Allow each student to choose a photo of a person. The model can be a family member or friend, a famous person or a fictional character. Give each student light-gauge wire, newspaper and masking tape and have them create the basic internal structure of the figure. He should create the basic body layout and pose of the figure using the wire, and cover the wire with pieces of newspaper secured with masking tape to flesh out the figure. Once he is satisfied with his under structure, have him cover the figure with modeling clay. The student then should build and sculpt the remainder of the figure to match his model photograph as closely as possible. If using air-drying clay, allow the clay to dry and have each student paint the figure to match his photograph.
Fill a blender about 3/4 full of tap water. Have each student tear two full sheets of any kind of scrap paper into small pieces and add to the blender. Blend until the mixture is about the consistency of a thin milkshake. Pour the mixture onto a piece of wire mesh laid in a deep pan, such as a baking pan. Spread the mixture out into a single layer and place another piece of wire mesh on top. Allow water to drip out of the screens until there is very little falling from the mixture. Transfer the two screens to a piece of newspaper and, using paper towels, begin soaking up as much excess water as possible. Remove the top screen and turn the paper mixture carefully onto the piece of newspaper. Remove the other piece of screen. Cover the paper mixture with several layers of newspaper and place heavy, flat objects such as large books on top of the paper mixture. Allow to dry for several hours. Once dry, remove the new piece of paper from the newspapers and use to write a letter or for decorative projects. You also can experiment by adding other things to the blender such as pieces of flowers, glitter and paints, or you could attempt to embed whole leaves or pictures into the piece of paper.
Cut pieces of white card stock into squares the size of CD covers. Give students a variety of art supplies such as colored pencils, magazine pages, glitter and paints. Ask each student to create a CD cover for an album by an imaginary band. The cover should include the imaginary band's name and, if a student wishes, a logo designed for the band, along with some kind of image to go along with the album.
Take a digital photograph of each student. Allow students to pose however they wish. Have each student use Photoshop to change the photo to an outline using the Photocopy filter. Students then should use the gradient tool to create a colorful background of lines and swirls. Print out each photo. Students then should use the printed photograph as models for a self-portrait painting. When displaying the paintings, include the original photographs as a reference for the viewer.