how to candle carve for children -
​ El DIA De los muertos

The following is a 5th grade art lesson on how to carve candles with the theme of El Dia De Los Muertos.  The lesson uses sketches, along with various EL Did De Los Muertos art pieces  for inspiration. 

Scroll down to find:
  1. examples ofEl Did De Los Muertos images
  2. step-by-step instructions with pictures of the project
  3. a lesson plan (including California State Visual Art Standards)

El Dia De Los Muertos 

El Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday, celebrated particularly in Central + Southern regions of Mexico + throughout. Mexican people living outside of Mexico also celebrate the holiday.  Also celebrated in regions with large Hispanic populations.During the dates of October 31 through November 2nd alters are created with the favorite dishes + items to remember the dead. It is a time to pray + remember those family members + friends who have died.

step-by-step visual instructions 

draw/sketch ideas
sketch final drawing to size on tissue paper
sketch final idea, to size, on tissue paper - lay over candle - redraw design - it will leave a mark on candle
candle next to pencil sketch - design usually gets altered
clean off crumbs as you work
students can work indoors on table tops - lay down paper/coverings to catch crumbs for easy clean-up
clean off crumbs as you work
using clay tools thicken, deepen all carved areas
lightly add details/decorations around skull image
all designs first lightly carved into candle
students can sit on floor outdoors - working over drop cloth/paper to catch crumbs
candle carving complete + ready for rubbing
hold tissue paper over candle - rub with crayon
another example of crayon rubbing
finished candle crayon rubbing
finished candle crayon rubbing
finished candle with crayon rubbing
finished candle with crayon rubbing
finished candle with crayon rubbing
finished candle with crayon rubbing

lesson plan

objective

Students will be learn safe methods carving an image depicting El Dias de Los Muertos on a candle form.  Students will be familiar with the subtractive method of sculpture.  Student will reintroduced to + be familiar with the traditions of El Dia De Los Muertos.

activity

  1. See step-by-step photos below for instructions.
  2. Work can be performed outdoors or indoors.  Put drop cloths/paper down to catch candle crumbs.
  3. Candles should be thick enough to hold comfortably.
  4. Always helps to sketch ideas 1st.
  5. Theme for this lesson was El DIa De Los Muertos, but any theme of your choice can be used.

materials

- crayons
- tissue paper (approx. 9"x12")
- fat candles - single neutral color - approx. 3" diameter or larger
- clay tools, toothpicks, plastic utensils, wooden sticks (for carving)
​- drop cloths or large paper to catch crumbs

clean-up

1. Candle carvings make a lot of crumbs.  Is best to work outdoors, if at all possible.  Students can sit on the ground.
2. Have broom or drop cloths down under carving areas.
3. Have students brush their clothes off prior to reentering building.
​4. Each students is responsible for cleaning their own area.

vocabulary

  • Balance - Visual equilibrium in a composition; achieved by organizing the weight and attention of all elements in an artwork.  Types of balance are symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, and crystallographic. 
  • ​Contour drawings - The drawing of an object as though the drawing tool is moving along the edges and ridges of the form.
  • Form - A three-dimensional volume or the illusion of three dimensions (related to shape, which is twi-dimensional); the particular characteristics of the visual elements of a work of art (as distinguished from its subject matter or content).
  • Harmony - The principle of design that combines elements in a work of art to emphasize similarities of separate but related parts. 
  • Proportion - The size relationships of one part to the whole and of one part to another.
  • Scale - The size of an object or image that is measured by its relationship to the other objects and images that are recognized for their normal or actual size.
  • Sculpture - A three-dimensional work of art either in the round( to be viewed from all sides) or in bas relief (low relief in which figures protrude slightly from the background).
  • Space - An area in which objects or images can exist.
  • Shape - A two-dimensional are or plane that may be open or closed, free-form or geometric.  It can be found in nature or is made by humans. 
  • Unity - Total visual effect in a composition achieved by the careful blending of the elements of art + the principles of design.

variation

  • Use another theme for designs. (e.g. any season, any holiday )
  • Use another art theme traditional style from other countries around the world.
  • Use white candles.

ca visual art standards

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Develop Perception Skills and Visual Arts Vocabulary
1.1 Identify and describe the principles of design in visual arts compositions, emphasizing unity and harmony.
3.0 HISTORICAL and CULTURAL CONTENT
Role and Development of the Visual Arts
3.2 Identify and describe various fine, traditional, and folk arts from historical periods worldwide.
​Make Informed Judgements
4.3 Develop and use specific criteria as individuals in groups to assess works of art.
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