Polymer Clay Art 3: Sculpt a Wizard, Witch, or Magical Dragon Figure (Advanced)
In this two day online course, students will learn how to make a dragon sculpture using polymer clay. They will also make a magic (wizard or witch) hat, and a wand or staff. Students can choose what colors to use for their theme.
Heather Stewart-Williams/DragonVault (She/Her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(227)
Star Educator
What's included
2 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be completing their sculptures during class. After class they can take a photo of their progress and upload it to the classroom for the teacher to give feedback. They are required to cover their sculpture with a plastic container or glass in order to keep the sculpture clean and ready for the next class. Students are encouraged to post in the classroom.Assessment
Students progress will be assessed informally throughout the classes. Students will get feedback on their sculptures during class as well as after class if needed.Class Experience
Students will learn various techniques throughout each class. They will also get the chance to ask me questions about sculpting and learn from a professional clay artist. First, students will learn how to create the basic structure of their dragon. In the first class students will make a simple aluminum foil armature and the body foundation of the dragon. They will also make the eyes, legs, and arms for the dragon. Next, they will add the horns and details to the face and sculpt any accents to match their dragon. They will learn how to store their sculpture for the next class. In the second class, students will make the wings and attach them to the dragon. I will show two different techniques for making wings, including the feathered wings pictured in the classroom photo and more traditional dragon wings. Finally, students will make the wizard accessories and learn how to prepare them for baking. Students can choose to make additional accessories as well if time allows. Students will bake their dragon and accessories after this class. Class 1: Create the armature and the dragon body foundation. Create the eyes, the arms, and the legs. Create the horns and facial features (such as spikes, embellishments, eyebrows, etc.). Learn about clay storage. Class 2: Create the dragon wings and attach them. Add other embellishments or decorations on the dragon's body as desired. Create a wizard hat, scarf, and wand to match your dragon. Learn how to cure the clay items by baking them in the oven. The students will enjoy having conversations about their favorite witches, wizards, dragons, and other topics while learning polymer clay sculpting techniques. They will be encouraged to ask questions, and most importantly to be creative with their art. I also encourage students to post in the discussion if they want to collaborate with one another on their artwork. I suggest that students have some prior experience with clay or sculpting. They should understand how to knead and work with the clay, as well as how to roll the clay into different shapes like logs and teardrops. I will be taking it step-by-step and pausing for questions or clarification throughout, but I do move at a faster pace in this class as it is meant for intermediate to advanced sculptors. It is important to encourage your student to ask questions if they need to, and to remember that art is unique. I encourage creative freedom, and it is always fun to see how different all of the sculptures turn out to be! **Class may go over the time allotted by up to 15 minutes at the teacher's discretion.** **The class minimum is two Learners. If there are not two learners before the start of class, the class will be cancelled or rescheduled as time allows.**
Learning Goals
Students will learn several different polymer clay techniques, including: making an armature, blending colors together, using fingers to create detail, and using sculpting tools. They will also learn the basic structure of a sculpture and how to make a desired pose.
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 marble, 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.
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 on a baking sheet. If you are using Premo, bake at 275 degrees. Time will vary depending on thickness. If you use another brand, check your packaging for baking temperature and time. Let it cool completely before handling.
Supply List
Clay - Less than 1 oz. of black polymer clay for eyes - 2 oz. of the desired main color for the wizard dragon. Some suggestions are red, yellow, blue, green, or purple. (For example, the dragon in the classroom photo is dark blue). -1 oz. of each desired accent color. Some suggestions are gold, black, bronze, silver, or white. The accent color should compliment the main color. (For example, the dragon in the class photo has black accents, and a bit of silver). ***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 (bring to each class!): - a ball sculpting tool or a small paint brush with a rounded end - a sculpting knife or a straight-edged butter knife - an acrylic roller or larger paint brush - a clay smoothing tool or silicone nail art brush - a needle tool or toothpick - other desired tools Other materials: - A small piece of aluminum foil (approximately 5 inches should be plenty) - parchment paper - an index card or small piece of cardstock - 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. 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 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 recently 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 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 many years. I have a Facebook page 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 have used polymer clay with my students in my own classroom, and they love it!Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
for 2 classes2x per week, 1 week
90 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-5 learners per class
