SchoolArts - March 2007

Project Description: Students acquire a deeper awareness of clay by creating a clay pin that is textured by the sole of a shoe and is wearable once glazed. Teachers discuss various textures including the rough texture on the bottom of shoes. Teachers demonstrate clay techniques for the students and explain vocabulary. Students look at clay pin examples. Teachers will cut small uniform squares of clay in preparation. Students will start by rolling their clay and forming it into a ball. Students will look for the most interesting texture on the bottom of their shoe. The clay ball will be placed on that spot and students will gently press down to imprint the texture into the clay. Teachers fire the pins in the kiln. Once fired, pins can be glazed. All surface areas must be colored with no white showing. Encourage students to use different colors for their various textured areas. Fire the pins again for the true glaze colors to appear. Adhere a pin to the completed clay piece with hot glue. Wear the pin and enjoy the compliments! Get your free NASCO lesson plan by calling 1-800-558-9595 or find it online at www.eNasco.com.

Circle No. 203 on Reader’s Service card.

SchoolArts magazine

Grade Level: K– 12

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Corrugated Cardboard Figures from Twisteez

Grade Level: 3 and up

Estimated Project Time: 30– 45 minutes

Materials: 2– 4 Twisteez wires

Corrugated cardboard

Scissors to cut cardboard and Twisteez

Magic Markers and or acrylic paint (optional)

Project Description:

1. Cut cardboard into small, simple, geometric shapes.

These will be the heads and torsos for the figures.

2. Thread the Twisteez in and out of the channels in the cardboard leaving wire loops outside of the cardboard where you want to create body parts or decorations.