Soap carving

[FINGERS]

I have 8 kids (10-12 yr. old) that are hospitalized for several months. They are healthy enough to carve. I have permission from the hospital I volunteer at to teach them some carving. I know to use plastic knives & Ivory soap.

Please tell me more including how to prepare (should the soap be tried ?) This is an important project for these guys. Thanks for your help

[Callynne]

Hey Fingers, I did a carving demonstration at our local elementary school last spring. When I finished up, the teachers took the children outside, gave them popcicle sticks and Ivory soap. They decided against the plastic knives, because of the age of the children.

I was amazed at what those children did with popcicle sticks!! The teachers made suggestions of simple things, a tree, star, heart etc. What the children came up was unbelievable!!

I think you should try out the soap and a knife yourself, carve a couple simple little things. That will give the children a visual aid and you a little experience. Good luck, have fun, be prepared to really enjoy yourself and to be amazed! Callynne

[Thor]

Funny, but relevant story about teaching kids to carve...

I taught kids that were between the ages of 4 and 10 how to carve plaster with vermiculite in it. The tools were simple clay tools and spoons.
I had two brothers in the class, and the older one was really into the project and the younger wanted to pretty much disrupt his brother's efforts. The older carved a lovely bunny rabbit for his mom.....this really angered the younger. He proceeded to carve his version of a skull with hollowed eyes, with a big hole in the top. I told him this would make a very cool candle holder. That was the kiss of death for the poor sculpture. He proceeded to carve away at this plaster shape until all he had was a pile of rubble.

Well, the time came for the "art show" with a milk and cookie reception to show off all the students' work. There, on a wooden base was the pile of rubble that this kid had "created" from his plaster shape. We had talked about it, and he called it "Angry transition". It got him a ribbon for creativity. He was the hit of the show, because I encouraged the parents to ask "How did you do this?" so they could talk about thelearning process, instead of "What is this", which is a very insultinig question for anyone. He, naturally, was asked a lot of questions. In my next session, he was my star student.

That was years ago, and I will never forget this kid.
I wonder what he's up to now?
Thor

[Kenny_S]

You might try wax candles or the slab of wax can be cut to just about any type of blank. If you teach them proper safety and handling of the knives and of course, have Bandaids, plastic knives for the older ones and like Deborah said, popcicle sticks for the younger. I think 10 to 12 year olds are capable of handling the plastic knives first, then maybe lead in to the carving knives. The candle can be used after they finish carving. Clay tools can be used on either soap or wax.

[FINGERS]

Callynne,Thor, Kenny; thanks for the great suggestions! I'am gonna get some Ivory & wax / popcicle's (haven't had any in awhile) some clay tools. Make some examples and cut some blanks. I think these kids are gonna have tons of fun enjoying their "morale boster"

I'll let ya'll know how things work out. This doesn't start until Sept.

[Callynne]

You're welcome Fingers, we'll all be looking forward to hearing how it went and seeing some pictures!! Good luck! Callynne