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Crayons to Clay:
Collaborative Sculpture Project 

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Project Steps:
Oven-Bake Clay

Project Steps:
Air-Dry Clay

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Step 1: Sketch

  • Create at least two pencil sketches of possible sculpture designs based on your kindergarten student’s drawing.

  • Include notes on color, form, and details you will want to highlight.

Step 2: Build the Skeleton

  • Use wire and foil to build the skeleton (armature) for your sculpture.

  • Make sure your skeleton is strong and can stand on its own.

  • This is the “bones” of your sculpture—it needs to support the clay that will go on top.

Step 3: Apply the Clay

  • Use oven-bake clay to cover your wire and foil skeleton.

  • Work in small batches, gently pressing the clay onto the skeleton until it’s fully covered.

  • Use sculpting tools to add texture and detail.

Step 4: Baking

  • Measure the thickness of your sculpture to calculate baking time:

    • 15 minutes per 1/4 inch of clay

  • Holmes will confirm your baking time with you.

  • Once finished, sculptures will be baked by the teacher.

Step 5: Prime and Paint

  • After baking, prime your sculpture with a white coat of acrylic paint.

  • Paint your sculpture to stay true to the kindergarten student’s original design.

  • Add details and color carefully for the best finish.

Step 6: Seal

  • Once the paint is fully dry, apply several coats of spray Mod Podge to seal and protect your sculpture.

Final Step: Art Beat

  • On October 23, your sculpture will be displayed next to your kindergarten partner’s drawing during the Art Beat: Ecos de Pasado event.

  • You will meet your partner and showcase your collaborative work to the community.​​

Step 1: Sketch Ideas

• Look at your kindergarten partner’s drawing of their “new animal.”

• Create at least two pencil sketches of how you want to sculpt it.

 

Step 2: Build a Skeleton (Armature)

• Use wire and foil to build a simple skeleton of your animal.

• This helps your sculpture stay strong and light.

• Keep it small (about 5–6 inches tall max).

 

Step 3: Add Clay

• Press Magic Mud clay over your foil skeleton in thin layers (no more than ½ inch thick).

• Score and slip: scratch the surface and add a little water when attaching new pieces.

• Use your fingers or clay tools to shape details.

• Dip fingers in water to smooth cracks as you work.

 

Step 4: Drying

• Place your sculpture on cardboard or a wire rack (not plastic).

• Let it air dry for 48–72 hours. Rotate it sometimes so it dries evenly.

• Do not rush drying with fans or heaters—it can crack.

 

Step 5: Sand & Seal

• Once dry, gently sand rough edges with fine sandpaper.

• Paint a thin coat of gesso or Mod Podge to seal the surface before painting.

 

Step 6: Paint & Finish

• Use acrylic paints to bring your animal to life.

• Add patterns, textures, and colors that match the drawing.

• Once painted, add a final clear sealer (Mod Podge or acrylic spray) to protect it.

 

Step 7: Display!

• Your sculpture will be shown next to your kindergarten partner’s drawing at Art Beat – Ecos de Pasado.

• Be ready to meet your partner and talk about how you transformed their drawing into 3D art!

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Resources

  • Examples from prior years will be shown in class and linked on this page.

  • Watch the YouTube playlist (see videos below) we created with Crescent Elementary and KCSOS to see the process from past projects.

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