Angry Birds, Polymer Clay, and Boys – Oh My!

We recently discovered a super fun craft activity for the boys: making our own Angry Birds out of polymer clay! The clay is a little harder to manipulate than PlayDoh, which is perfect for our purpose. I am always looking for ways to strengthen the boys’ fine motor skills and hand muscles. Manipulating and molding this clay gives their little hands a good workout, without being so hard that it discourages impatient children.

Jordan and Jacob are obsessed with watching YouTube videos of their idol EvanTubeHD. This little boy has a series of videos where he reviews games, toys and shares some fun craft ideas. He is the reason why our boys are now unable to open presents or boxes without making a big production (aka epic unboxing) out of every.single.toy. Jordan watched Evan’s videos on how to make Angry Birds out of polymer clay, which then inspired him to create his own collection of the ever-popular flying moody birds.

Blue Bird with Eggs: 

• The eggs and the bird are primarily made out of simple round balls.
• The eggs were shaped into ovals and the dots were placed onto the egg, one color on top of the other.
• The eggs were rolled on the work surface until the dots had been incorporated into the blue for a smooth shape.
• Use the tools (see below) to blend the feathers on top of the bird’s head and tail feathers.

 

 

Supplies needed for this project:

• Polymer clay! I love the bright colors in this package – so vibrant! Your creation is sure to stand out!
  
• Clay tools! These tools are a must-have when making fine details and blending lines.

• Polymer clay glossy glaze! This is the finishing touch your creation needs for a Pinterest-worthy shine!
• Small paint brush! This is used to apply the glaze.
• Oven! I am not attaching a picture – I hope that’s OK!
• Oven safe surface (an metal cookie sheet is perfect)! My old cookie sheets aren’t worthy of a picture!
• Work surface (plastic placemat)! This is an important item which makes clean-up easier too!

[bctt tweet=”You won’t believe how easy it is to make these fun #AngryBirds! #DIY #Craft “]

Basic instructions: 

• Start with clean hands and work area.
• Knead clay until soft and smooth. (Use child labor for this step, it’s great for their hands)
• Shape and mold clay.
• Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275F for 15 minuter per 1/4″ of thickness
• Do NOT microwave.
• Do NOT over-bake.
• Wash hands.
• Once the creation has cooled off completed, apply a layer of glaze for a complete glossy shine.

Birds in the oven!

Heads up:
I learned a few things (the hard way), so I am sharing them with you!

• Please note that the clay may (temporarily) stain surfaces, clothes and hands.
• Keep a package of baby wipes nearby for quick clean up before using a new color of clay.
• Put down an old plastic placemat as a work surface to protect your table.
• Remember to roll up the kids’ sleeves, or do as our kids do: go shirtless! (They love any excuse to take their shirts off – pants for that matter too!)
• I think it goes without saying that an adult needs to take over operations when you start baking and removing the finished items from the oven.

Verdict! Final Words: 

We LOVE polymer clay. Jordan looks for inspiration on the internet and he loves being my little helper. The kids each have their own level of dexterity, imagination and creativity. This product is very forgiving and makes even the simplest creations look like works of art! The end results are always stunning and they become my new favorite items to proudly display.

What creatures would your children make out of polymer clay? – Share your ideas in the comments.