Frida Kahlo - Faculty Web Pages

Preparation:
Have students bring in a variety of found objects that they may collect from home, the playground or the
street. Be sure that the materials are highly textured and that they each bring a wide variety of textures
(rough, slick, fuzzy, smooth, hard, soft). Have textured wallpapers on hand in case students have trouble
finding objects.
Direct students to use organic themes and not worry about representing things too accurately or using too
much detail. The beauty of using texture to tell the story is that you may simplify other visual elements
and let the texture take center stage.
Materials:
Cardboard
Glue
Scissors
Found Objects
Hard charcoal or soft graphite sticks
Construction paper
Wallpaper samples (optional)
Registration plates: A registration plate is made by placing a piece of the cardboard in the center of the
sheet of paper that will be used for the rubbings. Trace around the plate with a marker. This creates the
“registration” or consistent borders for each rubbing. When students are ready to make their rubbings,
they simply place the cardboard face up on the sheet up paper (tape may be used to keep it in place) and
then line up the edges of the registration plate with the edges of the paper. If the edges are lined up
correctly, consistent borders are guaranteed!
Procedure:
1. Cut cardboard into 6”x6” squares and pass out to students.
2. Using the scissors, have students cut any materials that need to be cut into desired shapes.
3. For students interested in a “stripe” pattern, cardboard may be peeled to reveal lines.
4. Glue materials onto cardboard and let dry.
5. Once the collage is dry, place face up on the registration plate (see materials).
6. Lining up the edges of the registration plate and the piece of paper, place the paper over the
collage.
7. Locating the center of the collage with your fingers, begin rubbing the charcoal/graphite gently
over the paper. A texture should appear!
8. Experiment with pressure in rubbing to create darks/lights.
9. The collage may be used more than one time, with different pressures applied in order to create a
variety of “prints”.
10. Sign and date the rubbing with graphite directly along the bottom edge of the image.
Conclusion:
How does the image differ when different pressure is used on different parts of the collage? If producing
multiple versions of the rubbings, how consistent are they and how much do they differ?
Examine the textures on the collage versus the rubbings. How consistently or accurately are they
transferred through the paper? Can you identify the objects once they have been rubbed? Can you
identify patterns or repetition? How do these work with the theme of your art piece?
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