Teach To Learn: Clay Modeling

I STAND CORRECTED. Clay modeling is not for anyone. Since it was so easy for me, I assume it'll be the same for everyone, but man, was I wrong!

I came up with some ideas I found on the net, but none of the kids (of St.Joseph's Orphanage) were able to follow my lead. Not even the adult helpers, for that matter! sigh....I let them down since I convinced them that I would be able to teach them in matter of hours. Guess you need some kind of arty hands to be able to make the creation looks good.

But above all, we had fun nonetheless. And I was kinda sad, since this was my last stint with St.Joseph's cause we'll be moving to Singapore soon. I will definitely continue this kinda sharing there, but I'll miss these kids. And they seem to have grown to like me too!! huaaaaaa!

With some practice and lots and lots of patience, clay modeling can be very rewarding. Below are some snapshots of my latest creation:

Teach To Learn: Rock Painting

Yes! The rock painting class at the orphanage was a success! I was blessed coz throngs of family & friends came to my rescue to help out, in case the session got out of control (kids + paint = huge mess!!). Too bad most of the children were out on replacement class, hence only a handful available. We ended up having more helpers than children. It was fun nevertheless since I believe the helpers had learned some skill themselves too.

I am glad, for I have proven myself right, that anyone can do this! The result speaks for itself...see it for yourself the outcome below. The children were simply wonderful, creative and coorperative. We gave out prizes for below 8 y.o and above 8 y.o for most creative artwork, and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for group category. All in all, we had great fun with the children of St.Joseph's Home. Am pretty sure so were they. Will definitely do it again.

a. The process......when concentration was high! No monkey bussiness...

b. The products...aren't they all adorable?

c. The winners....well everyone was a winner for not quitting and did their best. And to the helpers, you guys are winners for spending the time to make the children happy, even for a couple of hours. Thank you all!

Below 8 category: Sweet Little Joo Li with her creation. Above 8 category: Creative Elizabeth who did all her work by her won self!

Teach To Learn: Rock Painting & Clay Modelling

I decided to share my skill and teach the residence of a local orphanage of my new found hobby - Rock Painting & Clay Modelling. The mission is to teach the children how to make a good enough creation that is saleable. In the end, if we can't get so much money out of it for the home, at least we help to boost the children's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. If I can't teach the entire orphanage, tapping their curiousity is good enough for me. Anything beyond that would be a bonus to me. Below are some ideas that came to my mind:

- Picture Holder -

Glue a piece of wire to the painted rock, and wallah! you have yourself a picture holder! My current challange: Need to find more simple ideas for the rocks.

- Fridge Magnet / Keychain -

Glue the clay creation onto a magnet, and you got yourself a cute Fridge magnet to hold your memos or memorabilias. My current challange: Need to find simpler idea for the clay so that the children won't be intimidated.

I have faith that all these will come out beyond my expectation. It truly is easier that a lot of what people think. All we need to do is try and learn to do it better the 2nd time around. Try it and see it for yourself!

P/S: Oh yes...I managed to create a partner for Gobby, the Goblin. It's Lily, a flower fairy. Aren't they a cute couple?

Clay Modelling: 1st Attempt

I first developed a liking for clay modelling when first saw the cute fugurines at Isetan, KLCC. Bought a set of primary colors and they gave you a small booklet of some of the things you can create. I am now hooked on this new hobby and will have a go whenever I have the spare time. It's very therapeutic for me as when I focus on the creation, my mind is free of any worries. So far my creation decorate the monitor in out study room. Who know someday I can make a living out of these!

WHAT YOU NEED:

- Polymer clay is the best (but you have to bake it later). For practice (to avoid the frsutration of underbake or over bake..and yes, I don't own an oven too...), I used i-Clay..a new type of clay that will solidify when exposed to clay. It's slightly expensive (RM46 for 8 small containers of colors) but I love the fact that I don't have to bake to see teh final result.

- Tools to enhance the effects. I used toothpick, end of water color brush (to make hollow effect) , ball pen (to make finger nails) and scissors.

Some of my 6 year old's creation:

Rock Painting: Set 1

I've developed a new hobby with my kids - Rock Painting, thanks to my talented friend ET who is a budding artist in Malaysia. It's easy and fun. Try it!

WHAT YOU NEED:

- Clean rocks; I use the white rocks people normally use for landscaping. Bought a packet (more than 50) for RM10.90 at Giant.

- Paint for rocks. I used Plaka brand as suggested by ET. I have only primary colors, need to get my hand on the complete set.

- Brushes - from fine to medium. Fine is good at making outlines, while the medium is good at filling up the color (esp background).

- Googly eyes - this is excellent in making the creation looks more lively & fun. Bought a packet of 25 pairs for RM19.50 at local craft store.

- Glue for the eyes (or any other accessories you can think of)

Some ideas to inspire you:

Alyssa's (3 y.o) own creation of a mouse: