Clay Loom

This lesson has two parts and can take some time.

I like to start by having the students create the clay loom so it can dry and I have time to fire it.

I roll slabs out thick about half an inch.

Then I give them tons of random things I have collected to create textures with. Once they create textures on their clay slab they cut the shape they want. If they are creating a circle loom they need an odd number of holes, if they are creating a rectangle shape it is an even number of holes. I like to have them use straws to create the holes. The clay will fill up the straw so if you do this keep in mind it will be about one straw per kid.

 

 

I actually show the students that they can either create the textures first then cut or they could cut the shape and add texture second.

Here are a few examples:

I have the students work on Masonite sheets. This isn’t always great because it can warp. Once the clay is dry enough to handle I carve their name and class into the backs.

This year, so to not waste clay and to experiment, I had them create smaller looms with the left over clay. We will see if it works!

Next is practicing weaving. Here is a great tutorial that helped me out a ton!

 

Once the students finished building their looms we wove! Along with the link to the wonderful tutorial on weaving here is a great book that I would take a look at if you can, Kids Weaving.

 

Once everyone has practiced weaving and the clay looms have been fired to bisque, they use watercolor to paint it.

 

Then they start the weaving process using the clay frame as the loom.

 

Here are a few examples of finished pieces!

I forgot to pierce holes in the tops of the clay frame to string ribbon and hang them. Next time I will remember! Even without hanging these look cute!