Polymer Clay Art 2: Sculpt a Cat Figure!
In this one time polymer clay art class, students will learn how to make a cat sculpture. Warriors, magical cats, or just regular cats!
Heather Stewart-Williams/DragonVault (She/Her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(227)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hoursAssessment
Student progress will be assessed informally throughout the classes. Students will get feedback on their sculptures during class as well as after class if needed.Grading
A certificate of completion is available upon request. You must message me if you would like a certificate. Certificates may take up to one week to be sent after the request is received.Class Experience
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this polymer clay art class, students will learn how to use clay techniques to make a cat. Students will learn various techniques throughout the class. They will learn how to make different shapes for the body parts, such as teardrops, tapered shapes, logs, and spheres. Students will also learn about how to use different clay tools for blending and smoothing, as well as how to use their fingers as tools. First we will make the body of the cat. Then we will shape the hind legs and feet using a clay or craft knife and smoothing tools. Next we will create the front legs and tail. Finally we will shape the head with fingers and tools, adding eyes, ears, and facial features before attaching the head. Some clay experience is recommended, but I will also sculpt with the students and show them step by step. Students will also be encouraged to use creativity in their pieces, and always have the option to make their sculptures in a different way. Creative expression is an important part of making art! Students will also get the chance to ask me questions about sculpting, and to talk with one another if they like. You can bring any clay colors for your cat. If you want specific patterns or markings it may be easier to paint the markings after baking, but you can also marble colors together for faux markings. If you use polymer clay like I do, it is helpful to take the clay out before class and start conditioning the clay. You can do this way before class or about 15 minutes before, depending on how hard your clay is. To condition the clay, take out a little at a time. Squeeze the clay, roll it around, make clay snakes, and make sure it feels workable. Even if your clay is soft when you open it, conditioning it helps it to cure properly and be stronger. If you have really hard clay, make sure to start conditioning early, sometimes 45 minutes beforehand, by chopping up the clay into very small pieces and slowly rolling them together a little at a time. You can also use a food processor, but only if that food processor will not be used for food. **This class may go over time if students need extra help (at the teacher's discretion).**
Learning Goals
Students will learn several polymer clay techniques, including: making different shapes with the clay, using a ball tool and needle tool to make details, using fingers to create details, cutting a shape with a craft knife, and using other sculpting tools.Students will improve their understanding of art as a means of self-expression. They will learn how to practice positive self-talk, and they will learn how to utilize constructive criticism.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental supervision or guidance may be needed for inexperienced learners. Polymer clay should be used on a non-porous surface (a metal sheet pan or piece of cardboard covered with parchment paper, or a piece of ceramic tile, or just parchment paper laid out). Learners should avoid touching their mouth when working with polymer clay.
Parental supervision or guidance is recommended when learners are using sharp cutting tools. We will be cutting the clay at various times in class, and that will require a clay cutting tool or knife. A plastic knife with a straight edge will also work.
You can bring any clay colors for your sloth. If you use polymer clay like I do, it is helpful to take the clay out before class and start conditioning the clay. You can do this way before class or about 15 minutes before, depending on how hard your clay is. To condition the clay, take out a little at a time. Squeeze the clay, roll it around, and make sure it feels workable. Even if your clay is soft when you open it, conditioning it helps it to cure properly and be stronger.
If you have really hard clay, make sure to start conditioning early, sometimes 45 minutes beforehand, by chopping up the clay into very small pieces and slowly rolling them together a little at a time. You can also use a food processor, but only if that food processor will not be used for food.
Parents may 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, then on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. If you are using Premo, bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Time will vary depending on thickness, but usually 1 hour is sufficient. If you use another brand, check your packaging for baking temperature and time. Let it cool completely before handling.
Supply List
Clay - Polymer Clay in a variety of colors. (IMPORTANT - These sculptures are intended to be cured and hardened. It is not recommended that Learners use Plastalina or Play Dough. Model Magic or Air Dry may be used, but behaves very differently and does not hold detail as well.) Sculpting tools: - a ball sculpting tool or a small paint brush with a rounded end - a sculpting knife or a straight-edged butter knife (sharper knives are best, but be sure your learner knows knife safety) - a clay smoothing tool or silicone nail art brush - a needle tool or toothpick - other desired tools Other materials: - parchment paper and/or cardstock/index card - a smooth, clean, non-porous surface to work on. I use a ceramic tile from the home improvement store. You can also use a piece of parchment paper wrapped around a piece of carboard and taped down so that it stays. I do not recommend working on aluminum foil as it gets wrinkled easily. - a small piece of toothpick or wire for attaching the head (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch is fine). Artist Recommendations: I recommend using Sculpey III, Sculpey Premo, Fimo, Kato, or Cernit brand polymer clay as they are easier to find. Of these, the Sculpey III brand is the least strong but it is soft to work with. If you are looking for sculptures to be stronger, Sculpey Premo and Fimo Professional hold up better after baking but they are less soft. Fimo and Cernit both have varieties that are softer as well, but the same applies. Kato can be more firm sometimes, and bakes at a lower temperature so it is best not to mix with other brands. These brands all come in 2 oz. bars available at stores like Michael’s or JoAnn’s, or online at Sculpey or the Polymer Clay Superstore. I have also tested the "Crafter's" brand by Hobby Lobby. The Crafter's Collection Craft version is similar to Sculpey III or Craftsmart. The Crafter's Collection Advanced version is extremely similar to Fimo Professional. I would choose the Advanced over the Craft Collection. Please allow time for shipping if you choose to purchase supplies online. Clay bars are typically $2 - $4 per 2 oz. per bar. You can also buy multi packs that can sometimes be cheaper. The clay will not dry out if exposed to air, so it will last a while and can be used for other projects! **My favorite clay for softness and durability right now is Cosclay, but it is more of an investment. They come in larger, 8oz - 16oz boxes. This clay is soft to work with, but also very durable. You can find it at www.Cosclay.com or on Amazon. The variety packs that are off branded on Amazon are sometimes okay, but they often have very soft clay that is a little tough to work with. Some kids like it that soft, but others may get frustrated with the texture as it is difficult to use to make details. If you have any other questions about tools, materials, or colors then please send me a message.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2020
4.9
227reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Special Education
I have been working with polymer clay for over ten years. I have a Facebook page and a website to showcase my art, and I have sold pieces at various events throughout the years. I also taught elementary school aged kids for over four years. I used polymer clay with my students in my own classroom, and they loved it!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
60 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-5 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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