Coil Hearts

Coil Hearts
1st Grade

The project was inspired by the artist Jim Dine.  Jim Dine was part of the Pop Art movement.  An easy way to note that is his repetition of his shapes and the vibrant use of colors. This lesson allows the students to gain more experience and learn a new few clay techniques while creating an art piece that has the concept of form (aka dimension).  As the students continue in their education, they can use their knowledge and experience on the concept of form (2D vs. 3D) in core areas such as math.  The first year I made these, my first graders really enjoyed this project. 

Step 1.  Use a rolling pin to roll the clay flat.  I usually use the “Roll, Roll, Flip” method, so my clay doesn’t get stuck to the table.  Roll it twice then flip it over.  Roll it twice then flip it over.

Step 2.  Use a “large toothpick”  (aka. a picked wooden stick) or a pencil to cut out a heart shape.

Step 3.  Use the excess clay to roll clay snakes. 

Step 4.  Roll the clay snakes into coils.  The number of coils needed will depend on how 1) how big the clay heart is 2) how big the coils are.

Step 5.  Score the bottom of each coil and score the area of the heart to which you wish to attach coil. Score definition (for the students): To scratch hatch marks into the clay.

Step 6. Add slip to the bottom of each coil and the heart.  Slip definition (for the students): Liquid clay with the constituency of thick cream.

Step 7. Smooth coil and heart together as needed.

Step 8. Allow heart to dry for a week then bake in kiln.

Step 9. Color coils with construction paper crayons. (Oil crayons pastels will work, too.)

Step 10. Paint the entire heart with black tempera paint. Sometimes I would water down the paint just a tiny bit to help.  (Making sure to get paint even in-between the coils.)

Step 11. For students finishing early, they may choose an activity from the Jim Dine Choice Board. (For 1st graders, I, the teacher, would just pick a few (3ish) activities from the Choice Board and have examples and simple materials ready to go.) If you move this whole project up to older grades, I would let the students read and pick from the choice board themselves.

Choice Board:

View my lesson plan with link below:

COMING SOON!