Fairy Houses
This project is magical for all ages. It engages fine motor skills, natural materials and imagination.
Materials needed:
air-dry clay (white or terracotta)
A collection of natural materials and crafting scraps
a piece of cardboard for each child
a wire to cut clay
The examples shown here were created by second graders at J.C. Crumpton Elementary in Marina, CA. Members of the community donated their left over crafting supplies to this project.
Take the students outside to collect natural items (leaves, acorns, stones, interesting junk).
. Cut the clay into equal pieces using a wire. Encourage the children to warm up the clay by playing with it as you cut each piece.
Everyone gets a piece of cardboard.
Lead the students in tossing the clay back and forth between their hands. It will become rounder and lose all corners.
Roll the clay on the cardboard to form a ball.
Insert your thumb into the center of the clay ball and pinch.
Turn and repeat to create a pinch pot.
When you have a vessel, turn it over. This is your house.
Encourage the students to pull and poke holes in the clay to create doors and windows.
Students may press natural materials they collected and crafting materials you provide into the houses.
Find a nice spot for to create your village! Next step is to start germinating seeds. (Post to follow)
