Stephens - Clay Lab for Kids

2017 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

Original artwork and project designs 2017 Cassie Stephens

First published in the United States of America in 2017 by

Quarry Books, an imprint of

Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D

Beverly, Massachusetts 01915-6101

Telephone: (978) 282-9590

Fax: (978) 283-2742

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders and ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Digital edition published in 2017.

Digital edition: 978-1-63159-403-8

Softcover edition: 978-1-63159-270-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available.

Design and Page Layout: Laura H. Couallier, Laura Herrmann Design

Cover Image: Patrick F. Smith Photography

Photography: Patrick F. Smith Photography: . All other photography by Cassie Stephens.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all of the bright and budding young artists Ive had the privilege to share the joy of mess making with over the past twenty years. Together we have learned, laughed, and grown. Heres to many more messes and masterpieces!

Nearly twenty years ago, I was in college, filling my days with studio art classes and my nights with hours of painting. While it was an absolute dream come true for me, my parents, who were paying for my education, werent so certain the dream would become a reality. When my parents suggested I also take some art education classes, I was seriously doubtful. What did I know about teaching art to children? Fast-forward to the present: Ive been teaching all this time. I still have much to learn, but I know one thing for certain: Kids love to create as much as I do.

If you were to ask the hundreds of children Ive taught over the years what their favorite art activity is, theyd respond with an enthusiastic clay! Theres something about working with your hands, creating something three-dimensional and functional, not to mention getting messy, that really captures every childs heart and imagination. When my students come back to visit, I always hear that they still have that coil mug, clay fish, or snowman sculpture on display in their homes.

In this book, well explore the many different clay mediums available that do not require kiln fire. From air-dry and paper clays to polymer and clays you can make with household ingredients, this book introduces 52 clay labs to experience and inspire. Have fun and happy creating!

CREATING WITH KIDS AND CLAY

Children are born artists.

They instinctually know how to dig their fingers into clay or to put crayon to paper (or the walls in your home, if youre not careful!) and create something magical. You might not understand the images you see, but when children proudly explain it to you, their imagination is evident.

This book is for children who love to get a little messy, work with their hands, and create memories. All thats to say: This book is for the artist who lives in us all!

HOW THIS BOOK IS ORGANIZED

This book is divided by units of non-fired clays: air-dry, polymer, and homemade. When creating with these various types of clay bodies, young artists will notice the differences between them and may take a liking to one over the other. Some clay is water-based and sticky, while others are not. Despite the differences in ingredients and texture, almost all of the clay used in these labs is interchangeable. Go ahead and explore, using your preferred clay in any lab!

These labs allow kids to explore each medium, learn new techniques, and be inspired. Each creative idea leads to another, picking up momentum like a ball rolling downhill. However, the labs do not have to be completed in the order presented. Allow your young artists to create what piques their interests. One child might want to create a project exactly as its made in this book. Another might choose to take the idea in a completely new direction. All directions are good ones.

Within many of the labs, there are adaptive suggestions for the developing artist. When younger siblings work alongside an older brother or sister, it can be frustrating for the young ones to match what they perceive as a certain standard. Coax them gently. Teach them that developing strong hand muscles and skill takes time. Introduce them to the adaptive methods suggested. Most of all, relax, create, and have fun together!

BASIC SUPPLIES

Lets talk about the tools and materials youll need to start your own clay lab. Here is a basic list of what youll need for your clay adventures:

A COVERED AND CLUTTER-FREE WORKSPACE

I like to work on my dining room table. However, I dont want the clay to stain or damage my table, so I always place a large sheet of clean white paper down before I work. A roll of paper is my preferred table covering because it allows me to simply tear off a sheet, work, and recycle it when finished. Newspaper, a plastic placemat, or a large sheet of cardboard would work as well. Canvas is a good choice, too, because it can be washed and reused.

DROP CLOTH

Youll need this if youre working in a room with carpeting. Dropped pieces of clay ground into the fibers of a carpet can be difficult to remove.

SMOCK OR APRON

The clays used in this book require only soap-and-water cleanup. However, young artists often have the habit of wiping their hands on their clothing. A smock or an apron will keep them a little cleaner.