Valentine Slab Bowls: A Heartfelt Middle School Art Project

Love and creativity filled the air in the middle school art studio as students got their hands messy crafting Valentine Slab Bowls. This project was the perfect way to combine artistic expression with the spirit of Valentine’s Day, giving students a chance to shape, mold, and personalize their own ceramic keepsakes.

Using the slab-building technique, students rolled out their clay and carefully cut out heart-shaped or circular bases. From there, they added walls to create shallow bowls, smoothing the edges and ensuring each piece had a sturdy form. Another way to tackle this lesson would be to have students press in texture patterns, lace imprints, or hand-carved messages, making their bowls unique and full of personality. We chose just straight up glazing on smooth walls.

Once the clay had dried, the real magic began—glazing! Soft pinks, bold reds, and dreamy pastels transformed the once-gray clay into vibrant, festive pieces. Some students opted for a classic Valentine’s look, while others chose unexpected color combinations that made their designs stand out. I use clay that is white when bisqued. I feel the glaze colors have a truer color to them.

Beyond the artistic technique, this project encouraged students to think about the meaning of handmade gifts. Whether they planned to give their bowls to a friend, family member, or keep them as a personal treasure, the process reinforced the idea that art is not just about creating—it’s about sharing, expressing, and celebrating special moments.

As these beautiful Valentine Slab Bowls head into the kiln for their final firing, there’s a sense of excitement to see the finished pieces. Each one holds the creativity, patience, and care of its maker—a perfect reflection of the love and effort that went into this project.

This is what makes middle school art so special: the chance to experiment, learn, and create something meaningful. Whether it’s a heart-shaped dish or a uniquely textured bowl, these works of art will serve as a reminder of the joy that comes from working with our hands and sharing creativity with others.

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