Make Your OwnFabulous Fossils

A multi-step art project

The word from Latin means literally "having been dug up“. They are the preserved remains or traces of animals (also known as zoolites), plants, and other organisms from the remote past. The totality of fossils, both discovered and undiscovered, and their placement in fossiliferous (fossil-containing) rock formations and sedimentary layers (strata) is known as the fossil record.

What are fossils?

Print your name clearly on the back of your canvas, and the bottom of your sketch

Select a fish, frog, lizard, turtle, or shell from the images shown. (next slide)

Make a light sketch of the main parts of the body structure, selecting only some of the most important bones of the animal.

Transfer your bone drawing to the canvas.

Cut the 1/8th inch twine into pieces to fit the various sizes of the smaller, thinner bones—measure carefully before cutting. (You will use a thicker twine for the larger bones.)

Lay the twine onto the pencil line, bending into shape. Remove, then put a thin bead of Elmer’s glue-all on two or three bone lines.

Let the glue set up about 10 seconds before placing the correct size twine in place. Bend the twine into the shape needed. Continue till all the smaller, thinner “bones” are covered in twine

Now cut pieces of the thicker twine (1/4 in.) to cover the lines of the larger, thicker bones.

You could use the thicker twine to outline any solid sections, such as the head. (Do not fill in the head, or other solid areas.)

Bend the twine into the shape of the line as before; put a slightly thicker bead of glue along the lines as needed, again let the glue “set up” for a few seconds.

Add pieces of seashells and dried leaves around the border.

Let “skeleton” dry at least overnight.

Brush sections of the canvas and skeleton with slightly thinned glue.

Tear white or light colored tissue paper into pieces, approximately size of your hand, and press gently on the canvas and around the skeleton with the glue brush, be sure to let edges of paper extend beyond the canvas by at least one inch.

Tears and wrinkles are OK! You will be putting several layers of tissue paper, brushing glue in between each layer.

Several layers of tissue, with shell pieces and leaves. (tissue extends beyond canvas so it can be folded over to the back.

Completing your “fossil”.

Fold extended edges of tissue paper over to the back of the canvas, and use masking tape to glue to back.

After all layers are completely dry, use earth-toned pastels to rub over the skeleton and other objects to help bring out the skeleton and create an authentic look to your fossil!

Spray lightly with a fixative when done.

Take home, frame, and display!