The delicate wings and other features of bugs inspire many clay artists.
Creating bugs from clay can be an educational or just-for-fun project. Insect modeling can be done by amateurs of all ages as well as professionals whose finished clay creations command high prices in fine art galleries. Regardless of the creator, there is something about the delicate and miniature world of bugs that inspires artistic replication, and clay is a perfect medium for the task.
Insect Observation and Modeling Project
Observing and creating bugs out of clay is a great way to teach children about the anatomy of insects. For this project, collect books about bugs as well as a magnifying glass to study them up close on a nature walk. Once careful observations have been made, try making your own versions, using modeling clay and adding details such as construction paper wings, googly eyes, pipe cleaner legs and other craft materials. Details for this project can be found at the Scholastic.com website.
Frightened Fly
Polymer clay is a versatile craft medium which can be permanently hardened in the oven, and can be found in most craft stores. It can also be used to create an adorable insect project called the "Frightened Fly." This project requires polymer clay in either yellow or orange, white and black, as well as some 22-gauge copper wire and a few wooden toothpicks. Detailed instructions for this easy project can be found at Disney's craft site, FamilyFun.Go.com.
Buggy Picture Holders
Another bug project involving polymer clay doubles as a way to display valued photographs. This project takes a little more clay modeling skill as well as an ability to do some decorative painting and wire bending. The bug's body is made from clay which can then be painted, while its legs and antennae--which are used to display a photograph--are made from bent wire. Detailed instructions for this project can be found at HGTV.com.
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