Model Magic Self Portrait

This would be a great activity for back-to-school with each child making their own face and it makes a beautiful keepsake. 

We made it based on some Christmas ornaments we made years ago: 

http://make-it-your-own.com/clay-portrait-ornaments/

Materials

• Wooden plaque (You can purchase these at craft stores, dollar stores or online)
• Model magic (our suggestion is to use a coupon or look for sales that happen at Michaels or other stores)
• Clay board
• Rolling pin
• Circle cookie cutter  (you could also use a lid or the opening of a cup)
• Clay tools (optional)
• Drying rack
• Glue gun/ glue
• Stamps
• Ruler
• Pencil/eraser

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Create your face base out of model magic to match your skin tone.  We did this by rolling out a piece on a board and cutting out a circle with a cutter.  Older children could shape their face with their hands and/or flatten out a ball.  If you don’t have a circle cookie cutter, simply use a lid or the opening of a jar.

• Add your details to create yourself in layers- what colour are your eyes, hair etc.

• Once you have made your face, allow it to dry on a cooling rack.  Depending on the heat and humidity in your area, this could be overnight or longer.

• Glue your face onto your plaque and allow it to dry.

• Lightly draw a penciled line to stamp the letters of your name.  Once your ink is throughly dry, you can gently erase it.

• Display yourself and it you like add a written component with this printable: unique

Variation

You could also do this project using white model magic and paint your creations like this one from Art with Mr. Giannetto:

https://youngschoolart.blogspot.com/2015/10/2nd-grade-clay-day.html

Pin this idea:

Purpose

• Working with different materials.
• Celebrating each person’s uniqueness.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use a glue gun with care and direct, adult supervision.
• Follow product directions.