Ceramic Leaf Bowl

Submitted by: Jeryl Hollingsworth, art teacher at LaFrance Elementary in LaFrance, SC
Unit: Ceramics
Project: Draped Slab leaf bowls
Grade Level: Third (but could be adapted for lower grades and higher grades)

Motivation/Instruction:

Talk about the purposes of leaves - introduce some of the science terms. What do leaves do for the trees? Talk about symmetry in nature - design in nature (get help from your science teachers if necessary)

Present some examples of ceramic slab vessels and sculptures.

Demonstrate wedging clay - rolling out - pressing in leaf - cutting with tool --smoothing edges-- and pressing gently into Styrofoam bowl (Jeryl had slabs prepared ahead of time for students)

Objectives:

• To explore beauty in nature

• To learn the structure of the leaf/purposes of the leaf - connection to science

• To learn draped slab forming technique

• To exhibit skills and craftsmanship in handling clay

• To exhibit skill in glazing

Materials:

• Fresh leaves (large size like Sugar maple)

• Canvas Rolls,

• Rolling Pins

• Moist Clay

• Guide sticks

• Wire End Clay Tool Set (cutting tools)

• Water/Slip dishes

• Styrofoam Bowls

• Plastic wrap (optional as a separator)

Resources:

See a similar lesson at Arts and Activities by Christine Kernan, Tomahawk Elementary School, WI.

Procedures:

Let students choose leaves (I provided several different types), discuss textures and shape of leaves, determine if symmetry is present. Distribute slab of clay to each student, they roll out the slab to the size needed (use guide sticks to insure even thickness) and press their leaf firmly into the clay. Cut around the leaf with a craft stick (or clay needle if available) and gently smooth cut edges with water/slip. Carefully lift the leaf and clay into a bowl, gently pressing it into the shape of the bowl. Remember to keep the leaf on the clay so that while you are pressing the leaf into the bowl you are also pressing the texture into the leaf.

When the clay is secure in the Styrofoam bowl the real leaf should be peeled off and discarded (leave may be left on the clay as it will burn off in the Kiln). I had the students write their names on the bottom of the Styrofoam bowl before we started the project and then I inscribed their names on the bottom of the clay when I was able to lift it from the bowl on the following day. When I lifted the clay from the bowls the shape of the clay leaf remained in a bowl shape.

After drying and firing the students finished with Glazes choosing from "leaf " colors like yellow, orange, red, brown, green. Some students layered the glazes with very interesting results. I had several colorful photographs (from calendars) of autumn foliage hanging on the wall near the glazing table to inspire them. This project is one where every child is successful and the final product is a great surprise to the children as the glazes mix. Another art teacher told me she has done a similar project using pumpkin leaves which produce much larger bowls. The teachers at my school have requested an art in-service next fall so they can make bowls of their own. See more at Jeryl's School Art Site: LaFrance Elementary

Additional notes:

Larger bowls could be made by pressing (and gently rolling in) various leaves -- then cutting out a circular or irregular shape. Carefully smooth cut edge. Drape the clay over a bowl or plaster hump (leaving the leaves in the clay). Scribe name on bottom of bowls. Allow to dry to leather hard stage and remove from hump. Bisque fire when bone dry. Stain leaf textures with under glazes then coat with Clear Glaze.

Alternate Lesson Idea - Leaves Plaque

Denise Pannell found this lesson idea on United Art Education site. Leaves Plaque made with air dry clay (Clay Leaf Collage). Denise had trouble trying to use firing clay but found the new Crayola air dry clay worked great. If you want to use firing clay with leaf molds, you can spray just a bit a Pam on the mold and the clay will release. You can use real leaves quite nicely for this type of project (you don't even have to lift the leaf off the clay - it will burn off in the kiln). If using real leaves and you want more relief, you can remove leaves and carve with wire loop tools.