Create a class totem pole with corrugated cardboard and acrylic paints. This project also has an instructional video available!

Steps

• Step 1
  Using scissors or a craft knife, cut a 12x30" sheet from a piece of 20x30" corrugated board. (The remaining 8x30" strip will be used later.)
• Step 2
  To make it easier to curve into a tube, use a metal ruler and crimp along the ribs of the 12x30" sheet, bending the sheet as you go. This will also give it more of a wood texture. On one end, draw a line 2" from the edge.
• Step 3
  Using a glue gun, attach the two ends together exactly at the line. Make sure all the sections of the totem pole are the same diameter so they can be easily stacked and attached to each other.
• Step 4
  It is easy to find images of totem poles online or at the library. Design an animal for your section of the totem pole - our example is a wolf. Draw your animal face about 12" tall and 8" wide so that it fits on the totem pole trunk. Using a marker, transfer your drawing to the 8x30" sheet of corrugated board as separate components so they can be added in layers. For example, the wolf’s paws will be on top of the tail. For some animals, like our
  Thunderbird, another sheet of corrugated board may be necessary.
• Step 5
  Cut out the pieces with scissors and glue them together with a glue gun. Stack extra pieces of cardboard to raise the layers and add dimension where desired.
• Step 6
  Glue the animal pieces to the pole with a glue gun.
• Step 7
  Paint your animal with acrylics and let dry.
• Step 8
  Once all the sections are finished, attach them together from the inside with duct tape.

Products Used

• Flipside Corrugated Sheets - White With Brown Kraft Back, 20x30" (FPI-32300)