Clay Rock Fish

Educator Amanda O’Shaughnessy (@artoshaughnessy) demos a simple lesson that yields success at all elementary levels!

Amanda takes you through making “rock fish” after reading “Only One You” by Linda Kranz. It’s a great way to utilize scrap clay from previous projects and facilitate something small yet impactful. The transformation from clay to it becoming “hard as a rock” after the 1st firing was quite effective. So many fun jokes to connect with your kids on in this project.

Supplies List

Sticky Notes
Writing Utensil
Tray
AMACO No. 25 White Art Clay
Texture Tools
Wooden Skewer
AMACO Teacher's Palette Light Glazes

Create Clay Rock Fish

Roll your clay into a sphere
Using the palm of your hand, flatten the clay so it resembles a flat rock
Using texture tools and found object, create texture. Be sure to include an eye, mouth, face, and body for the rock fish
Add a small hole through the fish to be able to hang it up for display
Allow the fish to dry completely, the bisque fire to cone 04
Optional: Apply one coat of black Velvet Underglaze, allow to dry, then wipe back to create an inlay.
Apply AMACO Teacher's Palette Light Glazes
Fire to cone 05