Creative Clay Lanterns

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students will design and sculpt functional clay lanterns. They will first sketch their ideas and then create their lanterns using air-dry clay. Students will explore various pottery techniques such as coiling and the slab method, learning how these techniques can create sturdy and artistic lantern designs. The class will finish by sanding, painting, and placing candles inside their lanterns.

Lesson Objectives

Understand the design process for creating functional pottery pieces
Apply sculpting tools and techniques, such as coiling, scoring, and pinching
Create aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound clay lanterns

Background Discussion Questions

What are lanterns, and how are they used?
We are making our lanterns out of paper clay which emulates ceramics. Do you know which country ceramics is thought to have originated in?
What types of materials are lanterns typically made from? Why do you think that is?
What is “firing,” and how is it related to pottery?
Why do potters apply the coiling method to make pottery?
What is glazing, and how does it enhance pottery?

Materials

Air-dry clay
Rolling pin (or a bottle)
Sculpting utensils
Bucket with water
Sketchbook, pencil, eraser
Colored pencils or markers
Candles
Knife (for cutting designs)

Design and Planning

Students will first design and sketch some pottery ideas. They will think about the purpose of their pottery and plan their ideas accordingly. Afterwards they will be given some air-dry clay. They will squeeze, roll and form the clay, to get a sense of how it handles. Students may choose a pinching technique or coiling method to make their pottery designs.

Pinching Method

A pinch pot is a simple form of hand-made pottery produced since ancient times, and has been widely employed across cultures. Pinch pots are the easiest way of making pottery, simply by pinching the clay into shape using thumbs and fingers. It is a simple pot making method often taught to young children or beginners.

Pinching

1. The process begins with a ball of clay.
2. Thumbs are pushed into the center, and then walls are created by pinching and turning the pot.
3. The pot is then pushed on a flat surface to create the base.

Coiling Method

Coiling is a method of creating pottery. It has been used to shape clay into vessels for many thousands of years. It is found across the cultures of the world, including Africa, Greece, China, and Native American cultures of New Mexico. Using the coiling technique, it is possible to build stronger, and taller walled containers.

Coiling

1. Flatten a round slab of clay about 8 cm in diameter and 1 cm thick, for the base of your pottery.
2. Prepare the coils by rolling them out by hand.
3. Cut the first layer of coil and place it around the perimeter of the slab.
4. Score and scrape the coils into the slab and overlapping layers of the coils.
*Coils may only be joined internally or externally, leaving them visible as an aesthetic choice.
5. Place the next layer of coils over the previous layer repeating the same process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Design and Planning

Students sketch several lantern designs in their sketchbooks.
Discuss and determine the lantern's purpose, design elements, and aesthetic features (consider cut-out shapes for light patterns).
Decide on a construction method: coiling or slab.

2. Coiling Method

Flatten a round slab of clay about 8 cm in diameter and 1 cm thick for the lantern's base.
Prepare the coils by rolling the clay by hand into long, even strings.
Cut the first coil, dip it in water, and place it around the perimeter of the base.
Score and scrape the base and coils to ensure a strong connection.
Continue layering and securing coils until the lantern reaches the desired height.
Leave spaces or cut-out designs for light to shine through.

3. Slab Method

Flatten a round slab of clay for the base.
Roll a large rectangular slab using a bottle as a rolling pin.
Cut and shape the slab as needed.
Create designs or cut-outs to allow light to pass through.
Attach the slab to the base by scoring and securing the edges with water.
Ensure that all seams are tightly sealed.

4. Finishing Touches

Smooth and refine the surface of the lantern.
Allow the clay to dry completely.
Sand the dried clay to smooth any rough edges.
Paint the lantern if desired, adding artistic touches.
Place a small candle inside to illuminate the lantern.

Terminology

General

Pottery: Pots, dishes, and other items made from clay.
Firing: Baking pottery in a kiln.
Kiln: A furnace or oven used for firing pottery.
Glazing: A smooth, shiny coating that enhances and protects pottery.

Techniques

Coiling: A sculpting technique used to build stronger, taller pottery walls by layering clay coils.
Scoring: Scratching hatch marks on parts of the clay to improve adhesion between pieces.
Pinching: A simple pottery method in which clay is pinched into shape with fingers.