Clay- Let's Make Pens in Disguise! Polymer Clay Camp
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Essential questions addressed by this course: *What is polymer clay, and how is it different from other types of clay? *What are good alternatives to spending money on clay tools? *What are some effective methods of working with clay to achieve desired results? *How can an everyday object be broken down into colors and shapes in order to be replicated in clay? *What is the process of covering a pen, and how can it be baked without damaging the pen? Background knowledge is not required for this course, just a desire to learn! Creating/continuing to create pens after class is optional, although it's assumed that the pens will be baked outside of class time. Session breakdown: #1: Introductions, discussion of polymer clay's unique qualities, examples of polymer clay projects, free/inexpensive tools using everyday items, demonstration of pen covering process, begin planning "ballpoint pen" pen. #2: Preparing clay pieces for "ballpoint pen" pen, working through the process of building the pen together, information about baking pens, storing/saving projects for later, start planning "crayon" pen and "marker" pen. #3: Preparing clay pieces for "crayon" and/or "marker" pen, and then working through the process of building the pens together (faster workers may be able to complete both during the session; class videos will always be shared for offline reference for students who don't finish). Start planning "pencil" pen. #4: Prepare clay pieces for "pencil" pen and work through the process of building this pen together (this one has a very specific layering technique that will take extra time). Start planning "paintbrush" pen. #5: Demonstration of creating "wood grain" in polymer clay. Prepare clay pieces for "paintbrush" pen. Demonstration of building up parts of the pen both lengthwise and through the middle to create the shape. Work through the process of building the pen.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Sculpey FAQ for more guidelines on baking safely: https://www.sculpey.com/create/support/faqs/
New to the Zoom platform? You might wish to bookmark this troubleshooting page: https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/2133758-live-class-troubleshooting-tips-for-parents?fbclid=IwAR0rPpF9V4FlwS6jSlmgXbjDpgeh7W1wSO3cmf61xmSwA25Y_xNB3hW8guo .
Supply List
*Writing utensils to use as models (can be pictures) *Bic Round Stic ballpoint pens-- no grips, and please get this exact brand and pen type for best results (Amazon link for reference: https://goo.gl/PwbZXg). Any ink color will do. *Assorted colors of polymer clay (see picture), such as Sculpey or Fimo. This can be purchased in multicolor packs or single colors on Amazon or at pretty much any store with a craft department. Once again, for best results, make sure you are purchasing polymer clay that sets up in a low-temperature oven. *Plastic or plastic bags to keep open clay packs soft *Something to use as a rolling pin for the clay; if you use one meant for food, you might want to donate it to clay use after the project. Rolling pins for clay aren't super expensive, and you could even use a 6-8" section of broomstick or a piece of thick dowel. *A knife or blade for cutting the clay (a butter/table knife is fine). Other useful items: a used gift card (for smoothing), something with a sharp, round point (a sharpened pencil would work). *A pair of needle-nose or regular pliers for dismantling the pen, and then putting it back together. *Access to an oven or toaster oven; the pen covers will need to be baked at 275 degrees. *A baking sheet for the oven, and parchment or foil to cover the pan *A covering for the table may be desired; parchment paper or even a paper grocery bag is fine. *Baby wipes are helpful for cleanup.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I've been playing with clay for over 40 years! I try to inspire my students to find their creativity and to see their art time as educational, productive, and therapeutic. They are encouraged to respect the process of learning a skill, to expect "imperfect" results while they are learning, and to keep practicing to improve.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$75
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
3-6 learners per class