Polymer Clay Art Club 2: Sculpt Your Own Dragon Figures! (Twice/Week)
In this twice weekly art club, students will learn how to make different types of dragons using polymer clay. Some clay experience is recommended.
Heather Stewart-Williams/DragonVault (She/Her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(230)
What's included
2 live meetings
2 in-class hours per weekClass Experience
In this twice weekly art club, students will learn how to make one new dragon related sculpture each day. Students will learn various techniques throughout each class such as using an armature, using wire, using different clay tools, blending and smoothing techniques, marbling, and different clay sculpting techniques using fingers as tools. 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 not to make their sculptures the same way as I make mine. Students can also choose to make other types of dragons if they like. 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 about their favorite dragons. ****Dragon Daily Themes**** (1/24): Celestial Dragon (1/26): Air Dragon (1/31): Wizard Dragon (2/2): Metal Dragon (2/7): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (2/9): Forest/Tree Dragon (2/14): Zodiac Dragon (2/16): Flower Dragon (2/21): Feather-Winged Dragon (2/23): Sweets Dragon (2/28): Classic Dragon (3/2): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (3/7): Wyrm Dragon (3/9): Standing Dragon (3/14): Fruit Dragon (3/16): Fairy Dragon (3/21): Sea/Water Dragon (3/23): Ice Dragon (3/28): Fire Dragon (3/30): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (4/4): Earth Dragon (4/6): Gemstone Dragon (4/11): Long Dragon (also known as a Chinese Dragon, or a Lung Dragon) This class may repeat dragon themes. Learners can join at any time, and are welcome to continue with the class after completing the current themes as we will likely add themes along the way. Practicing clay techniques is a great way to improve your art and have a creative outlet! I may also add more dragons to the schedule over time, and I do take student suggestions for new dragons into consideration. ** I also offer this class in a once per week format here: https://outschool.com/classes/polymer-clay-art-club-make-your-own-dragons-Fd5SPDGi?usid=00RV24Xx&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Note 1: Learners should warm up their polymer clay about 10 minutes before class starts each day so that we can begin right away. To warm up clay, simply work it in your hands until it is easy to shape. Smoosh, roll, squash, and enjoy! Note 2: 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 Sculpey, bake the item at 275 degrees. Time will vary depending on thickness. If you use another brand, check your packaging for baking temperature and time. IMPORTANT: Let it cool completely before handling. If you touch the sculpture while it is still warm, it may break. Remember, clay is fragile and not a toy!
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.
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 - 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.) - Translucent Liquid Polymer Clay 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 - other desired tools Other materials: - aluminum foil - parchment paper - aluminum wire or paper clip 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
230reviews
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 have also been teaching elementary school aged kids for over three years. I have used polymer clay with my students in my own classroom, and they love it!Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
weekly ($15 per class)2x per week
60 min
Completed by 30 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-6 learners per class
