Clay is a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged while they learn and develop important motor skills. Whether it’s rolling, forming, or sculpting, clay offers endless possibilities for creative expression. Not only that, but using clay with your children is a great way to increase their attention span and give them an opportunity to explore their imaginative side. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas for your next family clay session, here are four fun projects that your kids will love.
DIY clay magnets
These simple clay magnets are a fun and easy project for kids of all ages. All you need is some air-dry clay, a few basic tools, and a little imagination. Once you’ve made your magnets, they can be used to decorate your fridge, locker, or any other metal surface.
To make your own DIY clay magnets, start by rolling out a flat sheet of clay. Then use cookie cutters, stamps, or other shapes to cut out desired designs. Once you have your shapes cut out, use a toothpick or skewer to make a small hole in the top of each one. This will be where you insert the magnet later on.
Next, bake your clay shapes in the oven according to the package directions. Once they’re cool, glue a strong magnet to the back of each one. And that’s it! Your DIY clay magnets are now ready to use.
DIY clay jewelry
There’s something so fun about working with clay, and it’s even more fun when you can make jewelry out of it! Here are some great ideas for DIY clay jewelry that your kids will love:
– Use cookie cutters to create unique shapes, then thread them onto a string or cord to create a necklace or bracelet.
– Make beads by rolling small balls of clay into different sizes, then threading them onto a string. You can add as many or as few beads as you like, and they’ll all be totally unique!
– Use stamps or other textured objects to create interesting patterns on your beads before baking them.
– Get creative with colors! Mix together different colors of clay to create your own custom hues, then use them to make beautiful marbled beads.
DIY clay pottery
Clay pottery is a great activity for kids of all ages. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the creative process, and it’s also a great way to teach them about different cultures and art forms.
There are many different ways to make clay pottery. You can use store-bought clay, or you can make your own with ingredients that you probably already have at home. Either way, the process is fairly simple:
1. Start by shaping the clay into a ball. Then, using your hands, start flattening it out into a disk.
2. Once the clay is flattened out, use a rolling pin to roll it out even thinner. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Now it’s time to start shaping your pottery! You can use any kind of mold or template that you like, or you can freehand it. If you’re using a mold, press the clay into it until it’s evenly distributed. If you’re freehanding it, start by shaping the bottom of your pottery piece first. Then, gradually work your way up the sides.
4. Once you’re happy with the shape of your pottery, use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut off any excess clay around the edges.
5. Now it’s time to decorate! You can use paint and other art materials to decorate your pottery.
DIY clay sculptures
Clay is a great medium for kids to get creative with. It’s easy to use and can be molded into any shape imaginable. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive and can be found at most craft stores.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to clay sculptures. Your kids can make animals, people, buildings, or anything else they can think of. And once they’re done creating their masterpiece, they can paint it however they like.
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, consider making some clay sculptures together. They’re sure to have a blast and you’ll end up with some unique pieces of art to display in your home.