how to make a clay bird

How to Make a Clay Bird.

Using clay of your choice, shape a little clay bird with basic features and style. It's a good beginner's clay project, to get you used to shaping a figurine with clay and making basic design indents.

Steps.

1. Start with a clay lump that fits snugly in your hand. Mould it in your hands until you get a ball, then put it on the table. Carefully push down to flatten the bottom, without making holes in the ball with your fingers.

2. Form a ball that is a bit smaller than a ping pong ball. Include a little extra in case (for the neck). Put the head on top of the body at an angle then smooth it in with your fingers and some water. Use the extra to make a neck. To get this part right, it is suggested that you keep a picture of a bird in front of you.

3. Take a small rectangle of clay and put it opposite the head for the tail. Smooth it in, in the same manner as you did with the head.

4. Add some detail. For the beak, just locate the right place and put on a little bit of clay and smooth it in, then use a toothpick to shape the beak. Easy.

5. Take a clay oval and smooth it onto the body. Use a toothpick and your fingers to shape it. Do the same on the other side to make wings.

6. Widen the tail at the end by lightly flattening and pushing into the clay. Make some ruffles by adding and smoothing in some clay strips the length of the tail.

7. Add eyes if you want.

8. Check that there are no cracks, as these weaken it when it's dry. If there are any, smooth them out with water and your fingers.

9. If you want your clay bird to be hollow, make a hole in the flat side that goes to a bit before the edge. Carefully spoon out the clay, being careful at the head. Don't hollow out the tail.

10. Leave to dry. If wished, you can paint the bird or add clear varnish.

Follow the instructions on the clay packaging to determine how best to dry the clay; some clay requires baking, while some clay can air dry.

Question : How do I make a clay unicorn?
 Answer : Use your imagination. Look up pictures of a unicorn. If you know how to make a clay horse, do this and add a horn.

Question : How much is white clay? Where can I buy it?
 Answer : The price of white clay varies depending on where you live and what store you buy it from. You can get it at a craft store or you can order it online.

Question : How do I make a tail?
 Answer : For a bird tail, make a small, thick cone-shaped triangle, and round the tip. For the ruffles, flatten some clay and stick it to the tail. Repeat as necessary.

Tips.

Modeling clay can be found in toy, hobby and department stores. It can also be purchased from online retailers.

Things You'll Need.

Modeling clay (air-dry or bake styles are both fine).

Toothpicks.

Small spoon.

Clay sculpting tool (optional but helpful).