Clay is a perfect medium for kids of all ages.
Clay projects are perfect for keeping kids entertained on rainy days or for use as a class art project. The kids will love having a hands-on craft that they can sculpt and create themselves, and they will get a chance to develop and apply creative thinking skills to their art. Complete clay crafts on covered surface area since this substance can be messy and tricky to get out of carpets and rugs.
Bread Dough Clay
Kick start your clay art project by letting the kids help make the clay they'll be working with. This is perfect and safe for younger kids who may be tempted to taste their medium. Mix 4 cups of flour with 1 cup of salt, 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil for smoothness. Knead for five minutes. This mix will keep for up to a week, refrigerated, in a tightly sealed container. This clay is also able to be painted with watercolors so there are plenty of customization options.
Clay Pot
This tiny clay pot doesn’t require a kiln for firing, which makes it a good option for craft time with the kids. You’ll need air-dry clay, tempera or acrylic paint, and an acrylic spray. There are two main methods for making the clay pots. First the child can roll a ball of clay, press their thumb into the middle, and form the pot from the bottom up. Encourage your child to make the clay the same thickness all the way around.
The second option is to allow the child to roll out coils of clay in different sizes (from small to large), and stack them in a circular manner to form the pot. Dry the pot, then let the child paint it. Spray with acrylic spray to set and hold the design, then allow to dry overnight for best results.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Roll out the clay with a rolling pin as you would biscuit dough. Let the kids use cookie cutters in the shape of stockings, stars and trees. Allow the clay to dry overnight, or bake, depending on the type of clay you use. Once the ornaments are ready, poke a hole through the top for a ribbon. Allow the clay to dry, then let the children paint their ornaments. Once the ornaments are painted, spray with acrylic spray and let dry.
