Clay Earth Art Project

Level of difficulty:  Beginner

Clay Earth Art Project

Get your science on! Show off your knowledge of the different layers of the Earth with this clay craft. Great for science fairs or classroom lessons!

Clay Earth Art Project Supplies

What You'll Need:

  • Crafter’s Closet Oven Bake Clay
  • Crafter’s Closet Acrylic Paint
  • Disposable Gloves (optional)
  • Toothpicks
  • Sheet of White Paper
  • Crafter’s Closet Tape Runner
  • Crafter’s Closet Precision Scissors
  • Pen

Let's Do This!

 

Step 1:

  1. Place rectangle block of clay horizontally on a cutting surface. Measure and cut strips from the clay block. Measuring across the top of the rectangle: 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/4", and 3". Cut a 1" x 1" cube from the end of the 1" strip.

 

Step 2:

  1. Roll the clay strips into 5 balls. The clay balls should gradually go up in size.

 

Step 3:

  1. Collect 5 different acrylic paint colors for the Earth’s layers. We used: red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue.
  2. Wearing gloves, add paint to the balls. Tip: Press your thumb into the center of the ball to make a placeholder for the paint.
  3. As in kneading dough, thoroughly work the paint into the balls.

 

Step 4:

  1. Have the smallest pile of clay rolled into a ball.
  2. Flatten out the next biggest color ball and wrap it around the smallest ball. Tip: Place the smaller ball in the center of the flattened ball.
  3. Roll this back into a ball shape.
  4. Repeat steps B) and C) until all layers are completed.

 

Step 5:

  1. Have an adult help cut Earth clay ball in half.
  2. Smooth out any spots on the layers with your fingers. Tip: Add texture to the layers by using a toothpick or pencil for a more realistic look.

 

Step 6:

  1. Bake clay Earth at 250° F for approximately 15 minutes. Periodically check the Earth to watch for any cracking in the clay.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool.

 

Extra Step:

  1. Label the Earth’s layers with fun flags! Cut toothpicks in half for the poles.
  2. Cut approximately 1/2" x 2" rectangles from white paper.
  3. Fold a paper rectangle in half around the top of each toothpick. Adhere with glue or tape runner.
  4. Label flags with a pen.