A thick slab of clay is transformed into a 3D plaque. The dimension keeps the height of the surface of the slab even, with detail on the lover levels of the design. Form and space are then created below the clay surface. A special liquid glaze acrylic is colorfully rich and requires no baking. The acrylic is painted with a red interference glaze that transforms the first paint layer into luster colors. Study architectural techniques used on historical buildings

Grade Levels

7–12

Procedure

1. Cut a ¾" slab of clay from the body of clay. The clay must be a consistent texture throughout to provide sharp images when carved. Knead together and wedge to remove air bubbles. This project depends on a sharper design. Place slab on a piece of bakers parchment paper and place both on a cookie sheet to bake in oven.

    

2. Lightly draw the design onto the damp slab with a needle or pointed tool. Using the ribbon cutting tools, dig into the clay to remove deep areas. Make certain to dig deeply but not through the back of the slab. Leave much of the design the height of the surface clay. Gently continue to shape the recessed areas with smaller ribbon tools. The last step is to use the ¼" hole cutter to place 2 holes in the top of the clay for hanging. Place holes at least ½" in from edge of slab.

    

3. Remove any burrs or crumbles of clay on the cut edges. Allow the piece to dry until it no longer feels cold or damp. Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.

    

4. Paint the plaque with Golden Liquid Glazes. These glazes are slower drying than regular acrylics.

    

5. Mix the final glaze: 3 parts red interference to 10 parts acrylic glazing medium. This can be painted on the surface of the painted plaque. The colors will turn brighter and metalliclooking. Fantastic!

    

6. Add a hanging cord. The two holes will make the plaque hang evenly.

National Standards

Content Standard #1 — Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes.

5-8

• Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas

9-12

• Students apply media, techniques and processes with sufficient skill, confidence and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks.

Content Standard #2 — Using knowledge of structures and functions.

5-8

• Students generalize about the effects of visual structures and functions and reflect upon these effects in their own work

9-12

• Students demonstrate the ability to form and defend judgments about the characteristics and structures to accomplish commercial, personal, communal or other purposes of art.

Content Standard #3 — Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas

5-8

• Students integrate visual, spatial and temporal concepts with content to communicate intended meaning in their artworks.

9-12

• Students reflect on how artworks differ visually, spatially, temporally and functionally and describe how these are related to history and culture.

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