What you need to know about making bones for A Path Forward.

Your bone will become part of an installation of 1,000,000 handmade bones on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. With that in mind, please follow these guidelines closely.

• Bones must be a neutral color: white, tan, cream colored, etc.
• Model your artwork bones after the size of a bone in your body. In any case, bones must be no larger than an actual human bone and weigh no more than 3 lbs (1.25 kilos).
• Please don't use real bones.
• Your creativity is encouraged: Put your own spin on it, make it personal, write your name or a message of peace, support or remembrance on your bone. Always be respectful. 

What do I make it out of?

We’ve discovered countless creative ways to craft a bone. Whether you use self-hardening clay, newspaper and wire, or cardboard, we welcome your creation With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for getting started! 

Best Materials: clay, plaster tape or gauze, masking tape, newspaper and wire, wood, fabric.

Second Best: Paper Mache, baked homemade clay (see recipe below); or baked polymer clay. Bones made out of Paper Mache must be sealed with a varnish or acrylic sealant.

Homemade or polymer clay bones must be sealed with a water-based sealer or varnish. We’ve heard good reports about water based interior polyurethane sealers and even Future floor polish.

Homemade Clay recipe: 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 teaspoon powdered alum (optional), 1.5 cups water. Mix ingredients in a bowl. This clay bakes best if the bones are not too thick - about 1/2 inch is best.  Bake on an ungreased baking tray for 30 minutes, then turn and bake for another 90 minutes until they are hard and dry. When they are cool you can smooth them with fine sandpaper before varnishing.
 
We also suggest that you minimize purchased materials whenever possible and reuse and recycle materials.
 
You can find images of bones to use as models online—or email us if you need ideas!

Creativity in Action: Watch the Bone-Making Tutorials below!

 

Other Helpful Tools & Resources

The Challenge Toolkit - View our easy to print, one stop shop for making bones!

Shipping Tips