Children of all ages will enjoy making pottery badges for themselves they are very simple and they can experiment with lots of shapes and designs. Help will be needed for cutting out the shapes and maybe with some rolling but the painting and decorating is up to their imagination.
Materials
- Self hardening modelling clay
- Card
- Scissors
- Glitter
- Glue
- Brooch Mounts
- Modelling tools – Rolling pin, knife, wire, needle, newspaper (for rolling on)
- Paint and brushes
Roll out the clay and leave for 5 to 10 minutes to harden slightly. Draw the outline of the badges on card and cut around to make templates. Place the templates over the clay and cut around them with a knife. Smooth over the rough edges and allow to dry for one day.
When the badges are dry they can be decorated as desired. Paint the surface and the sides and when completely dry they are ready for glitter. Spread some glue over the surface and sprinkle on the glitter. Leave to dry.
To waterproof the badge, paint a layer of varnish over the decoration. Make sure all of the surfaces are covered. Leave to dry then glue a brooch mount to the back of the badge.
Of course there are a number of other uses for these badges. Before the clay hardens a hole can be made in the top with a needle or similar item, depending on the size of the hole required. These little badges can then be used to make necklaces, mobiles or whatever can be imagined.
Have fun 