Polymer Clay Creations: My First Canes Camp! (Advanced Techniques, Ages 9-13)
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:
5.0
Number of reviews:(39)
What's included
5 live meetings
5 in-class hoursClass 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, plaid cane Day 4 - leaves & feathers Day 5 - putting it all together In this class, we will make a small trinket bowl with our canes. We will talk about ways to use our canes, such as making small boxes, art bowls, jewelry, and wall pieces. When we have a collections of canes, we can also use them for covering metal or glass figurines or trays. There are so many possibilities! I hope your learner joins us for this class. In art classes we learn creativity, observation skills, and we have fun working with our hands. We also learn patience, resilience, and how to problem solve when the clay doesn't do what we want! Students are encouraged to ask questions, and to share their work and ideas. I hope they will do this during class, and throughout the week in their Outschool classroom.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
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.
Supply List
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.External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
5.0
39reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of North Texas
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Arizona
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!Reviews
Live Group Class
$60
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
60 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-8 learners per class
