Clay Necklaces

In this project, the class created clay necklaces. First, we designed shapes for the bead by rolling water-based clay around a dowel and then manipulating the clay to form the desired shape. Also, another method that works well is forming the shape first, then pushing the down through the clay to make the hole. After the shape was made, we scored patterns in the beads. Next, after the clay was dry, we painted the beads using tempera paint. Finally, after the paint was dry we threaded yarn through the beads and tied if off.

An extension project could be one in which the students are instructed to create other clay forms using similar techniques. For example, the class could move onto sculpting animals out of clay. First, the students will shape their animal out of clay. Next, they can score it with different textures and patterns. Finally, after the clay has dried, the students can paint their animals using tempera paint. The teacher can teach more about clay techniques and also can introduce the element “form.”