Learn to make clay sea creatures.
A ball of clay opens itself to a world of imagination for children. Kids can make gifts, pottery, toys and even creatures. Working with clay increases fine motors skills because it requires manipulation using the hands. Until the clay dries, children can sculpt it into many different forms. Once they find their desired creation, they can allow the clay to dry and have a memory of the activity. Consider creating this clay lobster craft with those who enjoy the sea.
Instructions
1. Create a a cylinder-shaped section of clay a little shorter than the length desired for the entire lobster. The shape can be achieved by taking a large ball of clay and rolling it back and forth on a table or against your palms. Form the cylinder so that its sides have uniform bumps rather than being smooth.
2. Make two balls of clay that have approximately the same diameter as the top of the cylinder section. The balls will attach to the cylinder.
3. Wet your fingertips slightly to attach a clay ball to one end of the lobster body section (cylinder). Rub over the two pieces in the areas where they connect to form a bond. The shapes may become a bit distorted at the connected area. Be certain that the two shapes are completely attached or the pieces will easily break apart after the creature is dry.
4. Attach the second ball to the top of the first using the same method to rub over the connecting pieces with damp fingertips to create a bond. This piece will be the head.
5. Roll two more pieces of clay so that one end is wide and one end is thin. These pieces will form the lobster's pinchers. Cut a notch out the wider end of each piece to make it appear as a claw.
6. Attach the thin ends of the pinchers to the bottom of the top round ball by smoothing over the connecting pieces with damp fingers. One pincher should stick out to each side.
7. Form a thick V-shaped piece of clay to be the lobster's tail. The piece needs a short stem to connect to the body. Connect the stem to the bottom portion of the bumpy cylinder in the same manner that other pieces have been connected.
8. Make six tube clay pieces to be legs. Three will attach to the upper portion of each side of the lobster's body.
9. Allow the creature to dry either through air-drying or oven-bake methods depending on the type of clay that you are using.
10. Paint the entire clay lobster red after it is completely dry.
11. Glue two red chenille sticks to the top of the head and glue wiggly eyes in place.
Tags: clay lobster, clay that, ball clay, connecting pieces, connecting pieces with, each side, lobster body