Lacy Clay Ornaments

Lacy Clay Ornaments lesson plan

Discover an amazingly easy way to make delicate filigree-style ornaments. Hang one in a window, wear it as a pendant, or give it as a memorable gift!

  • 1.

    Fabric lace and metal filigree (delicate metalwork that looks like lace) have been made by artisans for centuries. Research the origins of both and you’ll discover ancient civilizations. Each art form can create delicate and beautiful works of art from tiny amounts of material.

  • 2.

    To create your own lacy ornament or pendant, mix a Ping-Pong ball amount of Crayola Air-Dry Clay with a small amount of water in a plastic sandwich bag. Close the bag and knead until the slurry is about the consistency of thick pudding. With Crayola Scissors, cut a tiny corner off the bag. Squeeze out the clay mix on waxed paper.

  • 3.

    Be sure to overlap the strands of clay as you create your ornament. Leave space to thread a ribbon! If you forgot, just put the clay back in the bag and start again. Air-dry the ornament for a day or two.

  • 4.

    Cover your art area with newspaper. If you like, paint your lace with Crayola Premier™ Tempera, which also comes in gold and silver for special effects. Air-dry the paint.

  • 5.

    Decorate your ornament with Crayola Glitter Glue if you wish. Air-dry the glitter.

  • 6.

    Tie on a beautiful ribbon to hang or wear your creation.

Benefits

  • Students compare and contrast their lace ornament to historic lace or filigree objects.
  • Students create and decorate an elaborate ornament or pendant that looks similar to traditional lace or filigree.

Adaptations

  • Choose a pattern from a culture or period in history, such as the gold of Troy or African brass figures.
  • Make larger designs for wall plaques. Leave an open space in the middle to make a picture frame. Create snowflakes for winter decorations. Be inventive with this technique!
  • Assessment: Note whether students successfully mix the clay and water, leave space for threading ribbon, and if they choose, enhance their filigree with paint and/or glitter glue.