Materials
Polymer clay (Sculpey or Primo) in a variety of colors or white
nature items
old cookie sheets
parchment paper (used for baking)
Instructions
1. Condition the clay according to the package directions. This step needs to be
done by an adult. The clay is very hard to manipulate at first and small hands
will find the task too difficult.
Tip: If buying clay is out of your budget, you can do this activity using
homemade clay. However, the result will not be as durable or as long-lasting as
polymer clay.
2. Let each child choose a block of clay. Encourage the children to roll and
squeeze the clay between their hands to keep it soft.
to find objects that interest them.
Encourage the children to investigate the trees, grass, woody plants, large
flowers, or even the ground itself.
4. When they find something interesting, show the children how to shape their
block of clay into a thick oval and press it over the object.
5. Help the child to peel the clay off the object, taking care not to ruin the
impression.
6. Carefully turn the piece over in your hand and use a toothpick to put the
child's initials on the back.
7. Place the clay on a cookie sheet that has been covered with a piece of
parchment paper.
8. When all of the children have made their ClayPressions, bake them according
to the package directions.
9. Allow the ClayPressions to cool thoroughly before handling.
10. If using white clay, let the children paint their baked clay impressions.
11. If desired, use leftover clay to make impressions of other interesting objects
such as keys, combs, buttons, or toys. Just about any object you find would
make an interesting impression.
More to do
More Art: Create a tile mosaic with the ClayPressions. When the children make
their impressions, help them form their clay into uniform rectangular shapes.
Bake according to directions. Alternate laying the ClayPressions and random
rectangular craft tile pieces on craft board. Glue the pieces to the board.
Fine Motor: Make ClayPression pendants by poking a straw through the clay
before baking. Let the children use leftover clay to make round beads. Ask them
to thread the beads onto a wooden skewer and bake along with the
ClayPressions. The children can use the beads and pendant to make a necklace.
