging creativity and craftsmanship.

Student Activities

1. Relief Clay Carving

Students begin by:

  • Sketching a simple relief design

  • Rolling out a clay slab

  • Carving their design into the clay surface using relief techniques

Students focus on:

  • Texture

  • Depth

  • Line and shape

  • Positive and negative space

The clay carving serves as the original mold design.

2. Plaster Mold Making

Once the clay relief is completed, students:

  • Build mold walls around the clay piece

  • Mix and pour plaster over the relief carving

  • Allow the plaster to harden completely

  • Remove the clay from the plaster mold after drying

Students learn about:

  • Safe plaster mixing techniques

  • Mold-making processes

  • The importance of detail and texture in casting

3. Paper Casting Process

Students create paper pulp using recycled paper and water. They then:

  • Press paper pulp into the plaster mold

  • Apply pressure to capture texture and detail

  • Remove excess water using sponges

  • Allow the paper cast to dry completely before removing it from the mold

Students observe how the plaster absorbs moisture and helps form the final relief image.

4. Finishing and Reflection

After drying, students:

  • Trim rough edges

  • Add optional paint or mixed media details

  • Reflect on the process and discuss challenges and successes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

  • Create a relief sculpture using clay carving techniques

  • Understand the process of mold-making with plaster

  • Produce a paper casting using a plaster mold

  • Demonstrate understanding of texture, depth, and form

  • Apply craftsmanship and problem-solving skills throughout a multi-step art process

Assessment

Students will be assessed on:

  • Creativity and composition of the relief carving

  • Craftsmanship and detail in the mold and paper cast

  • Participation and studio work habits

  • Understanding of the casting process

  • Completion of the final paper cast