Old Blog

When I lived in Mesa I also taught art classes.  They were a bit more informal and so was my blog.  I still have it active.  Feel free to look around to see some of the art projects that we did. 

Please keep in mind that the two sessions listed below are rather long sessions, but I can form one of my 4 weeks sessions for you using some of the lessons provided here. After all, these are just for ideas and inspiration.  

Elements of Art Session

Op Art Pop Art Session

Or you can just look around at the blog.  In the beginning it was very informal and I just posted photos of what we were working on, and you will notice it in all of its glory if you scroll to the earliest posts. It is a great way to waste a few minutes while looking at some of the things we did.
Mud Buds Blog

Sample Sessions and or Lessons

Session Title: Tricks and Treats- Getting Ready for Halloween!

Session Description: In this session we will be working with clay to create 3 unique pieces to decorate your home for the Halloween holiday! We are doing these projects in September so that they can be ready for you by the beginning of October!

Lesson 1: Where the Wild Things Are Garden Monsters
September 7th

In this lesson students will create slab monsters out of terra cotta clay. They can be used for decorations in gardens.

Lesson 2: Pumpkin Lanterns
September 14th

In this lesson students will build slab lanterns utilizing a mold (a juice concentrate container or butter tub!). A tea light can be placed in these lanterns.
The image used here is not of pumpkins but of lanterns made using the same method

Lesson 3. Tricked ya! Fake food pies!
September 21st.

In this lesson, students will create a food sculpture that looks so real you might just try to eat it!
It is based on the art work of Pop Artist Claus Oldenburg.
Check out some of his images here: Google Images

Lesson 4: glazing

All pieces will need to be glazed. In this lesson, students will learn about the science behind fireing clay pieces and what happens in the bisque and glaze fireing. They will also learn the correct technique brush glaze application. They will also learn how to add a patina to a piece of art work using a wash.

Session Title: Getting Ready for Christmas
Dates: November 9,16,23 and 30th
Time:

Session Description:
In this 4 week session we will be working with clay to create 3 special Christmas items that can be used as gifts or to share with your friends and family as gifts. Our final day of this session will be used for glazing the pieces. I will fire the pieces as soon as possible and call you when they are ready to be picked up. (usually within a week).

Lesson 1: Clay tile Nativities
November 9th

In this lesson, students will create a relief slab sculpture out of clay using templates. They will utilize the slab hand building techniqe as well as slipping and scoring to adequately affix elements of their design.

Lesson 2: Clay ornaments
November16th

In this lesson, students will create a number of slab ornaments. They will simply cut the shapes with cookie cutters from their rolled out slabs of clay. Decorations will added to the clay with hand cut stencils and a technique of under glaze stenciling. Stamping and hand painting with under glazing may also be utilized.

Lesson 3: Angels
November 23rd

In this lesson, students will sculpt small angel figurines. The bodies will be formed from stamped slabs, and the hair will be extruded clay from a garlic press.


Lesson 4: Glazing
November 30th

All pieces will need to be glazed. In this lesson, students will learn about the science behind fireing clay pieces and what happens in the bisque and glaze fireing. They will also learn the correct technique brush glaze application. They will also learn how to add a patina to a piece of art work using a wash.