Having Fun with Model Magic: Introduction to Clay

What is clay? Clay is a soft, loose, earthy material containing particles with a grain size of less than 4 micrometres (μm). It forms as a result of the weathering and erosion of rocks containing the mineral group feldspar (known as the ‘mother of clay’) over vast spans of time. Granite is a good source of feldspar and clay is often made from granite particles.

What is model magic? Crayola® Model Magic® modeling compound is an exciting, non-toxic modeling material that is easily manipulated and joined to make any form or shape. Remarkably lightweight, clean and resilient, Crayola® Model Magic® modeling compound is non-crumbling and it doesn't cling to skin or room surfaces. It can be attached to plastic, wood, cardboard and other materials. Model Magic® is available in various colors. It is easily paintable after it has dried for 24 hours. Crayola® compound dries to a resilient consistency within 24-36 hours, without kiln firing.

Why was clay an important discovery? Prehistoric humans needed to protect their food and to carry water. Once they realized the properties of clay, they produced containers and vessels for this purpose.

 
 

Follow along with Mr. Deron, but following these basic steps:

How to make a pinch pot

  1. Roll model magic into a ball (either using circular motions between your hands or circular motion on a table surface)

  2. Place the ball onto your thumb like a little hat and push down over your thumb (don’t shove your thumb all the way through the ball. If you take the ball off your thumb, you’ll see that we’ve already created a little bowl.

  3. With your thumb still in the hole, use your index finger from the same hand and gently pinch the side of the ball (not the “top” of it). Turn the ball slightly with your other hand and pinch. Continue pinching the side as you rotate the ball around your thumb with your other hand.

  4. The hole gets bigger and the side of the bowl get thinner as you continue the process. Once you’ve the bowl is the size you want. Press the bottom onto a table surface to flatten the bottom.

  5. This pinch pot can then become anything you want: a mouth, a boat, a decorative bowl. The only limitation is your imagination.

How to make a coil pot

  1. Roll model magic into a ball (either using circular motions between your hands or circular motion on a table surface)

  2. Place the ball on the table and roll it into a snake by moving your hand forward and backward over the ball. Press harder in areas where the model magic is thicker. Use both hands when the “snake” gets long enough.

  3. Once you’re happy with your “snake”, start on one end and coil it out so it looks like a snail shell. This will become the bottom of your coil pot.

  4. Once the bottom is as big as you want it to be, start to place the next coil on top of the edge of the last coil. The sides of the coil pot build up instead of out. You can make another “snake” and continue the previous coil to make the sides of your coil pot higher.

  5. Many things can be made from the “snake” before you coil it into a coil pot. If you’re making a figurine, the “snake” can be formed into arms and legs, or a thicker snake can even be used for a torso. Again, there are no limits to what we can create.

Now make anything you want! Remember, model magic can be painted or colored with markers when they are dry