How To Build A Clay Fish For Kids

Do you want to build a 3-D easy pottery fish sculpture with your art class? Get all the details and instructions with this clay fish art lesson for kids.

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This clay project is an awesome 2-day clay building project that will take about 1 hour to complete. In the past, I have done this project with 3rd or 4th graders. This age seems to be able to have the fine motor skills to be able to build a hollow structure and add details to complete a clay fish sculpture.

Why is this simple clay fish build a good project?

As with most art projects for kids, this one allows kids to be able to add details based on their own level and abilities. You can teach kids about basic art elements like form and texture but also add extra vocabulary like movement. 

How to prep for a group of kids to build clay fish?

• Pre-cut clay with a wire cutter.
• Set up placemats for kids to work with.

Before the actual clay building begins, you will want students to create a sketch of the fish they want to create. To help with this, look at examples of real fish and ask students to observe the details that make up a fish.

Have children sketch a least 3 basic shapes.

I always tell kids that artist make multiple sketches because their first idea is not always their best idea. And if your first idea is the best, you will know it after you have drawn the others.

Tips for storing clay from day to day (or class to class)

• Pass out large gallon-sized bags and label them with the child’s name and class (if doing this with a large group)
• Pass out all clay needed for the whole build
• All clay will be stored in the bag for the next time
• Have kids flick 3 “flicks” of water on their fingers before closing the bag completely
• Show kids how to carefully zip part of the bag and gently push out the air before zipping it completely
• Model to kids how to carry the bag by holding clay projects and wrapping back around

Why do you not use slip with kids?

In 14 years, the method of just scoring and adding water has worked very well for these simple clay builds. The biggest reason this would not work is if your clay is not moist enough. Fresh clay or normally even clay from the previous year should work.

You can have students blend the seams with their fingers to help make sure items won’t fall off.

Tools

• Kiln
• Kiln shelves

Do you have to use glaze?

We know better than anyone that sometimes glaze just isn’t in the budget. Other options for adding color to clay include: watercolor paint, acrylic paint, oil pastel with black ink resist, or just a simple clear coat. 

If you are looking for a one-day clay build, check out these adorable clay owls.

How To Build A Clay Fish

*Note each of these builds is based on a 40-minute class time. Days may vary especially if doing this art project with a smaller group.

Day 1 

Step 1: Split the clay into 3 close to equal sections. 

Step 2: Roll 2 of them into spheres (notice I say sphere instead of balls..it just is easier than the giggles).

Step 3: Push your thumb into one sphere as far as it can go without going all the way through.

Step 4: Create a pinch pot but make sure kids do not make the walls to thin. Repeat pinch pot steps to create a matching pinch pot.

Step 5: Score the edges of each clay pot. 

Step 6: Rub water along the two edges.

Step 7: Put pinch pots together. Use your finger to blend the seams. Be careful not to push too hard so as to collapse the fish body.

Step 8: Use the skewer to put a hole for the mouth. Students can make their fish mouths in a variety of sizes. I like to have all fish have mouths to help with airflow in the kin.

Step 9: Use fingers to sculpt a fish mouth and/or use your finger to pop any spots that may have collapsed.

If doing this with a class, this is a great stopping point. Follow the clay storing tips above to keep the clay moist until the next time they can build.

Day 2

Step 10: Make details such as fins and eyes by making a small slab and cutting through the clay in the desired shapes.

Step 11: Continue to build fish eyes, side fins, tail fins, and any other details they want to add.

Step 12: Make sure kids score (draw small lines on both the item they are attaching and where they are attaching it). The most important part is that kids score first and then add water no matter what they are attaching.

Step 14: Use a skewer, popsicle stick or clay tools to add extra fish-like textures. 

Step 15: Write the child’s name on the bottom of the fish. I always think it is best to have an adult do this. You can use a skewer but a nice needle tool will help you get a fine line.

How long should you let these clay fish dry?

For any elementary art clay project that I do, I wait at least a week. Some of these fish may take that long to dry depending on the thickness of the clay and how much they add. It is always better to be safe than sorry. 

Load your kiln and run the kiln at Cone 06 if you using the clay we recommended above.

Looking for another fun pinch pot art project for kids?

• Pinch Pot Monster ceramic idea!
• Easy Pinch Pot Turtle
• Animal Pinch Pots

We just love opening the kiln and seeing the awesome clay fish art projects!

Don’t have time to glaze your fish? Learn how to use watercolor paint on clay to create a fun effect. A clear sealer really makes all the difference.

Follow us on Pinterest or Flipboard for more free art and craft ideas!

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Printable instructions here