Leaf Bowls

Fourth Grade Leaf Bowls



I love these fun fall leaves. They are quite easy to do if you are fortunate enough to have a kiln at your

fingertips!




Each student starts with a fist sized lump of potters
clay.  Review and complete wedging of the clay as usual (to prepare it from air bubbles, etc.)

Simply roll the clay into 1/4" slabs using rolling pins and two guide sticks which help you get an even result.

Place a large leaf over the clay- facing up so that the veins are down.  I have them select leaves as big as their hand- spread wide.  Roll the leaf twice to press the design into the clay

Use a sharp trimming tool (thin/long nails, an opened thick paper clip or better clay tools work well here) to cut the outline of the leaf shape.

Smooth the rough edges with one finger and a bit of water. 

Lay some plastic wrap, a paper towel or a thin cotton cloth inside of a disposable paper bowl. Lay your clay leaf inside of the bowl and gently press it down to take its new shape.

Dry for several days and kiln process as usual.

I love to use Sax colorburst glazes for fantastic fall results!




Have fun with this one!

Comments

  1. I have done this one before - wow I love the glaze you used!! I will have to get some of that...

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  2. Great leaf bowls. I like your fun glaze colors. We usually do these too, but I'm going to have to order some of these vivid colors before we get into this assignment. Nice job!

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  3. Thanks for posting, I was trying to decide on a clay project for my 4th graders!

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  4. Thanks...seen this around but yours look spectacular!

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  5. Hi!

    I LOVE these bowls. Aren't they just something!?!

    I was wondering - would you be intrested in me using this post as a GuestPost over at my Crafts blog Red Ted Art? I would LOVE to showcase this, they are so wonderful!

    Please do let me know - of course you get full credits and links back to your site.

    My site for reference: http://www.redtedart.com

    Please email me info (at) redtedart (dot) com - either way! I will not be offended if you would "rather not", but would be good to know!

    I look forward to hearing from you!

    Many thanks

    Maggy

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  6. Maggy,
    I hope you check back- I tried contacting you about your request...but do not know if you got it, so I am glad to help. Please use lkeihl34@gmail.com and we can chat.

    Lori

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  7. brilliant autumn/fall project! love it- may try that out with my group.

    this was my autumn project - let me know what you think :0)

    http://kidsartclubnorthlondon.blogspot.com/2010/10/autumn-collage.html

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  8. How do you do the speckling? Is it hard?

    I'm planning to do this with my students on Friday, so if you get a chance could you email me, I could use some help. :)

    talie321 at gmail dot com

    Thanks,
    Natalie
    www.whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com

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  9. I love these and decided to do them with my 4th graders. I used the same glaze (colorburst) and I need info about the cone size and what temp the kiln should be set to. If you are still reading these, I'd love to hear from you.

    adamssa@puyallup.k12.wa.us

    ReplyDelete

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