Any clay that air-dries will be perfect for this project, especially if you want to paint it or glaze it later. Clay can be purchased at Village Arts or at Santa Fe Clay.

Fig 1

1.   Roll out two balls of clay about the size of a golf ball. For children the balls of clay should be smaller as it is easier for them to handle.

Fig 2

2.   We are going to make two identical pinch pots.  Put your thumb in the middle of the ball and using your index and middle finger on the outside of the ball of clay and your thumb in the middle start gently squeezing the clay to form a pot. The sides should be about ¼ inch thick.

Fig 3

3.  Once you have your two pinch pots you will score and slip them together to form an egg shape. (see fig. You will blend the seam with your fingers to a smooth finish.

Fig 4

4.  Once we have the egg shape we will use a bat (a paint stir stick or wooden spoon works fine) to define the shape of our bird.

Fig 5

5. This is the shape that I’m going for.

Fig 6

6. I then use a rolling pin to roll out a slab about ¼ inch thick. I draw out the wings on a piece of paper and trace them onto the clay. Use a knife to cut out the wings

Fig 7

7. Attach the wings to the back of the bird. If the wings are too large cut them down to the right size. Make sure they are flush with the bottom of the bird’s body. Blend the middle seam of the wings and then blend the top of the wings into the body of the bird.

Fig 8

8. I then roll a smaller clay ball, which I pinch into a small pinch pot to make the head. Position the head where you want it to go and then score and slip the head and attach it to the body. Blend the head into the body well.

SCORING – use a sharp object (a paper clip or a fork works well) to make grooves in the clay. Do this on both pieces that you want to attach to each other.

SLIP – this is clay mixed with water to make a gooey mud. It acts like the glue that holds the pieces together. Add the slip once the pieces have been scored.

Fig 9

9. Once the head is attached you will form the beak and the eyes. The beak is a carrot shape. Score and slip the beak in place. For the eyes, roll out two small balls of clay. Slightly flatten them with your finger and then attach them by scoring and slipping. Please make sure you attach the beak and eyes well as they will fall off as the bird dries.

Fig 10

10. Smooth out your bird with your fingers, getting rid of any lumps and bumps. Once she is all done let her dry for about a week then paint her with acrylic paints. Once the paint is dry varnish with acrylic gel medium.