Clay is an earth material that is also called prefired ceramics.

Due to its dynamic qualities, millions of objects can be produced from clay.

Objects created from Clay art are considered to be decorative, industrial, and applied art objects. For kids, it provides a brilliant platform for imagination and bringing it into the real world, not just mentally but physically too.

Clay is one medium that promotes creativity. It is especially beneficial for young people. The process of working with this natural material to create a unique clay project that supports personalized learning, sensory development, fine motor skills, self-esteem, self-expression, problem-solving skills, discipline, and pride in a child.

Manipulating (squashing, squeezing, pulling, pushing) a piece of clay helps develops the child’s large and small muscles improving dexterity, fosters eye-hand coordination, builds a child’s ability to focus/builds attention span.

There are many types of clay from which we will be looking into airdry clay and creating a beautiful small project.

Let’s begin – we will be making clay fridge magnets today! 

Things we need to make it
1. Air-dry clay. (Easily available in the market or you can make it at home too)
2. Rolling pin and clean platform
3. Body lotion to knead clay in order to keep it soft.
4. Clay tools. ( many household items can be used as tools)
5. Watercolors to color the clay / or paint the creation once it’s done.
6. A sheet of magnet.

Procedure
1. Take a small chunk of clay. Let the rest of the clay inside the airtight container as it dries quickly.
2. Manipulate (squeeze, squash, pull, and push) the clay and make the smooth ball (without any cracks) until it forms a teardrop while pulling into two portions from one.
3. Keep the ball on the platform and roll into tandoori roti thickness. (depending on the thickness you want, remember creation squeezes up to 20% once it’s ready and dry)
4. Cut the shapes as you want. Circles, triangles, rectangles, and so on.
5. Let these cuttings dry completely and color them as you want. Drying of the clay creations needs almost 24 hours to dry.
6. Now stick the portion of the magnetic sheet on the back of your creation with glue. (preferably from a glue gun)

Tadaaa… your clay fridge magnet is ready!!!

It’s extraordinary feeling in kids to create something all by themselves and make the place for that creation in the universe. Encourage, boost, and respect that feeling of young ones.

Stay tuned for upcoming art projects and tips.