Clay Medallions/Jewelry


Minnesota K-3 Visual Art Standards Used in This Lesson:

  • 1. Identify the elements of visual art including Color, line, shape, Form, Value, texture and space.

  • 2. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Identify the characteristics of visual artworks from a variety of cultures including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 4. Create original two- and three- dimensional artworks to express ideas, experiences or stories.

  • 5. Share and describe a personal artwork and reflect on a presentation based on the feedback of others.

  • 6. Compare and contrast the characteristics of a variety of works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Historical Adornment
  • Clay Skills: Scratch and Attach
  • Jewelry Making Techniques
  • Principles of art

    • Students are shown a wealth of differentjewelry medallions made by a variety of artists. The inspiring images are discussed in class. Special note is made of the principles of art used in each piece.
  • Pattern
  • Rhythm
  • Balance
  • Emphasis
  • Harmony
  • Variety
  • Unity

    Different techniques to make medallions out of clay are demonstrated. Beading techniques are also illustrated. Emphasis is placed on scratching up the clay sufficiently when adding clay to clay. "Scratch and Attach"

    Because this lesson will take more than one day, students are given a lump of clay and a small ziplock bag to pack their project away at the end of the hour.

    When we make beads we talk about how small the beads should be. The size of a pea. "Cheesy peas please!" is our mantra. Or: "Big Beads are Bad!"

    When they are finished, each bead and medallion is put into their pinch pots from the previous lesson for firing. This provides a container for their items so they can easily find all their jewelry parts.