Clay Lantern Project

Image source beecreativewithseijas.com

 

Introduction: The Clay Lantern Project is an engaging and creative activity designed for intermediate students to explore artistic and functional aspects of clay work. This project focuses on three main elements: aesthetics, concept, and symmetry. Students will create a unique clay lantern that, not only serves as a source of light but also as a piece of art that reflects their creativity and understanding of design principles. 

Project Goals: 

  • Develop Artistic Skills: Enhance students’ abilities in sculpting and designing with clay. 
  • Understand Design Principles: Teach the importance of aesthetics, concept, and symmetry in art. 
  • Encourage Creativity: Allow students to express their individuality and creativity through their designs. 

Image source artontherocks.com

 

Materials Needed: 

  • Clay  
  • Sculpting tools 
  • Glazes and brushes 
  • Glaze (if using kiln-fired clay) 
  • Tea light or small LED light 

Image source kellhighschoolart.weebly

Steps: 

Getting Started and Planning:  

 

  1. Sketch 1 page of thumbnail sketches showing possible overall shapes for your lantern 
  2. Sketch 1 page of thumbnails showing potential images, patterns or symbols which you might want to carve into your lantern.  
  3. Things to think about: 
    • What is the topic, idea or vibe of your lantern?      
    • Does the lantern shape and your design work together or do they compete with each other? 
    • Will the candlelight be able to shine out? 
  4. Once you have confirmed your idea, I want to see a two-sided (front and back), full-page, good draft.  Submit to Dustin for conversation and advice. 
  5. After conversations either rework, redraw and repeat step 4 or move on to step 6. 
  6.  After the conversation Work with gridded /computer images to produce a stencil of the design.  You can use this template to cut out or carve out your pattern directly on your lanterns. The diameter of the grid page will be the diameter of your lantern, so you can pre-determine your shapes and patterns, where your tealight will be placed, and where the light will radiate out of this vessel.  (See demonstration) 
  7. After drawing, and cutting out, your stencil, please bring it to Dustin for review.  
  8. After review, and any adjustments that you may have needed, you can cut the shapes out of your stencil, and use the stencil as a guild on your wet or leather-hard clay 
  9. A Base is optional for your project.  

 

Lantern Building Steps: 

 

Lantern diameter: approximately 3 ¼” (8.5 cm) and Lantern height: 7.5” (19 cm)  

  1. Using the slab roller, roll out the clay into a slab approximately 1/2” thick by roughly 8×12”.   
  2. Use a bottle located, above the glazes, at the back of the room above the glazes, to form your lantern shape.  (Slip and score) (remember the demo and the two pieces of paper lining the bottle). 
  3. Once it has had a chance to dry overnight, you can proceed to cut out the negative space during the leather-hard stage. 
  4. Sip and score the slab’s surface. To seal it securely, you can create a coil at the lantern’s meeting edge with its base. 
  5. Begin to transfer your design, via your template or by hand, onto the lantern slab.  
  6. Remember the clay shouldn’t be neither too wet, nor too hard. 
  7. Dip the carving implement into the water before you start carving the clay. 
  8. Clean your carving tool after each cut 
  9. If you’re having difficulty see me! 
  10. Add finishing details and smooth the surface. 
  11. Wrap up the project completely each night to prevent quick drying and potential cracking. Allow the lantern to dry slowly. (From our previous projects, you already know how important it is to keep your project hydrated!) 

When ready to dry, place it in shelving near the kiln. 

Image source beecreativewithseijas.com

Evaluation Criteria: 

  • Aesthetics: Visual appeal, creativity, and use of colour and texture. 
  • Concept: Clarity of theme, symbolism, and functionality. 
  • Symmetry: Balance, proportion, and precision in the design. 

Conclusion: This Clay Lantern Project is a wonderful opportunity, for you, to combine your artistic expression with practical design. By focusing on aesthetics, concept, and symmetry, you will create beautiful, and functional lanterns that showcase your skills and creativity.

The project will be marked out of 4: Emerging, Developing, Applying and Exceeding. 

Image source kellhighschoolart.com

(This lantern project is based on a unit my student teacher, Alex Ruis-Ramirez- produced in 2024 during their excellent practicum)