This winter, the family decided to have fun with clay.
Here are my bat fan pulls. They are Mexican Free-tailed bats, of course, in honor of Austin’s giant colony at the Congress bridge.
I also tried my hand at making a Carolina chickadee. I kept looking out the window at the real birds for models.
It’s hard not to adore Nolan’s bluebirds. They are kind of like blue ducks, but we’re all okay with that.
He also made a great and most vibrant Painted Bunting.
Logan made this Ruby-Throated Hummingbird for his great-grandmother. He also made other birds and even little itty bitty bats.
Michael played with brown clay for a long time, and we made all sorts of jokes about chocolate poo. And then all of a sudden out of his hand appeared a hawk!
We’re not clay experts, but we had a great time. Many of our clay items became holiday gifts for family, and we also made homemade wooden block puzzles this year. We’re just big fans of making gifts from the heart. I’m already thinking about next year’s homemade gifts. What shall they be, what shall they be?
I am impressed! I think the clay birds and bats turned out very well. I think gifts from the heart are the best ones to receive!
For those of us who haven’t done this sort of thing before but might be interested in giving it a try, what sort of clay is that? Is it painted?
What a talented family–including you! And what a great project! All your creations are fantastic!
Thanks, Karin — we had a great time, too, and I love that the boys are experimenting with their artistic side.
Alan, it’s colored clay that you can get from a hobby store such as Michael’s. Our favorite kind is Premo by Sculpey, but there are other brands, as well. We did not use paint, just the clay itself in many different colors and some wire to provide hooks or give interior support for fragile parts (like the hummingbird bill and the bat ears). Once you finish your art piece, you bake it in the oven to help it harden. Michaels also sells various clay tools you can use if you desire, but items at home often serve the purpose.
It’s all about the fun, the love, and the willingness to try something new, Plant Postings! Thanks!