Burnished Clay Pocket-Hearts


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Describe the personal, social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence the creation of visual artworks including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • Valentine traditions
  • Paper cutting practice
  • Clay skills
  • 3-d object painting skills


    • After a brief discussion about the history and traditions of Valentine's Day, students are shown how to make a simple bulging heart shape out of clay.

    As the clay dries students burnish their hearts by rubbing them with the back of a spoon until the heart is shiny. These hearts can be tinted with ceramic materials such as Red-Art Clay or iron oxide as students burnish them, or they may be painted after firing.

    The hearts can be given as a token of love for their parents, grandparents, or siblings.


    mp4 video demo