Clay Charm Making With Ms. Denise

Ages 9-13

Live Group Class

In this 8-week beginner class, kids will learn to sculpt adorable clay charms, following animal themes! We'll explore shaping, color mixing, and simple techniques to create a collection of fun, personalized polymer clay creations.

Denise Cook

New on Outschool

Live video meetings

1x per week, 8 weeks

2-9 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

8 live meetings

6 hrs 40 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Welcome to an exciting, hands-on clay charm making class! My name is Ms. Denise, and I’ve been working with modeling clay since I was a kid! From tiny cupcakes with sprinkles to expressive puppies, I’ve created many exciting clay creations. In this 8-week class, students will have the opportunity to learn how to sculpt a variety of adorable animal-themed charms using polymer clay. The class is structured to gradually build skills, beginning with simple shapes and beginner techniques, then working towards more detailed and expressive charms. 

Along the way, we’ll explore color mixing, shaping, preparing charms for baking (done at home with adult supervision), basic clay tool techniques, texturing, and more! During our live classes each week, I will provide step-by-step demonstrations and sculpt alongside the students. They are encouraged to ask questions, show their progress, and share their completed charms at the end of class (if they'd like). 

My teaching style is upbeat, kid-friendly, encouraging, and fun. I strive to create a positive and inclusive environment where creativity is celebrated and each student feels welcome. While most of our class time will be hands-on sculpting, we will occasionally pause for optional sharing, questions, and visual examples to spark ideas. By the end of this course, students will have a colorful collection of handmade clay charm creations and the skills to continue sculpting on their own!

Learning Goals

Clay sculpting

Rolling and shaping base forms (balls, teardrops, ovals, coils)

Syllabus

8 Lessons

over 8 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Bunny Buddies

 Focus: Symmetry, facial expression, ear shaping.

What We’ll Do: We’ll sculpt an adorable bunny with long floppy ears (bent or upright), a teardrop-shaped body, and a cute little tail. Each bunny can be customized with extra details like bows, flowers, or scarves. Lastly, the clay charms can be baked at home with adult help.

50 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Tiny Turtles

 Focus Skills: Basic clay handling, rolling shapes, simple assembly, facial features.

What We'll Do: We’ll learn how to sculpt a simple turtle charm using basic clay shapes like balls and flat circles. Kids will design a shell pattern, attach small limbs and a head, and use simple tools to create texture and detail. Lastly, the clay charms can be baked at home with adult help.

50 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

Cute Kittens

 Focus: Layering, texture, simple fur detail.

What we do: This week, kids will create a tiny sitting kitten charm with triangle ears, a curved tail, and a sweet little face. We’ll practice shaping paws and using small tools to create expressions. Learners can choose a pose or color that makes their cat unique. Lastly, the clay charms can be baked at home with adult help.

50 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Paw-fect Pandas

 Focus: Contrast and simplicity.

What We’ll Do: Learn to sculpt a panda sitting, holding bamboo, or lying on its back. We’ll focus on creating smooth round shapes and using color contrast (black and white) to highlight features. Lastly, the clay charms can be baked at home with adult help.

50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance

When using sharp household objects (ex: toothpicks) for sculpting and texturing, it's important for learners to take extra safety precautions to avoid injury.

Supply List

1. Polymer clay (I recommend purchasing a set that includes the colors of the rainbow)
2. Modeling clay tools or household objects (plastic tools, toothpicks, dotting tools) for sculpting/texturing 
3. A smooth work surface (mat, wax paper, tile)
4. Eye pins or wire (optional; inserted into the top of the charms so they can be attached as charms to necklaces and bracelets). 
5. Baby wipes or paper towels for cleaning
6. Adult supervision for baking (usually done after class; I will provide instructions on how to bake the charms)

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Denise Cook

Joined September, 2024

New on Outschool

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Bachelor's Degree in Art and Design from Arizona State University

My love for creating polymer clay charms began when I was a kid, and it's been a favorite hobby of mine ever since. Over the years, I’ve continued to make clay creations in my free time and have even sold some of my work at local craft events to support charity. Regarding my teaching experience, I've worked with young children through my time teaching Pre-K at a preschool/daycare and as a daycare employee during summer breaks in high school. I recently graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in animation and am currently pursuing a degree in elementary education through an online program.