Polymer Clay Club 2: Sculpt Creative Dragon Figures!
In this weekly art class, students will make various themed dragon sculptures. Some clay experience is recommended. I show steps, but creativity is encouraged. The Art in STEAM!
Heather Stewart-Williams/DragonVault (She/Her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(221)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per weekAssessment
Student progress will be assessed informally throughout the classes. Students will get feedback on their artwork during class as well as after class if needed. To receive further feedback after class, please send me a message directly.Certificate of Completion
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
Intermediate Level
**Dragon Weekly Themes** (*subject to change based on Learner interaction and suggestions*) (Week of 10/27): Earth Dragon (Week of 11/3): Metallic Dragon (11/7 class Gemstone/Mineral Dragon) (Week of 11/10): Fire Dragon (Week of 11/17): Gemstone/Mineral Dragon (11/21 class Metallic Dragon) (Week of 11/24): Air Dragon (Week of 12/1): Storm Dragon (think lightning, tornado, hurricane, etc.) (Week of 12/8): Prism/Rainbow Dragon (Week of 12/15): Celestial Dragon (Moon, Sun, Stars, Galaxies, etc.) (Week of 12/22): Multi-Element Dragon (combine elements to create a unique dragon!) (Week of 12/29): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (Week of 1/5): Symbol/Rune/Zodiac Dragon (Week of 1/12): Mythological Creature Dragon (Unicorn, Gryphon, etc.) (Week of 1/19): Wizard Dragon (Week of 1/26): Fairy Dragon (Week of 2/2): Insect/Butterfly Dragon (Week of 2/9): Forest/Tree Dragon (Week of 2/16): Flower Dragon (Week of 2/23): Poison/Venom Dragon (Week of 3/2): Feather-Winged / Bird Dragon (Week of 3/9): Animal/Dragon Hybrid (Week of 3/16): Fandom Dragon - Make a dragon from your favorite fandom or based on your favorite fandom (i.e. - Wings of Fire, Warriors, How to Train Your Dragon, etc.) (Week of 3/23): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (Week of 3/30): Classic-Style Dragon (Week of 4/6): Amphiptere Dragon (No arms or legs) (Week of ): Drake Dragon (No wings) (Week of ): Wyrm Dragon (No arms, legs, or wings) (Week of ): Long Dragon (also known as a Chinese Dragon, or a Lung Dragon) (Week of ): Wyvern Dragon (Wings instead of front arms) (Week of ): Multi-Headed Dragon (Week of ): Standing Dragon (Week of ): Dragon Hatching From an Egg (Week of ): Perched Dragon (Dragon sitting on a marble, dice, rock, or other object) (Week of ): Tiny Twin Dragons (Week of ): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (Week of ): Chubby Dragon Holding an Object (Week of ): Dragon in a Beverage / Teacup (Week of ): Sweets / Dessert Themed Dragon (Week of ): Meal/Food Themed Dragon (Week of ): Fruit Themed Dragon (Week of ): Profession Dragon (What job would your dragon have?) (Week of ): Book Stack Dragon (Week of ): Celebration Dragon (Week of ): Fluff Tail Dragon (Week of ): Dragon Medallion / Coin (Week of ): Dragon Bookmark (Week of ): Free Choice! - Make any dragon from your imagination, or follow along with what I make. (Week of ): Sea/Water Dragon (Week of ): Ice Dragon In this weekly art club, students will make one new dragon sculpture each week. 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. In this class we also make use of Art as a means of gaining creative skills and understanding concepts to improve problem solving skills and think of creative solutions. I often mention concepts of geometry, science, structure, and more as we talk about what we are sculpting. These skills are an important part of S.T.E.A.M. education. Some clay experience is recommended, but I will also sculpt with the students and show them step by step if they want to follow along. 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 and other subjects if they like. I do not force anyone to talk in class, but I will sometimes ask questions to start conversations if it is quiet. Students are welcome to use the chat box as well! We may not finish our dragons in class each time, depending on the skill level of the Learners or the details they choose to add. Learners can message me after class if they have questions about how to make a particular detail. Sometimes I may have a sort video tutorial to share. **This class will repeat dragon themes from time to time, although I am always adding new dragons in between old favorites. Learners can join at any time, and are welcome to continue with the class after completing the current themes as we will add themes along the way when Learners make suggestions. Practicing clay techniques is a great way to improve your art and have a creative outlet!** 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! Note 3: The Saturday section may have one week per month that they do not meet if I need to travel or go to an event. If there is a week that will be missed, I will announce it in the classroom and that date will be removed from your Learner's schedule at least one week beforehand. For the week that is missed, we will vote on completing that week's dragon or the next week's dragon.
Learning Goals
Learners will improve their understanding of basic sculpting structures and techniques.Learners will improve their understanding of patterns, symmetry, and color blending.
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
Polymer Clay Art Supplies 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 (Modeling Clay) or Play Dough. Model Magic or Air Dry Clay may be used, but these types of clays behave very differently and do not hold details as well.) **See Artist Recommendations below for more info on polymer clay brands** 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) - 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: - parchment paper and/or cardstock/index card to bake on. - 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. - glass beads for eyes if desired 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.
1 file available upon enrollment
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 a Facebook page to showcase my art, and I have sold pieces at various events throughout the years. I also taught elementary school for over four years, and currently teach art to homeschool students in my community. I have used polymer clay with my students in my own classroom, and they love it!Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
60 min
Completed by 118 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
1-5 learners per class
