Polymer Clay Art 1: Sculpt Snowflake Decorations (Beginner)
In this one-time class, students will learn how to use polymer clay to create two different sparkling snowflakes that can be used as ornaments or holiday decorations. No experience needed!
Heather Stewart-Williams/DragonVault (She/Her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(221)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will learn a few basic skills while creating their snowflakes. First they will learn how to work the clay and make a basic diamond shape that will be used for the snowflakes. The diamond shape is easiest to make with a diamond shaped cutter, but students may also use a paper template they create. Students will learn different ways to place the diamonds to make the patterns for the snowflakes. Students will learn how to make two different snowflakes, which are shown in the class image. They can choose what colors to use for their decorations, and they can choose to add holes to hang them. Students will also learn how to make the structure stronger using liquid polymer clay for the white snowflake. This step is optional, but will make for a stronger ornament for that particular shape. Students are encouraged to ask questions and interact with each other throughout class. Students are also encouraged to upload a picture of their sculptures after class to show off their unique artwork! Students do not need to have prior experience with clay or sculpting. I will be taking it step-by-step and pausing for questions or clarification throughout. It is important to encourage your learner to ask questions if they need to, and to remember that art is unique. It is always fun to see how different all of the sculptures turn out to be!
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of basic sculpture techniques and patterns.
Students will improve their understanding of geometric shapes and hexagonal crystal structures.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental supervision or guidance is suggested for inexperienced or younger learners. Polymer clay should be used on a non-porous surface (a metal sheet pan covered with parchment paper, or a piece of marble, or just parchment paper laid out). Learners should avoid touching their mouth when working with polymer clay.
Parents will need to help their learner cure the sculpture by baking it in the oven after class. Place the sculpture on parchment paper or an index card on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 275 degrees (if using Premo). Let it cool completely before handling.
Supply List
** A small diamond shaped clay cutter is a big help! The one I use is about 1/2 inch long (The clay cutter shapes usually come in a multi-pack with other geometric shapes). This is an important supply as learners can use the diamond shapes for the snowflakes. If you do not have a diamond shaped cutter you may have your learner cut a diamond shaped template from parchment paper and use that to trace the shapes onto the clay**
** Polymer clay in a variety of colors. Any colors are fine to use, but these are the ones I normally use:
-White
-Blue
*Optional* - Glitter colors for extra sparkle!
-Translucent Liquid Sculpey (or other liquid clay) to make the snowflakes stronger
*Optional* - Fine White Glitter
- Wire or ribbon to thread through the holes to make the snowflakes into ornaments
**Clay tools:
- clay knife, plastic straight edge knife, or other straight edge knife (I use an x-acto knife)
- clay roller (I use an acrylic roller)
- smooth surface to work on (I work on a ceramic tile from the home improvement store)
- diamond shaped cutter or student-made template
Baking tools (if your polymer clay requires oven curing):
- sheet pan or cookie sheet
- parchment paper or index card to bake your sculptures on
I recommend using the brands Sculpey Premo, Sculpey III, or Fimo. They are the easiest to find. There are a variety of shades in these brands, so you can choose which shade of the colors that you would like to use. The clay comes in 2oz. blocks, and you can usually find it at Michael's or JoAnn's. My favorite of these brands is Sculpey Premo as it is less sticky and stronger after baaking.
Amazon has some polymer clay as well, but the brands are hit or miss. Some are very sticky and difficult to work with for this particular project. There is also a website called "Polymer Clay Superstore" that sells the clay in multiple brands and colors, and you can find Sculpey Premo and Sculpey III at www.sculpey.com
Please allow time for shipping if you choose to shop online. If your learner might be taking more than one polymer clay class, the multi-packs can be a great resource!External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2020
4.9
221reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Special Education
I have been working with polymer clay for many years. I have also been teaching elementary school aged kids for over four years. I have used polymer clay with my students in my own classroom.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
30 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
1-6 learners per class
