Creative Minion Clay Art Project: Fun Sculpting for Kids

 

Creating Minions with middle schoolers is always a blast! The idea actually came from one of my students. She casually said, “Mrs. Ray, why don’t we make Minions out of clay?” I thought, “Why not?” And that’s exactly what we did!

How did it go?

• I gave the students plenty of Minion character references to choose from.
• They picked their favorite Minion and molded their clay creations.
• It’s a simple process, but so much fun!

Incorporating popular characters into art projects is a great way to engage students. They get super excited, and it’s a perfect way to keep things relevant in the classroom!

Lookie!

💓1965

Happy Birthday, 1965 (Love You, Mean it!)

10 Reasons I’m Lucky to Have a Groovy, Artsy Sister

Having a sister who’s full of creativity and artsy goodness is like having your own personal muse. Here are ten reasons why I’m beyond lucky to have her in my life:

1. Endless Inspiration
   She constantly inspires me to see the world in new, creative ways. Whether it’s through her art or her outlook on life, she brings color and imagination to everything. She has embraced the tambourine philosophy...shake, shake, shake!

2. Creative Collaborator
   Whenever I need help with a project—whether it’s redecorating or crafting something special—she’s always ready to jump in and create with me. Two heads (and hands) are better than one! Yes, this includes art camp and our sister art adventures.

3. Unique Perspective
   She has a way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Her artsy approach helps me see beauty in everyday moments and reminds me that there’s always a fresh angle to explore. I think this is because she is a Cochran through and through...

4. Handmade with Love
   Forget store-bought gifts! Her handmade presents are one-of-a-kind treasures that hold sentimental value, showing how much she cares through every stitch, brushstroke, or design. Speaking of love, she loves my little family a lot! (dogs and all)

5. Art Adventures
   From gallery visits to DIY craft fairs, she’s my go-to for artistic outings. We create memories while exploring new forms of art, and I love every minute of it.

6. Encourages My Creativity
   She’s always pushing me to try new things, reminding me to express myself and tap into my own creative potential. With her support, I feel more confident to take on new artistic challenges.

7. Style Icon
   Her unique sense of style—think funky outfits and handmade accessories—always stands out. I’m lucky to have such a trendsetter for a sister!

8. Emotional Support Through Art
   Art has a way of helping us process our emotions, and she’s always there to lend an ear or help me express what I’m feeling through creative outlets.

9. Bringing Positive Vibes
   Her energy is infectious. She has a natural ability to brighten up any room with her creativity, whether it’s through her art or simply her joyful presence.

10. Our Unbreakable Bond
    Having a sister who shares her passion for creativity has deepened our connection. It’s not just about art—it’s about how we understand and support each other on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Added Bonus: The Music Guru
On top of everything else, she’s a total music guru! Whether it’s introducing me to the coolest tracks or throwing spontaneous dance parties, she knows how to lift my spirits. A dance party with her is always good for the soul, and I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

In short, I couldn’t imagine life without my groovy, artsy sister by my side. She’s a constant source of inspiration, fun, and love.

Love you 1965 mean it, Happy Birthday! 1969

Clay Face Jugs: A Rich History and Creative Process

Face jugs are fascinating pieces of pottery that have deep historical roots. Originating in the 19th century, they were primarily made by enslaved African American potters in the Southern United States. These jugs often had exaggerated facial features and were used as grave markers or to store liquids. Over time, face jugs became a form of artistic expression, with each potter infusing their unique style and personality into the work. Today, creating face jugs offers a fantastic opportunity for students to learn both about history and the art of clay sculpting.

How to Make a Pinch Pot: The Foundation of a Face Jug

A pinch pot is a simple yet effective way to start your face jug. Here’s how you can make one:

1. Prepare your clay – Take a ball of clay, about the size of a small orange.
2. Create a hole – Use your thumb to press into the center of the clay ball.
3. Pinch the sides – Slowly pinch the sides outward as you rotate the clay in your hand. Keep the thickness of the walls even, about a quarter of an inch.
4. Shape the pot – Once you’re satisfied with the depth and shape, you’ve got the base of your face jug!

Adding Features: Slip and Scoring Techniques

When adding features like the eyes, nose, mouth, or other details to the face jug, it’s important to use two techniques: slip and scoring.

1. Scoring – Use a sharp tool to create small crisscross marks on both the surface of the pinch pot and the piece you want to attach.
2. Slip – This is a watered-down clay mixture, often the consistency of yogurt. Apply slip generously over the scored areas to act as a glue.
3. Attach and blend – Press the features onto the scored and slipped surface, making sure they adhere properly. Use your fingers or tools to blend the seams.

By mastering these techniques, students can personalize their face jugs with unique expressions and character. The combination of history, creativity, and clay construction will result in a one-of-a-kind artwork that students will treasure!

We have blogged on these before check out the link below:

https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2016/02/clay-face-jugsugly-jugs.html

Always a successful lesson, 1969

 

René Magritte and Surrealism with Oil Pastels

In our latest middle school art project, we explored the work of René Magritte, a famous surrealist artist, by recreating one of his most iconic paintings, The Son of Man. But instead of placing an apple in front of our faces, we each chose something that represents our own personal interests. This allowed us to not only learn about surrealism but also express our individuality in a fun and creative way.

Who Is René Magritte?

René Magritte was a Belgian artist known for his contributions to the surrealist art movement. Born in 1898, Magritte's work often combines ordinary objects in unusual or dreamlike ways, challenging viewers to see the world differently. His paintings are filled with mystery, illusion, and thought-provoking imagery. Magritte liked to blur the lines between reality and imagination, creating art that makes us question what we see and how we interpret it.

One of his most famous pieces, The Son of Man, is a self-portrait of a man wearing a bowler hat, with a green apple floating in front of his face. Magritte explained that the painting represents how we always hide part of ourselves from others, no matter how much we try to show. This theme of hidden identity resonated with many of us as we considered what objects would represent our own interests.

Our Project

In this project, we used oil pastels to create our own versions of The Son of Man, but instead of an apple, each student chose an object that holds personal meaning to them. Some examples included musical instruments, sports equipment, food or even books. By placing these objects in front of our faces, we paid homage to Magritte's surreal style while also creating art that is uniquely ours.

Oil pastels were a great medium for this project because of their rich colors and smooth texture, which allowed us to blend and layer colors easily, giving our work depth and vibrancy. Plus, they offered an opportunity to practice technique while experimenting with surrealist ideas. Yes, we broke out the baby oil and q-tips to help blend on some.

What is Surrealism?

Surrealism is an art movement that started in the early 20th century, aiming to explore the unconscious mind and present a reality beyond the logical or realistic. Artists like Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Max Ernst used dreamlike imagery, unusual combinations, and strange juxtapositions to challenge traditional ideas about art and reality.

This project allowed us to dive into the world of surrealism, where things aren't always what they seem, and creativity knows no bounds. The process taught us that art can be a way to express deeper thoughts and ideas in ways that words can't always capture.

By stepping into Magritte's shoes and adding our own twist, we learned that art is not just about what we see—but also about how we see it.

Happy Fall Y'all! Welcome October...1969