How to create a clay loom.

Begin with clay. I am using air dry clay, but this would be an awesome ceramics project as well.

Cut a slab of clay and roll out a slab. You can use a rolling pin. To keep it even, place a yard stick under each end of the rolling pin. You want the thicknes to be about 1/4 inch thick.

Nice and smooth. I'm working on newspaper which can stick. I recommend canvas board for this project.

Now it is time to add TEXTURE to our SLAB. Collect things that can be pressed into clay to add texture.

I am using a doily.

TEXTURE

Let's make the template for the loom shape. Fold your paper into quarters.

Draw a line that will be the outer edge of the looom.

Use scissors to cut on that line.

Tada! symmetrical shape.

Draw a shape for the center of the loom. Circles and Ovals work best for the line design.

Cut out that shape as well.

Trace the template on the textured clay slab.

Use a knife tool to carve out the shape.

Save excess clay in an air-tight bag.

Use your finger tips to smooth the rough edges.

Add more disigns if you wish.

I am carving holes out at the top so that I can hang the loom for display.

And holes at the bottom for hanging decorative beads.

If working for more than one day, place on cellophane and cover with cellophane as well. If you are done, let it dry.

Paint it.

To emphasise the texture, I am using two colors of paint.

Work the second color paint into the surface of the sculpture with a paint brush.

Now use a damp rag to lightly wipe away excess paint. Follow up with a paper towel. If you rub to harshly you will lose some of the texture.

Work in small areas at a time.

Look at that TEXTURE!

Once the paint is dry you may want to seal it with a clear gloss spray. Collect a few colors of thread or yarn and a needle.

Thread about 3 inches of a long peice of thread throught the needle.

Loop the thread between any two holes.

Tie it in a knot at the back.

Weave the thread back and forth to create the line design. Notice how my thread is all on the back of the loom.

When you run out of thread, tie on a new peice so the knot is on the back side of the loom.

It's coming along and starting to create a curve in the center.

Tie it off when the loom completes the circle.

My first attempt is a bit Caddy Wompus.

Next I am working another color line design of the front side of the loom. I am skipping fewer holes to create a thinner line disign.

Add as many colors and line designs as you wish.

Add string to hang the loom sculpture for display.

I taped threaded beads through the holes.

I am tracing a photo so I can use this as a picture frame.

These are my good friends Manikin 1 and Manikin 2. They like to make mischief in the art room when all the boys and girls are away.