Clay Birds / Teachers' Notes
These don’t have to be birds of paradise to be full of imagination, fun and colour. Easy to make but really exotic when painted in rainbow colours.
Cutting clay with a wire is like a project on its own - children will want to cut more and more!
When they have finished cutting off loads of pieces of clay, you’ll actually only need three pieces for each bird: one piece about the size of a small orange and two smaller pieces. Roll the larger piece into a sausage shape and curve it into a crescent, making a pointy beak shape one end and fanning out the other end for a tail. A fork, nail or a serrated clay tool feathers the tail beautifully.
Roll the two pieces for the wings with a rolling pin on a cloth to stop it sticking to the table. Cut into roughly half moon shapes, feathering in the same way. It will be easier for some children to use our bird wing template to place on the rolled clay and cut out around. A dab of water with a wet finger is sufficient to stick the wings if pressed on well.
Now get painting and go crazy with colours: anything goes. Decide whether they are water birds or tree dwellers and display accordingly. See More Ideas for inspiration.
See the Bird's nest project if you want something for your birds to sit on.
If you are lucky enough to have a kiln, you can paint the birds with coloured ceramic slips instead and fire and glaze them for durability. However, if handled with care, normal clay with last for ages when dried out. No need to varnish unless you want them to be shiny.
Colour the Birdy Dude shown below by clicking here.
Aims, Objectives & Outcomes
- Explore the qualities of clay
- Experience creating a hand sized three-dimensional object from clay
- Invent feathering techniques
- Increase bird vocabulary: beak, feathers, wing, etc.
- Provide scope for personal expression
- Learn about colour mixing for decoration
