How to make an underwater tile out of clay

Here’s how to make an underwater tile out of clay with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This is a step up from my clay fish project and can be used alongside nature/seaside/underwater topics or just as something fun to make! Ideal as part of an art day/art week.

Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children and any child needing additional support. If you are new to clay, allow a whole afternoon to make this project if you can.

There are three videos included in this resource, how to make an underwater tile, how to make a starfish and how to paint your underwater tile.

This project is made using three basic shapes, a ball, a bean, and a sausage shape. There is also a video included demonstrating how to make these shapes.

This project can also work as a one to one activity or in small groups.

What you need:
clay
pencils
lolly sticks
pots of slip or water
paintbrushes
acrylic paints

What you get:
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an underwater tile.’
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a starfish.’
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your underwater tile’
Video showing how to make an underwater tile
Video showing how to make a starfish
Video showing how to paint an underwater tile
Video showing how to make four basic shapes (ignore the carrot shape)
Video showing how to press your clay flat

Information for teachers:
How the projects work
Things you will need
Lesson plan
Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating)
Health and Safety
How to recycle your clay
Handling clay
Looking after your clay
Certificate of Achievement

These projects help children learn and practice basic skills which can then be used to create their own projects and enhance their own creativity. Although your children are making the same project, they will all look different.