In love with our snakes? Want to make your own? Our step by step tutorial will guide you through the process of making your very own clay snake. Add it to a houseplant, DIY terrarium, or your desk for a sweet pick-me-up. This is an easy project for oven bake or air dry clay.
- ceramic clay, oven-bake, or air-dry clay
- cloth canvas or a cut piece of denim
- small cup of water
1. Set up your canvas or cut denim as a work surface- this will prevent clay from sticking as you roll it.
Roll out a coil. Keep one end blunt, this will be form the head, and taper off the other end. If you want a longer snake or one with more curves, make a larger coil.
2. Use one hand to hold the "head' side of your coil. Drape the coil in an "S" shape, using your other hand to gently guide the body into the desired shape.
3. Add a few curves, aim for an organic movement.
4. Shape the blunt side of the coil by pushing it flat with your thumb to give it a head shape.
5. Pinch the sides of the head and continue shaping until you've achieved your ideal snake head. Be careful not to overwork the clay. If you're using ceramic clay and notice cracks, gently rub them with a tiny touch of water as you work.
6. Continue shaping the rest of the snake tail ending in a small upturned flick to give the snake movement.
7. Allow your snake to dry fully before placing in the kiln. If you're using air dry or oven bake clay, follow the brand specific directions.
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!
