Polymer Clay Creations: My First Canes Camp! (Advanced Techniques, Ages 9-13)

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1)

Completed by 4 learners

In this 5 day camp, we will explore the exciting world of polymer clay canes! This is an advanced class, for learners with experience working in polymer clay.

Kristin Grant, MM

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)

There are no upcoming classes.

9-13

year old learners

1-8

learners per class

$60

Charged upfront

$12 per class

Meets 5x per week

Over 1 week

60 minutes per class

Class Experience

In this summer art camp, we will learn about making polymer clay canes! Canes are "logs" of clay, we build with patterns embedded inside the length of the cane. It's a unique way of working with polymer clay, and it is my absolute favorite! The learner will need previous experience with oven-bake polymer clay, as this is an advanced technique.

Day 1 - introduction, bullseye cane, skinner blend
Day 2 - skinner blend cane, fanfold cane, jellyroll cane, 
Day 3 - stripe cane, checkerboard cane,...

I've worked in clay most of my life. As a child, I did ceramics from molds with my family. I also loved to play with modeling clay, and even make mud pies! I took my first art ceramic classes in college, as an art major. That was about 30 years ago, and I've been passionate about working in clay since. I've continued taking classes, and learning independently through the years. I have a pottery studio at home, and sell my work at art shows. I've recently become obsessed with polymer clay, and I'm so excited about the possibilites with this media! I've studied with some wonderful teachers, and now I look forward to sharing with your learner!

POLYMER CLAY: ***please note*** For making polymer clay canes, your learner will need a clay that will hold its shape. Very soft polymer clays are not suitable for this technique. I suggest "Primo", or "Souffle" for beginner cane artists. These are both Sculpey (this is the brand name) products.
---white, black, green, blue, red, yellow, other colors of your choice

WORK SURFACE: *not wood, as polymer clay can leave a stain on wood.
---You can use a taped down sheet of wax paper, tempered glass, or a smooth ceramic tile.

SHAPING TOOLS:
---cutting tool: metal pottery rib/scraper. This will be necessary! Adults use sharp blades to cut their canes, but we will use the metal rib/scraper tool. You can find these in your local craft store, but they are often in a kit with other pottery tools that are not useful for polymer clay.
Here is one link to the cutting tool:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F7X049Q/?coliid=I5W2OWQ9XWB33&colid=MWY4UWN1DF71&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
---rolling tool: acrylic roller for polymer clay, or a rolling pin (dedicated to polymer clay).
If you continue working with canes, you'll need a PASTA MACHINE dedicated to polymer clay.
The pasta machine makes the process much easier!
---playing cards (necessary without a pasta machine. we'll use about 8 of these)
---2 wooden craft sticks/popsicle sticks (necessary without a pasta machine)

OTHER:
---a few sheets of white printer paper or card stock
---sheet protectors to store sheets of clay
---plastic wrap or deli sheets to store canes
---baby wipes/hand wipes for cleaning surfaces, hands, and tools

Feel free to message me with any questions.

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

5 hours per week in class, and an estimated 1 - 2 hours per week outside of class.

1. We will use tools to cut the polymer clay. Adults use very sharp blades and craft knives, but in my Outschool classes, we will not use these. For this class, students will need a smooth metal pottery rib (also called a metal scraper) to cut their canes. See the supply list.

2. Learners will need assistance from an adult "curing" (baking) their project after class. Polymer clay is an oven-bake clay. The required temperatures and times are different, depending on your clay. The directions should be on the package.

Meet the teacher

Kristin Grant, MM

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)

Do you like to explore creativity, expression, and the arts? These are my inspirations! My classes will cover topics in music, visual art, and culture. I have 25 years experience teaching flute, music theory, and music appreciation at the college...