Project #99

Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Moderate
Cleanup: Soap & Water

Materials:

Self-Hardening Clay

Plastic Mosaic Shapes

Stained Glass Chips

Wheeled Glass Nippers

Newsprint

Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush

Rolling Pin

Modeling Tools

Use colorful mosaics and air-dry clay to make a gecko! This project also has an instructional video available!

Step 1
Starting with 1 lb. of Crayola Air-Dry Clay or Stonex Self-Hardening Clay, divide and shape the legs and body of a Gecko. Use about 3/4 lb. for the body and the rest for the legs.
Step 2
Flatten the body shape with a rolling pin until it becomes one even slab of clay measuring about 1/4" thick.
Step 3
Twist a 9x12" sheet of newsprint paper into a gecko body shape, about 7" to 8" long. Drape the slab over the paper.
Step 4
Form the Gecko body around the paper. Score and attach the legs firmly onto the body.
Step 5
Press mosaic pieces into the gecko. Our example features pre-cut mosaic squares. You can use wheeled glass nippers to cut larger stained glass pieces into specific shapes. For younger students, try pre-cut plastic mosaic pieces. Sculpt details into the clay with modeling tools, such as toes on the feet.
Step 6
Allow the clay to dry overnight, until leather-hard, then carve more details if desired. You can also remove the newsprint from inside the body at this point. Once the sculpture is completely dry, paint with acrylic paint. Wipe any paint off the mosaic pieces with a brush or sponge before the paint dries.