Make

Your
Learning Intention: We will be able to investigate and produce a moulding material to create our own

Own
Clay and make an artwork at home.

Success Criteria: I can…(choose one or try both practical art making activities)

Clay!
Synthetic Clay – man made ingredients

Look up a recipe for air dry clay, play dough or plasticine and find out the process of creating a
moulding substance. If you have these ingredients or are able to get them, you could try making or
buying it. If successful, make a coil mug with an oversized insect on the edge (see image below). 

Natural Clay – ingredients found in nature

1. Find some dirt outside preferably without bugs or vegetation, about 4 to 5 cups (ask permission
from an adult if it is in the garden).
2. Mix with water to make a thick clay consistency.
3. Line a square plastic container lid with cling-wrap so the slab can easily be removed when dry.
4. Put your clay (mud) it into the lid to create a slab at least 2cm thick.
5. Try to make sure there are no air pockets, holes or lumps. 
6. Smooth the surface with your fingers or the edge of a piece of cardboard.
7. The surface of the slab needs to be as flat and even as possible.
8. Let it dry for a few days.
9. Carefully remove by lifting the cling-wrap so the slab is removed from the lid.
10. Sand the edges nice and clean.
11. Using a skewer or pencil, carve a design, picture or pattern into the slab. Be gentle or the slab
may crack. 
12. If you have paint you can paint it then finalise with a gloss or matte varnish (see example below).
13. Take photos and submit them on compass or email to your teacher.

                

Activity Author: Ms Schwabe