This session shows you how to make a pot vase like those our ancestors may have made with clay. We will turn ours into vases - although if you wanted to add handles on the sides you would have something really similar to a pot from ancient times. Our civilisations have been crafting and working with clay earth for many centuries and the development of pots would have allowed them to store and carry fluids, oils and foods which may have allowed them to live for longer as seasonal foods could be stored better, giving a more varied diet during months where foods were less available. If you wanted, with a few more processes (the correct clay, glazing and firing), you could still use a pinch pot vase method to design a really large vase for use in your home. Depending on the size and shapes that you make them into and the width of the neck of the vase, you could use your vase pot to keep flowers in, pencils, crayons and many other things. What will yours become? They also make wonderful personal gifts for friends and family alike. You can either look closer at the earth on your walks and see if you have any natural clay sources close to your home which we would always recommend to add something extra and more personal to your nature art adventures (looking near rivers and streams can be one way of finding out), or you could purchase clay at an art store on an online source. Follow the video and discover how to make beautiful pinch pot vases.
For this activity you will need:
clay, bowl of water, pencil, twig, cloth to wipe hands on, apron, Optionals: wire for cutting through the clay - like a cheese wire, objects and items for mark making and decorative use.
Whilst using this art resource to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing like this: 1) Get Active - taking a family walk to collect the initial clay resource not only gets you out and walking but also learning about the local environment, waterways and physical geography. 2) Keep Learning - Learning how to pass on these simple arts and crafts activities can bring joy to the teacher, the maker and the receiver. The making of pinch pot vases has a definite place in history and our cultural development - take the opportunity to look at the pots and bowls of our ancestors to see how they decorated theirs and what functions they had.
3) Be Mindful - Take your time when looking for and collecting clay, embed yourself deeply in your local surroundings and be mindful that there is a whole planet underneath our paved existence. This kind of nature connection is calming to our nervous systems. Making and creating objects is also an activity that develops focus in our minds and brings about satisfaction and calm.
4) Practice Kindness - Remember that everyone's outcome will differ, respond with enthusiasm and respect and watch your child's confidence grow.
5) Think Community - Share these pots by gifting them to your family, friends, neighbours and community.
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