Instead of screens today, why not… make something with clay?
I signed myself and the kids up for a free council-run “clay habitats – making terrestrial shelters” workshop in the holidays. It turned out that they were the only kids at the workshop, but that didn’t stop them. We started the morning with a talk about all the wildlife you can find in the Nonni’s neighbourhood (it was their local council who put the workshop on) and ended with us each making our own version of a sculptural place for the mini-beasts to hang out at home.
Max made a place for native bees to live.
Cappers made a toad stool for frog life.
And Badoo made a lizard that had giant gum-nut homes for real-life lizards.
I made a series of flowers – some open and some closed – that I will trail down some rocks by stringing them onto wire. Not sure how that’s going to work yet, but the flowers should make nice little homes for bugs.
I will show you what our little sculptures look like when they have been fired and returned to us. Let’s hope we haven’t made any kiln bombs!
Working with clay all day was a soothing, creative textural experience and it really brought the children’s imaginations to life. You can create anything with a slab of clay! Even if you haven’t got access to a kiln, there are plenty of air-dry and oven-dry clays about, or you can make a simple salt dough or, of course play dough for a moving feast. Here are 6 ideas for what to do with your clay.
1. Clay bug fossils from No Time For Flashcards
2. Salt dough sun catchers from Homegrown Parent
3. Pinch pots from The Artful Parent
4. Clay cupcakes from 100 Directions
5. Polymer clay snails from Happiness is Homemade
6. Air dry clay bunny bowls from Alice + Lois
When was the last time you made something from clay?
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Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
When the boys and I last visited my Mum, we went to the local pottery for a messy play. They both absolutely LOVED getting their hands dirty and we ended up with lots of interesting creations. This session looks awesome and I can’t wait to see your finished creations!
Maxabella says
Going elsewhere to do the potting is such a good idea. I am not so good with mess at home, although over the years I’ve learned the incredible value of a few old towels and a plastic sheet!
I can’t wait to get the pieces back either, but I have my fingers crossed that the kids’ lovely creations all make it through firing okay! x
Lauren @ The Thud says
Well this is all bloody adorable. Those flowers are gorgeous Bron. They’d look so lovely in the garden. I’m so keen to try this! Thanks, yet again, for the brilliant idea.
Maxabella says
You can get air-drying or oven-bake clay from most $2 shops, so go for it Lauren! x
Michelle@myslowlivngadventure says
Sweet! The kids and I made some great clay dishes in the Christmas hols. I’m not sure how to attach a pic to a comment, otherwise I’d show you!!
Maxabella says
I’m not sure either, Michelle. But if you get a sec, please load it up on my Facebook page so I can have a look: https://www.facebook.com/maxabellaloves
x
Rhianna says
I just love that lizard! Can’t wait to see the finished projects after they have been in the kiln. Thanks for sharing, we are about to go playdoh crazy here as Teapot’s teacher has said it is a good way for her to strengthen her hand muscles.
Leaving some fairy wishes and butterfly kisses from #teamIBOT
Maxabella says
Clay work is so good for their hand writing, Rhianna. It strengthens all necessary muscles and helps with their fine motor coordination. x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
How great is this. My girls love getting their hands stuck into playdough so I just know that this will go down a treat. I am picturing adorable little fairy houses and mushrooms for the garden!
Maxabella says
Use oven-baked clay for the garden, Malinda (air-dry melts in the rain!!). Or, better yet, see if your local council has kiln facilities and then the girls can make something truly long lasting. x
Zanni says
I love those bunny plates! And I especially love your flowers! Clay is so fun. And soothing. My daughters both love it.
Maxabella says
I’m going to tackle a bunny plate with some air-dry clay soon, Zanni. So cute! x
Renee Wilson says
I have very fond memories of working with clay when I was a kid. I think my girls would love this.
Maxabella says
Air-dry clay is really cheap at the cheapie stores, Renee and so easy to work with. x
EssentiallyJess says
I was always really interested in clay as a kid, but never got the chance to play with it. I should get some for my own kids, so we can have a day of it. Nothing quite like making something new.
Maxabella says
Do it, Jess! x
Meredith @ Homegrown Friends says
Thanks so much for including our Salt Dough Suncatchers!
Maxabella says
Thanks for being so clever in creating them, Meredith!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I used to LOVE doing this as a kid. As mine grow I’ll take them somewhere and do this, might even dabble myself. As we speak they are on the trampoline playing nicely all 3, and for 25 minutes…….. xx
Maxabella says
They’ll love it right now, Em. No need to wait for them to grow. I still have all the cute little pots that the kids made when they were 2! x
Bec @ The Plumbette says
It’s these type of activities I can’t wait to do with the girls when they’re older. Esther is very creative so I want to give her experiences where she can indulge new talents. Those flowers look fabulous! I wouldn’t know what to make if I had some clay in front of me!
Maxabella says
I think Esther is definitely old enough to start with a pinch pot and go from there, Bec. She will love it. x
Hugzilla says
Seriously, that lizard is really good! I’m in total awe (and envy, if I am to be honest…) of anyone who shows a natural flair for art. I must have been in the line for popcorn or something when God was handing that skill out!