I’ve been up to my ears in clay. The 6th grade students have finished their portion of the annual ceramic tile mural project. The project is coming along beautifully except the tiles have taken a long time to dry. They’ll be fired at the end of the week, glazed next week, fired again and finally, installation. Can’t wait!
1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students have made pinch pots, alien monsters, frogs, pigs, elephants and Santa Barbara missions. I’m guessing I’ll need to sleep at school to get all the firings down before school lets out. Why do I leave all the projects until the end of the year?
I have to admit that my ceramic unit gives me the biggest headache (and back ache, too) but the rewards are too great not to offer this unit. If you have never done ceramics before and you have a kiln, you should really consider trying a project or two with a selection of classes just to see how it goes. I began my ceramics career with a wonderful mentor, and she taught me all the basics. I remember feeling completely awestruck over what this lady could do with clay…and the kids too! It’s such a tactile, rewarding experience.
Meanwhile, I must rest my weary back…tomorrow we underglaze, glaze the load up the kiln. More pictures and projects to come…
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I have a clay links on my blog right now!!!! I leave this stuff to the end of the year, too….and I’m scrambling to get it all fired, glazed, and (sometimes) repaired! http://Www.ourartlately.blogspot.com
Nice new look Joanna! Love the blog redesign!
THANKS so much for sharing generously. I got a brand new kiln recently, but then had to take medical leave. I can’t wait to have clay fun next year! We did make really nice medallions in grades 1,2. we used air dry clay cut in circles, imprinted a shell in the middle, and added texture around the edges. the kids painted them metallic gold or silver and I put shiny organza ribbon through so they could wear them. A big hit!
I buy the colors that are glaze. I looked into buying underglaze and then putting clear overtop. I think it came out cheaper to buy the colored glazes. Also you can paint the glazes on the greenware, without the bisque firing. It seems to work OK, and skips a step when you are in a hurry. The projects are much more fragile in the greenware state though. ALso if you fire them upfrom greenware to fast the glaze my bubble a bit.
Just thoughts I’d share,
Doug
Hi Doug,
Occasionally, I have my students apply underglaze directly onto greenware as well. I actually read somewhere that this is a preferable method but for little kids, they usually have a hard time with fingerprints, etc. But it does save a session with the kids…just no less work for me!
I’ve never tried colored glazes but many people have recommended them. Maybe it’s time!
I have summer classes of 2-12 year olds. We have a wonderful time but everything HAS to be done in a week. I switched to using acrylic paint on 04 bisque. One firing, the paint is available in zillions of colors (and is lots less expensive than glaze – safer too), I don’t worry about sloppy glaze jobs, things sticking to each other or any of those other challenges with little kids and clay. They get to go home on the last day with ALL of their completed projects from the week and everyone is happy.
I use fruit boxes which stack on top of each other for storage. Love the piggies!’
Brilliant. Utterly brilliant!
How much clay do I need (in pounds) for a class of 25 students to make pinch pots? The average pack of clay is 25 pounds but I don’t know how many packs of clay to purchase for class.
About a pund per student should do. Depends on how big you make your projects. Order a bit more than you need.
Patty,
I just had a seven year old nephew tell me that the coolest clay project he has ever done (in his whole life) was a pinch pot with a marble in it! Have you ever tried this? I searched on-line but always come back to your site since your lessons are always so fun and well planned.
I have seen this one! I’ve never done it but plan to this year. You’re son is right, it’s the coolest thing!