Looking for an easy halloween project for kids? Clay ghosts are a fun beginner friendly project. Plus we love making them year-round.
Supplies:
-
ceramic clay, air-dry clay, or FIMO clay, depending on whether you have access to a kiln
- a cylinder object- like a vitamin bottle, roughly the height of your desired ghost
- a small wad of toilet paper or paper towel
- sharp tool or pencil for trimming and creating eye holes
- rolling pin or other large cylinder object for rolling (an empty jar or wine bottle works well)
- cloth canvas (or a cut piece of denim) surface to work on
1. Form clay into a ball. Flatten ball lightly to create an easy surface for the rolling pin.
2. Using a rolling pin (or wine bottle) roll in one direction, applying even pressure. The resulting shape with be an oval. Flip oval slab and rotate 90 degrees. Roll out again . Aim for a slab that is about 1/4" thick.
3. Optional: Use a pin tool, or sharpened pencil to trim the edges of your circle for a more "polished" look. Leave edges untrimmed for a more "organic" ghost.
4. Wad up your tissue paper or paper towel, place on top of your cylinder object. Hold in place. For a taller ghost use a taller cylinder.
5. Carefully move slab on top of tissue ball. Begin gently pressing clay slab down, to create folds.
6. Gently support the slab as you continue to create and adjust the folds depending on your desired look.
7. Cup the clay with both hands, gently pressing in to create a more uniform shape.
8. Add eyes with a sharp pencil or pin tool. Once dry remove from cylinder object. The tissue ball does not need to be removed- it will burn up in the kiln.
9. Allow to air dry, bake, or fire depending on clay type used.
Pair with a tealight for a cute and spooky display!
Looking for video tutorials? Watch our entire Clay Time series
here.
Ready to try your hand at clay but want some gentle guidance?
Sign up for one of our in-person
workshops hosted at our storefront in Portland, Oregon. They're an easy and fun way to learn about clay and connect with your local community.
And remember, it's about the process, not the product!
