Medieval Paper Mache Figures

Paper mache medieval figures, including knights, royalty, and commoners, against a white background.

This is a project from the archives.  I used to teach a combined 5th/6th grade class.  Every year, we made medieval paper mache figures.  The 5/6s studied the Medieval period in their social studies class.  We used newspaper and foil to create the armature of these figures.  Then, we applied paper mache over the body.  Model magic or air dry clay was used to make the heads.  Model magic actually works the best, in my opinion.  Clothes, paint and weapons were added to complete the figures. Some years we stuck more to the idea of knights and other years the kids branched out more to include maidens, bakers, mothers, etc.

Two small handmade dolls, crafted with intricate detail, one dressed in a blue dress and the other in a red and blue outfit, displayed against a light background.
Two medieval paper mache knights, one on a horse with a spear and shield, the other standing with a sword, facing each other.
Two handmade paper mache figures wearing long dresses and capes stand on small blocks against a plain background.
Two colorful handmade paper mache figures: one in a blue dress and shawl, and one holding a bowl and spoon in an apron.
A medieval warrior figure made of foil and cardboard, equipped with a shield and sword, stands on a wooden base.
Two medieval-themed figures: a lady in a blue dress and a knight in armor with a red cape, shield, and sword.

This year, our new art teacher also continued this project.  Below are some of her students’ sculptures.

Homemade doll with raised arm and black hair, wearing a brown outfit with a metallic chest plate and white rope accessory, crafted with a medieval touch.
Medieval clay figure with foil helmet and sword, wearing a black outfit, positioned in front of a piece of text on a textured backdrop.
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3 Comments

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  1. I think you do amazing work, I love your creativity with the kids. I am a middle school music teacher with elementary aged sons. I love reading your blog.

  2. These are fantastic! I am an elementary and middle school ceramic teacher and am so inspired to do something like this with clay. Thanks for sharing your great ideas. 🙂