Polymer Clay Club 3: Sculpt and Create With Friends
In this weekly social art class, Learners practice sculpting skills while having conversations about art and other topics. We vote on a theme for each week. Polymer clay experience recommended. *Learners may choose to use other art mediums*
Heather Stewart-Williams/DragonVault (She/Her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(221)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 10 mins in-class hours per weekMastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. A certificate of completion is available upon request if a Learner completes at least three months of classes.Assessment
A formal art assessment is available upon request if a Learner completes at least three months of classes.Class Experience
Advanced Level
***Voting Theme Schedule*** (Subject to change based on class interaction. Themes not chosen may get added again at a later date. ^ = chosen by Tuesday section; * = chosen by Monday section) Week of 9/22: Free Choice! Week of 9/29: Botanical OR Textiles Week of 10/6: Fur OR Feathers Week of 10/13: Dia de Los Muertos OR Halloween Week of 10/20: Monsters OR Superheroes Week of 10/27: Free Choice! Week of 11/3: Historical OR Futuristic Week of 11/10: Charles Dickens OR Lewis Carroll Week of 11/17: Magical OR Mysterious Week of 11/:24 Free Choice! Theme Requests: This class is a great way to practice polymer clay sculpting skills that you may already have, while being challenged with new ideas and learning from a professional clay artist. You can also share your clay knowledge, talk about art and other topics that interest you, and create in a no pressure environment. Our goal is to keep making progress, however small, and to always be open to new ideas that can help us to become better artists. 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. Learners will get the chance to learn about many different sculpting techniques, color blending, structures, and tools. Skills that have been previously learned can also be practiced, and new techniques can be applied to try learned skills in new ways. Learners will enjoy interacting with each other through conversation about clay, art, or other topics that interest them. Learners may discuss any topic of interest that is appropriate on Outschool, as long as they speak respectfully and allow the teacher to give instruction when needed. This is a fun and pressure free art club! Every week we will vote on a theme for our sculpt for the next week based on the options listed. I will also allow write in votes as suggestions for future weeks. Learners can join the class at any time! *Please note* - Most Learners at this level have acquired a wide range of skills. Experience with polymer clay is a pre requisite. This class is expected to have a higher amount of Learner interaction and Learner independence, but guidance will always be available. Learners are encouraged to ask questions and interact with each other throughout class. I will be sculpting with the Learners using a second camera so that techniques can be demonstrated. Learners are welcome to follow along, but the goal of this class is individual creativity based on a theme and artistic feedback. I will pause for questions or clarification throughout, and give Learners the opportunity to give feedback to peers and receive feedback on their artwork. 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! Some projects may not be finished during class time, depending on the Learner's choice. Learners are encouraged to upload a picture of their sculptures after class to show off their unique artwork! They may also share other artwork in our share posts, especially if it fits our weekly theme! -*-* I will teach the class with only one Learner. This class may go longer than the scheduled class time for socialization or further clay tips at the teacher's discretion *-*-
Learning Goals
Learners will build on their understanding of basic sculpting structures and techniques to improve their understanding of more advanced techniques.Learners will improve their understanding of patterns, symmetry, color mixing, and color blending.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental supervision or guidance is suggested for Learners who may need assistance with tools or material use. Polymer clay should be used on a non-porous surface (a metal sheet pan covered with parchment paper, or a piece of marble, or a ceramic tile, or just parchment paper laid out). Learners should avoid touching their mouth when working with polymer clay. Learners should also wash their hands thoroughly after working with polymer clay.
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. Bake for the amount of time given in class at 275 degrees Fahrenheit (275 is for Sculpey Premo or Cosclay; For other brands, please check the packaging for the recommended baking temperature and time). Let it cool completely before handling.
This is an inclusive class with a lot of learner led discussion. Learners are not required to talk, but it is encouraged! Having cameras on is also helpful for giving feedback. Per Outschool policy, Learners do need to at least turn their camera on at the beginning of class to be verified, unless your Learner has the green verified check from Outschool.
Supply List
-Polymer Clay in a Variety of Colors: I recommend a variety pack to start with, or at least the primary colors and some neutral colors. Students sometimes have favorites, and they can always add to their clay supply as they find what they like. See artist notes below for branding recommendations. -Sculpting tools such as ball tools, dotting tools, rubber or silicone tipped tools, cutting tools, a roller, etc. (plastic or metal is fine) -Translucent Liquid Sculpey (Not for every class) -Other colors of Liquid Sculpey are optional, but so much fun! -Sculpey Gloss Glaze (Not for every class) -Small paint brush (to use with the glaze) -Aluminum Foil: This will not be used in every class, but learners will be notified when it is needed based on the project of the week. -Toothpicks and /or jewelry wire (not for every class) -Index Cards or other thick paper -Parchment Paper 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. **Your learner may use different styles of clay (modeling clay, air dry, play doh), but be aware that different types of clay do not work the same way and I will not be able to give advice for some techniques with other types of clay. If different styles are used, the results will vary.**
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 over 10 years. I am a professional polymer clay artist and have a successful business using clay.
I also taught elementary school aged kids for over 4 years. I have used polymer clay with my students in my own classroom with great success.Reviews
Live Group Class
$22
weekly1x per week
70 min
Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
1-6 learners per class
