Ceramics for Kids: Creative Clay Projects to Pinch, Roll, Coil, Slam & Twist [Hardcover]

Mary Ellis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2002 | Age Level: 8 and up | Series: Lark Kids' Crafts

Kids will really enjoy these 26 brightly illustrated projects. “There’s lots of fun to be had here, and it’s refreshing to see attractive finished products that look like youngsters have actually made them.”—Booklist. “Appealing....Ellis provides clear directions, uses simple procedures, suggests inexpensive tools, and usually offers several photo examples of completed projects.”—School Library Journal.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-A collection of appealing hand-built, low-fired clay projects, organized by technique and increasing levels of complexity. Ellis provides clear directions, uses simple procedures, suggests inexpensive tools and safety guidelines, and usually offers several photo examples of completed projects. Basic advice on glazing is provided, along with a simple introduction to firing, but children will need to find community centers and schools where the process can be completed. More expensive self-hardening clays are suggested for small projects when a kiln is not available. Samples are pictured in such a way that it is unlikely that children will be inclined to copy them. The imaginative pieces include face jugs, teapots, wind chimes, lanterns, birdhouses, whistles, and birdbaths. Many sections offer historical notes on the art on which projects are based, such as haniwa figures, Peruvian stirrup cups, totem poles, and Egyptian canopic jars. Except for a few cartoon renditions, the illustrations are attractive and the book design is pleasing. A Web site will help readers locate ceramic supply sources. This is a more down-to-earth and basic guide than Elaine Arima's The Kids 'n' Clay Ceramics Book (Tricycle, 2000).
Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Ellis offers a clear introduction to techniques children can use to create a variety of projects. The projects need not be done sequentially, but each project does build on skills developed previously, which range from pinching a simple pot to smoothing slabs over balloons. Complicated projects combine several techniques. The projects range widely, from a totem pole to a teapot to a canopic jar, and sidebars offer interesting historical and cultural asides. One section is devoted to glazing and firing; appropriate warnings and recommendations for adult supervision are included. Numbered photographs featuring children at work are sometimes too small and not always well placed; nor are they uniformly clear representations of the instructions. Such problems aside, however, there's still lots of fun to be had here, and it's refreshing to see attractive finished products that look like youngsters have actually made them. An appended "Gallery" of children's work provides crafters with other ideas. Glossary. Catherine Andronik
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; 1st edition (August 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579901980
• ISBN-13: 978-1579901981
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,171,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars artygirl, August 3, 2005

By 

Artygirl "Amy" (Eden, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ceramics for Kids: Creative Clay Projects to Pinch, Roll, Coil, Slam & Twist (Kids' Crafts) (Paperback)

I used this book for a ceramics class I taught this summer with children between the ages of 6-14. This book contains clear instructions with plenty of great photos of finished pieces. I would highly recommend this book as an addition to any art teacher's collection!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT GREAT GREAT BOOK!, January 7, 2006

By 

ClayGroundGirl "Laurie" (Vestal,NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ceramics for Kids: Creative Clay Projects to Pinch, Roll, Coil, Slam & Twist (Kids' Crafts) (Paperback)

I purchased this book when I added clay to my Paint Your Own Pottery Studio. It has really helped me get my clay program up & running. Great projects, clear instructions, great photos! This book is a "must have" for kids (and adults!) clay programs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for kids of all ages, January 3, 2007

By 

Kirsten Andrews (Gloucester, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ceramics for Kids: Creative Clay Projects to Pinch, Roll, Coil, Slam & Twist (Hardcover)

I take this book with me (along with some self-hardening clay) when I babysit. It never fails to capture the imagination and spark creativity. An older child I was babysitting used the "Mystical Wizard" instructions to make chess pieces. It's a wonderful book!