2nd Grade Ceramic Leaves

 

Second graders created these ceramic leaves, learning about using the shape and texture of natural objects to inspire art.  Our native dogwood leaves, as well as a few viburnum and oak leaf hydrangea leaves, chosen for their easier (than oak and maple) shape and strong veins, were pressed, vein side down, onto clay slabs. Then the leaf shape was carefully cut away from the slab with a plastic knife.  Wet fingers were used to smooth the edges of the clay leaf, and the leaves were gently set into styrofoam bowls to give them a natural-looking curve before hardening.  After bisque firing, students applied glaze lightly to preserve the vein details.