DIY Clay Critter (Duck)

Here is a great craft you can complete anytime you are feeling bored and eager to be creative. I am going to be making a duck, but any type of animal is applicable (if for some reason you really don’t like ducks…) As well, I will be using Super Sculpey clay, which I recommend because it works really well for crafts like this.

GETTING STARTED

Preheat your oven to around 275 °F. Condition all the clay you plan on using by kneading until it is soft and smooth or, if you have one, running it through a Clay Conditioning Machine (I used it in my tech class this year and now I really want one. It works really well!)

STEP 1

Grab some aluminum foil and roll the strip into a ball 1 1/2″ in diameter, for the duck’s body. Roll another ball of foil into a smaller ball about 1″ in diameter, for the duck’s head. Afterwards, grab a toothpick and stick the balls on top of each other.

STEP 2

Take some of that Super Sculpey clay and start covering the aluminum foil balls. You don’t need a lot of clay but make sure you have enough so no aluminum is showing anywhere.

STEP 3

Now it is time to add some features to our duck. Make a small ball of clay and flatten it. Cut it in half and place one half near the centre of the head for the top part of the duck’s beak.

Then place the other half below for the lower part.

Next we will make the wings of the duck. For this you with need to make two disks in an oval shape (keeping it real simple so nothing fancy) and place them on opposite sides of the duck’s body.

Now, the tricky part, the duck’s feet. For this you will need to make two small diamonds (or little kites, which ever helps visually) out of clay. Then start to pinch three of the points so they look more like webbed feet. After you have this shape, place both of the pieces underneath the body so they are sticking out.

Finally, make two really small circles for the eyes.

STEP 4

Place the duck in an oven-proof glass surface and stick that duck in the oven to bake! Leave it in there for about 15-20 minutes. Once it is done, let it cool.

STEP 5

Now it is time to paint! This is my favourite part of this craft because the clay critter is brought to life (plus it looks super cute when it is done!)

I use acrylic paint for the soul purpose that it works on any surface (and it is the only type of paint I like to use anyway). Use whatever colours you like so your duck critter is unique and cute enough for you!

STEP 6

Admire your cute clay critter! 🙂

It really is that simple to make!