Mini Charms: Polymer Clay Charms for Beginners

What will be taught?  What topics will we cover?  How is the class structured?
Learners will be taught a variety of methods of working with polymer clay in order to create a collection of miniature charms.  We will cover a variety of ways to make a variety of effects with this clay.  We will use various techniques to blend colors.  We will also learn how to combine the clay with other materials to create realistic looking miniature food charms.  We will use our observational skills to apply a variety of tools and techniques to add realistic textures to our charms.  Learners will also learn about safety issues involved with using polymer clay, such as handling the tools and baking the finished charms.  
Week 1:
This will be an overall introduction to the overall basics of tool safety and oven safety with this clay.  We will learn about some of the properties of polymer clay.  We will discuss color mixing and look at a variety of methods we can use to do that.  Learners will look at examples of how this can be incorporated into creating a miniature charm.  They will choose an example or create one of their own design using the skills presented.  They will share their process with other learners and offer feedback to each other either via the classroom or through Flipgrid.
Week 2:
We will begin to explore shape.  Learners will look at and describe the variety of shapes that they might make and how they can manipulate the clay to create them.  Learners will create their next charm with a focus on shape and they will share their process through sharing photos in the classroom.
Week 3:
We will begin to explore texture.  We will look at examples of charms that incorporate texture and some different methods to create texture with polymer clay using a variety of tools.  Learners will document their process by posting pictures in the classroom and offering other learners feedback.  
Weel 4:
We will spend this week looking at ways we can mix unconventional materials (like pepper, mica, chalk pastel, or cinnamon) with the polymer clay for additional effect.  Learners will look at some examples of how other artists have used this technique and will choose a way in which to incorporate it into their own work.  They will document their process and respond to the work of their peers either by sharing images and posts in the classroom.  
Week 5:
We will look at some ways to finish a baked charm, including using a glaze.  Learners will make observations, describe what they notice, and then create their own charm using some of the techniques presented.  They will document their process through photos shared with the classroom.  They will respond to the work of other learners.
Week 6:
Wrapping things up!  We will review what we learned and discuss things we might have done differently.  We'll continue to respond to each other's finished charms with feedback and celebrate what we made and discuss other ways we might use the techniques we learned in future artwork.

How will learners be taught?  What teaching style is used?  How will learners interact with the instructor and each other?
Learners will access new content through weekly videos posted in the classroom, as well as a document with written information and directions.  Learners will watch the video and record their art process by creating and taking pictures and posting their thoughts in the classroom.  They will also respond to the posts of the other learners.  The teacher will also respond to learner responses and questions through videos and responses in the classroom.  Learner responses and discussion are expected and encouraged through the use of multiple methods of interaction.