31 Days of Children's Books Inspired by Artists- DAY 8: Frida

Title: Frida
Estimated time: 45 minutes-1 hour
Project: Frida Peg Dolls
About the artist:(1907-1954) Frida Kahlo was born near Mexico City. When she was 6 she contract polio and was bedridden for nine months. While she was sick she created an imaginary friend (whom she later painted). Another tragedy hit when she was in high school when her school bus got in an accident. During her long recovery she discovered her love for painting. Frida married Diego Rivera, another Mexican artist and he encouraged her to keep painting.
Summary: Read Frida, then study her works. Follow this lesson to create peg dolls inspired by Frida.
Objectives: Identify the elements of art (line, shape, form, space, value, texture and color), Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes, Understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.

Frida Peg Doll Supplies:

• Wooden peg(s)
• Pencil
• Paint or sharpies will work
• Tissue paper, very small amount
• Black pipe cleaners
• Glue
• Scissors

 

Me and My Parrots: 1941, Self Portrait of Thorn Necklace: 1940

 

What is it called when you paint a picture of yourself? What distinct features does Frida have? What animals are in her paintings? Where do those type animals live?

Frida Peg Dolls:

1. Draw your details onto peg first. Eyes, nose, mouth, black hair, clothing, etc. Frida is known for her uni-brow. Don't forget to add that!
   
2. Paint peg and let dry.
   
3. Cut a black pipe cleaner in half and then your half into thirds, hey that's integrated math!
   
4. Roll into bun shapes and glue your three pieces onto her head where her hair should be.
5. Time for some details- Frida wore flowers in her hair in most of her portraits. We made flowers by tearing a small square from a our tissue paper. (About 1x1inch) Wad it up and glue along the her hairline.
    
   
6. You can add a shawl by clipping a small piece of lace or fabric to tie or glue around her shoulders.
7. Voila! A Frida Kahlo inspired peg doll.

These images are suitable for children, please be aware when doing a search for artists you may find imagery that is not age appropriate.  

What other peg dolls will you make next? Maybe you could make other artists in our 31 Days of Children's Books Inspired by Artists.