These Indian style lanterns are inspired by the colourful diya candles which are a traditional part of India's Diwali festival.My grade three students created these teardrop shaped diya lanterns with air drying clay. Plastic gemstones and glass beads were pressed into the clay when soft. Once the clay had dried out the lanterns were painted with bright, Indian inspired colours and sprinkled with glitter.
When the paint was dry, I gave each child a candle for their lantern and we lit them up.
The children found this quite magical and despite it being 35 degrees (95 degrees for you Americans), they felt the need to warm their hands by the flames until I got scared and blew out all the candles.
Very cute. What kind of air drying clay do you use?
ReplyDeleteSooooooooooo cute! I love these. I may have to put this in my future file. Did you get the cards yet? If not, I'm getting worried. I sent them Nov. 12th. Please email me either way. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! My 2nd Grade students just completed Dhurrie rugs so maybe these will be next! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh they really are magical! And all the more so when lit. They make me want to warm my hands, too. It is 35 degrees here, too. Alas, Fahrenheit.
ReplyDeleteYou always have such great ideas! Neat project!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for the lovely comments!
ReplyDeleteI converted that to celsius Barbara and it doesn't sound good! :)
Brittney - the only air drying clay I like is something we have called M.A.D clay.
http://www.blackwattle.net.au/MAD%20Clay.html
Nichole - don't stress, read your email :) (they're here!)
Thank you so much for this link. I will definitely purchase some for my kids. Love the lanterns, very beautiful and tranquil.
ReplyDeleteSo refreshing to find a beautiful, useful project...I'm so tired of pinch pots!
ReplyDeleteI know this is an old post, but if you remember how much clay you needed per student, I'd really appreciate the advice!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I guess a ball a bit larger than a tennis ball? I can't be sure but it needs to end up big enough to fit the tea light. Perhaps make a quick one for yourself to see how much clay you use? Good luck.
Deletewhat kind of clay did you use? I know its air drying but do you remember the brand?
ReplyDeleteIt is a brand called MAD CLAY
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