The things you can make with clay are endless. Clay is easy to work with and you can create beautiful pieces. Clay is also easy for even young children to use, and something different than playdough for them to create with. These 3 Clay Projects for Kids give you step by step instructions on how to create pieces you’ll hang onto for years!
I love working with clay with my kids at home, and my students in my classroom. Clay is easy to use and when it dries it gives you a lasting project that kids and parents will be proud to show off.
So grab a handful of clay and a few other materials for these clay project ideas. The ideas below are inspired by nature, but you can use anything to create a print on your projects.
For more ideas when working with clay, check out a Clay Vase Craft for Kids (free printable featured at the end of this post). Also check out 33 Easy Clay Animals and Clay Crafts and Clay Volcano Experiment from Hands-On Teaching Ideas.
Clay Projects for Kids- Material List
For your clay projects, you only need a few materials, and for many of them, you can use what you already have at home. For these projects you will need:
- Clay
- Leaves (different sizes)
- A Bowl and Plate
- Cookie Cutter (circular)
- Water
- Plastic Wrap
- Paint
- Gloss/Mod Podge
- Parchment Paper (Optional)
- Rolling Pin
Clay Projects for Kids – Bowl
The first clay project idea is a bowl. Creating the shape of the bowl is very easy using the technique below. Start by rolling out a flat piece of clay. I use parchment paper below and on top of the clay to avoid it sticking.
Once you have a large, flat piece of clay you are ready to form your bowl. Start by lining your bowl with plastic wrap. This creates a layer between the bowl and the clay to prevent the clay sticking to the bowl.
Next, form the clay to the bowl. Press to form the shape. Cut excess from around the outside/top.
Use a small amount of water to smooth out the clay and erase lines and imperfections. Once dry, you can use sandpaper to smooth the clay as well.
Next, place your leaf (or other object) inside the bowl and press to create a print on the clay. Make sure to press around the edges so that the image is clear when you later remove the leaf.
You can also remove the clay from the bowl and press a leaf onto the bottom to make a print. This leaf can then be kept on the underside of the clay and set back into the bowl.
The clay will take approximately 24 hours to fully dry. Once dry, you can remove the clay from the bowl and remove the plastic wrap and the leaves. You can sand down any imperfections and then add paint.
A layer of gloss, or a protective coating is suggested to help keep your clay projects for kids lasting longer.
Clay Nature Art – Plate
The next clay art idea is my favorite! Create a clay plate in a similar way to the clay bowl above. Start by rolling a large, flat piece of clay out and then place it on the plate.
You can add a layer of plastic wrap, or the parchment paper between the clay and the plate. Use a small amount of water to smooth out any marks or imperfections on the clay.
Once you have formed the clay to the plate, press a leaf onto the clay to create a print. Make sure to press down on the veins so that they create a mark on the clay.
Next, leave the leaf on the clay overnight or until dry. Most clay is easy to tell when it is completely dry because it will change color. It will typically become a lighter shade of brown and all of the clay will the the same (lighter) color.
Once your clay is dry, remove the leaf and paint your plate in anyway you wish. These plates are not food safe, because they will start to break down if wet food is placed on them.
Use a gloss to help seal and protect the clay.
Kindergarten Clay Projects – Coaster
The coasters are my favorite to create with young children. They are easy to make and kids can make them largely independently. Start by rolling out the clay and then pressing the cookie cutters into the clay to create as many circles as you want.
Once you have your circles, smooth the clay out with a bit of water. Next, press a small leaf onto the clay. I used maple leaves because that is what I had access to. You can use any leaf or even flower to create a beautiful print.
If it is a hot an sunny day, you can place your clay outside to dry. It can dry very quickly outside!
Once dry, remove the leaves and decorate or paint to complete your coaster. Use a gloss or protective coating for your coasters.
I suggest a stronger coating then a podge if you plan to set wet drinks on them regularly. However, the gloss will help protect from some water.
I love the final result of the simple coasters. I only added some gloss and love to see the leaf print remain the focus.
These clay projects for kids make great for gifts any time of year! It’s also a great art medium for kids to start using and creating with. Whether you are creating at home, or in the classroom, add clay to your art program!
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