To lead into this activity, consider showing examples of masks from multiple time periods and cultures, such as ancient Egypt, Papua New Guinea and Nigeria. Discuss the meanings behind mask-making and the different materials used. Students then sketch out their own mask on scratch paper and transfer the final design onto newsprint. Students tape the newsprint to the foil and trace the design onto the foil with a ballpoint pen. The foil mask is then textured with the end of a Popsicle stick or dull pencil, being careful not to tear it. Masks can be decorated with Sharpies or other colored permanent pens. Decorative items, such as feathers, ribbons or raffia can be glued to the mask with hot glue, if students are old enough to use it.
For this project, cut 5- by 7-inch pieces of foil for each student. Show copper tooling examples for motivation, such as copper etchings of religious figures like the Buddha -- many cultures use tooling as a way to depict important beliefs and traditions. Ask students to create a sketch of their tooling on paper. Place a thick pad of newspaper under the sketch and the copper, then trace the drawing onto the copper with a ballpoint pen. Once the sketch is transferred, students can add a three dimensional effect with a dull pencil or Popsicle stick, making the lines of the drawing stick outwards. India ink or liver of sulphur can be added to antique the tooling.
Any type of tooling foil and a stamp set depicting glyphs -- or other symbols -- is required for this project. These glyphs can be modeled after Egyptian hieroglyphics, Mayan glyphs, or a made-up system; so that each student has their own complete alphabet to work with. For a made-up alphabet, provide as many random symbols on your stamps as possible. Students put a thick newspaper underneath their tooling foil and stamp out a message. Use a dull pencil or Popsicle stick to make the letters three-dimensional. Antique with India ink or liver of sulphur.
The purpose of a family seal is to preserve family honor and memories throughout generations. Ask students with access to a personal family seal, to bring them in the day of the project. Students can copy this family seal or create a new one. Discuss the meanings of the symbols in family seals and ask students to create something that represents the way they feel about their family. Provide an outline to the border of the seal, then let students draw in the details. Transfer the final design to newsprint. Tape the newsprint to the foil and transfer it with a ballpoint pen. Texture and make the project three-dimensional with a Popsicle stick or dull pencil. Color it with permanent pens.