Skill Level
Beginner
Time to Make
30 mins
Adult Supervision
Yes
Top Tip
Make the elephant on a glazed tile that can be placed directly in the oven so that it keeps its shape.
How to Make
Step 1
To make the elephant’s body, cut a clay block in half, knead it then shape into a ball. Flatten the ball with your fingers into a 6cm diameter circle, 1cm thick. Use a modelling tool or your fingers to flatten the circle along the bottom edge.
Step 2
To start shaping the elephant’s legs and trunk, use the side of a pen or brush to make 2 indentations along the flat edge. Push the pencil into the clay to define the legs and truck. See model example – in Red clay. Keep pushing with the brush and gently pull the legs and trunk into shape with your fingers. A flat-ended modelling tool can be used to define the shape between the truck and body. Carefully elongate the trunk by pulling it, making it thinner at the end. Shape a small clay semi-circle for the elephant’s ear and cut a flattened piece of clay in another colour for the blanket. Press the blanket onto the elephant’s back. Cut off any excess clay at the top and tuck the edge of the blanket over the curve of the body. Press the ear in place. Use a cocktail stick to make a hole near the top of the elephant. Widen the hole and check it has opened out the back.
Step 3
Allow clay to harden. Decorate the elephant with flower gems and glue a wiggle eye onto the head. Tie pieces thin ribbon around the legs with a blob of glue on the back to hold them in place. Tie a loop of thin ribbon through the hole with a knot at the end.
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