My daughter volunteered to teach one of our co-op’s art classes through Zoom, and I was her assistant. I thought we’d share the details so you can teach the class yourself or make clay leaves at home.
A week before class I sent out the following class description and supplies list, along with pictures:
Clay Leaves
You will make several clay leaves during class. After class you will allow them to dry (for a few hours or until the following day), and then can paint them. These can be used as a table or shelf decoration.
Supplies Needed During Class:
-air dry clay: You choose the clay quality. For younger kids, Model Magic is fine and a little cheaper, but not as durable long-term. For a longer-lasting craft, find a more durable air dry clay in the clay isle at the craft store. Any that say durable, strong, or high-quality are better to use (examples are Nara Air Hardening Clay or Activa Activ-Clay, which we purchased at Hobby Lobby for $9-$10 each).
-fresh leaves: The leaves are for making an impression and leaf shape on the clay, so they can be any color. Have a variety of sizes and shapes available.
-a rolling pin: If you don't have one, you can use something else smooth and rounded like an empty pasta sauce jar, or you can just use your hands to flatten the clay.
-a flat surface to roll the clay: You can use an art table, cutting board, art cutting mat, or even a piece of cardboard.
-parchment paper (recommended but not necessary): If you want to minimize clay sticking to your rolling surface and your drying surface, have a piece of parchment paper available. Other options are a baking silicone mat, waxed paper, vinyl placemats, or plastic sheet protectors. In a pinch, just use a sheet of paper and pull it off the best you can if it sticks (you'll be painting it, so it'd be ok if some paper remains).
-a place for your clay to dry: If you'd like your clay leaf to dry flat, you can just dry it on your rolling surface or on a piece of paper or parchment paper, perhaps with your name written on it (if you have lots of family members making them). If you'd like your leaf to dry with a curved or wavy shape, find something to place the leaf on to dry. We have used bowls to create a curved upward leaf. Either way, put parchment paper or waxed paper between the clay and your item so it doesn't stick.
-knife and cutting surface: We will be cutting the clay to the shape of the leaves, so have available whatever knife you're comfortable with, or for younger kids, an adult or older child can do the cutting. Younger kids can use plastic knives or butter knives. Older kids might like to get more detailed with an exacto knife. Have ready a designated cutting surface, which might be the same or different than the rolling surface. We use a kitchen cutting board.
Supplies Needed After Class to Finish the Project:
-paint: Pick some fall paint colors to paint your leaves. Acrylic paint is recommended for most air dry clay since it adheres well. Read your air dry clay packaging for other potential options. For Model Magic, you can color the dry clay with Crayola Watercolor, Tempera, Acrylic, and washable paints or decorated with Crayola Markers.
-paint brushes: A variety of brush sizes is useful. We recommend something medium-sized for your leaf so painting doesn't take too long. But small brushes might be useful for embellishments, like if you're adding color to enhance the veins of the leaves.
-art clothes or art apron: Acrylic paints will stain clothing.
-Paint protection for your work surface: Acrylic paints are difficult to clean off surfaces if they dry, and they will stain fabric surfaces like your nice kitchen towels. Cover your surface with a drop cloth, old cardboard, etc.
-rags or paper towels: Have these available to clean hands, brushes, and messes.
-water cup: Have a cup with water ready for cleaning brushes. We recommend an old glass jar or reuse an old Starbuck's cup.
The day before class, we sent out Zoom links and times.
The Class via Zoom
While waiting for all the students to join the Zoom meeting, we asked what leaves everyone had found. That lead to some discussion about where they found the leaves too.
Below are the general class instructions. Adapt them based on what supplies students have brought.
Place a piece of parchment paper on your work surface. Roll out a handful of clay on the parchment paper.
Place a leaf, vein-side down, on the clay. Gently roll the leaf into the clay.
Cut out your leaf along the edges. You may find it easier to keep the leaf in place while you cut, or you might like to remove your leaf and just follow the impression of the edge.
Smooth the edges of the leaf with your fingers. They will be a little jagged from the cutting process.
Allow the leaf to dry for about a day. You can let it dry flat on a piece of parchment paper, or you can place parchment paper into a bowl and let the leaf dry in a cupped shape.
Make more clay leaves if you have time.
After Class
After allowing your clay leaf to dry for about a day, it will be ready to paint. Paint your leaf. You may need to paint several coats to get good coverage, allowing paint to dry between coats.