The J.Paul Getty Museum offers a low-relief project using Balsa-Foam as part of its educational program. This particular project gives students the assignment of creating a tombstone for a favorite pet. The museum's collection includes a Roman gravestone as inspiration. Signs of any kind could substitute for the tombstone. The goal of the project is to develop basic carving skills while making a meaningful object.
Block prints are traditionally carved in wood or linoleum. But Balsa-Foam is light and easy to use for even the youngest students. A simple beginning project could include carving your initials or name into the foam. Adding a design such as a flower or favorite object can personalize the foam block. Once completed, the block can be used repeatedly on assorted papers or fabrics. Though printers use ink to transfer designs, paint works just fine.
Carving and painting African or other tribal masks allow artists to learn about world cultures. Each mask will be as different as the artist who makes it when an assortment of designs are viewed before the actual carving process begins. Using colors similar to global masks will give the finished product a look of authenticity. Balsa-Foam accepts many kinds of paints, with acrylics a recommended choice.
The ideas for sculpting with Balsa-Foam range from cars and airplanes to fish and animals of all kinds. Sculpting subjects from nature can be good beginning projects. Very precise geometric subjects such as airplanes or space ships take more skill to produce, but with effort and practice can be accomplished.