Lesson:

Grade Level:
Signature Stamp/Tile (Part 1 of 2) Ceramics 1

Objective:
Students will consider elements of design and symbolism to plan and execute
bisque ware stamps and finished tile.

Cross-Curricular Link(s): Benchmarks/Standards:

Science, ELA Perform
ART.VA.I.HS.1 Apply acquired knowledge and skills to the creative problem solving
Materials: process.
8.5 x 11 printer paper ART.VA.I.HS.5 Responsibly and safely manage materials and tools.
White Stoneware Clay Create
Various Clay Tools ART.VA.II.HS.1 Identify, define problems, and reflect upon possible visual solutions.
Ware Boards ART.VA.II.HS.4 Apply knowledge and skill to symbolize the essence of an idea.
Plastic Bags ART.VA.II.HS.5 Reflect, articulate, and edit the development of artwork throughout
the creative process.
Analyze
Artist Examples: ART.VA.III.HS.4 Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of one’s artwork.
Conga Line (2016), Under The Analyze in Context
Boardwalk (2018) by Heather ART.VA.IV.HS.4 Use knowledge of art and design history to inform personal
Breil artwork.
Analyze and Make Connections
Vocabulary: ART.VA.V.HS.6 Understand artistic knowledge as an important tool for successful
Plastic living in the 21st century.
Leather hard
Bisque ware Suggested Presentation:
Bone-Dry 1. Introduction of Project
Thickness Rule Continued use of clay tools and techniques
Score and Slip Viewing Artist Exemplars
Model/Compress
Organic 2. Demonstration of Creating Clay Stamps
Geometric Explanation of Rubric with physical and visual examples
Decorative
Signature 3. Small group experimentation with clay stamp samples
Symbolic Opportunity to test for craftsmanship, effectiveness, and design

4. Demonstration of Brainstorming/Thumbnailing

5. Preview of Tile (Part 2)
Other Consideration(s): Show tile exemplar for big picture context
Flexible assignments/tasks
Extended time, slower pace 6. Small Group Critique
- Overlap with last deadline Important Practice as Artist and Adults
Modified, simplified lesson
- Number of Stamps 7. Demonstration of Digital Submission Procedures
- Size of tile
- Challenging advanced learners
Additional experimentation Intermittent Student Work Sessions
Advanced techniques
- Types of Stamps
- Additive Sculpture
Creation of additional piece
or larger scale


Sell, Molly (2020)

Clay Stamps

Project Objectives:
● Design and execute (at least) 3 successful stamps
● One must be​ a “Signature Stamp”
○ Simple image that describes/symbolizes you
○ Be prepared to turn in a written explanation of meaning
■ I will never discuss with classmates/others anything personal
Stages:
1. Create several design concepts
○ Consider line, shape, size, etc. of both craved design and the stamp itself
■ Whatever you leave raised will be a part of your image (including main shape)
○ “Signature Stamp”
■ Will be hidden “in plain sight” in future piece
2. Create handle
○ Hold clay in palm of dominant hand and leave about half showing above hand to flatten
○ Squeeze until comfortable to grip and use fingers to smooth out
■ It doesn’t have to be too pretty

3. Create Stamp End

○ Hold handle in non-dominant hand and gently press leftover part down towards hand to flatten
■ Remember thickness rule

STOP AND: Write initials in handle with needle tool

4. Create Stamp Image

○ Use loop tool, needle tool, etc. to create image on stamp surface
○ REMEMBER: whatever is raised will show up when stamped
■ Some designs may need to be scored and slipped vs. carved

Grading:
Stage Points
Creativity/originality of designs 20
Creation and explanation of Signature Stamp 10
Execution of stamp creation - effectiveness and craftsmanship (3) 20
Total: 50 points

*NOTE: all scraps of clay should be recycled*

DON’T FORGET: turn in image of each stamp and written explanation of meaning
 Lesson: Grade Level:
Signature Stamp/Tile (Part 2 of 2) Ceramics 1

Objective:
Students will consider elements of design and symbolism to plan and execute
bisque ware stamps and finished tile.

Cross-Curricular Link(s): Benchmarks/Standards:

Science, ELA Perform
ART.VA.I.HS.1 Apply acquired knowledge and skills to the creative problem solving
Materials: process.
8.5 x 11 printer paper ART.VA.I.HS.5 Responsibly and safely manage materials and tools.
White Stoneware Clay Create
Various Clay Tools ART.VA.II.HS.1 Identify, define problems, and reflect upon possible visual solutions.
Ware Boards ART.VA.II.HS.4 Apply knowledge and skill to symbolize the essence of an idea.
Plastic Bags ART.VA.II.HS.5 Reflect, articulate, and edit the development of artwork throughout
the creative process.
Analyze
Artist Examples: ART.VA.III.HS.4 Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of one’s artwork.
Conga Line (2016), Under The Analyze in Context
Boardwalk (2018) by Heather ART.VA.IV.HS.4 Use knowledge of art and design history to inform personal
Breil artwork.
Analyze and Make Connections
Vocabulary: ART.VA.V.HS.6 Understand artistic knowledge as an important tool for successful
Plastic living in the 21st century.
Leather hard
Bisque ware Suggested Presentation:
Bone-Dry 1. Review of Expectations
Thickness Rule
Score and Slip 2. Explanation of Tile
Model/Compress Explanation of Rubric with physical and visual examples
Organic
Geometric 3. Demonstration of Creating Clay Tile
Decorative
Signature 4. Demonstration of Glazing Clay Tile
Symbolic

Intermittent Student Work Sessions

Other Consideration(s):
Flexible assignments/tasks
Extended time, slower pace
- Overlap with last deadline
Modified, simplified lesson
- Number of Stamps
- Size of tile
- Challenging advanced learners
Additional experimentation
Advanced techniques
- Types of Stamps
- Additive Sculpture
Creation of additional piece
or larger scale


Sell, Molly (2020)

Clay Tile

Project Objectives:
● Design and execute 1 successful tile
○ Must use “Signature Stamp”
○ Utilize size guide of 8 in. x 8 in.
● Successfully apply Crystal Glaze

Stages:
1. Create several design concepts
○ Consider balance, pattern, positive and negative space, etc. of tile design
○ “Signature Stamp”
■ Use ​within design​ of tile (not on back)

2. Roll Clay Slab

○ Wedge 2-3 chunks of clay together then flatten slightly with fist
■ If available, do at wedging table with canvas cover
○ Stack 2 rulers on each side of clay and use roller to flatten clay
■ Roll back and forth about twice then flip and turn clay
■ If your slab is too long in one direction you won’t have enough for a square
○ Once roller is moving on top of rulers, you have flattened enough
■ Listen for the “rubbing” sound

3. Cut and Prepare Slab

○ Place size guide on top of slab and trace around using needle tool or knife
■ You may have to trace again with more pressure to complete cut
○ Place slab on wareboard and smooth out edges and top with rib, sponge, etc.

4. Stamp Onto Slab

○ Working on a wareboard, use bisque stamps to imprint design onto slab
■ Be careful not to work too closely to the edge or your slab will warp

5. Glazing Slab
○ After your slab has been bisque fired, choose ​1 Crystal Glaze​ to apply
○ Working on a green piece of paper, apply 2-3 coats of glaze to slab
■ Make sure to get “crystal pieces” all the way at the bottom for full effect
■ Absolutely ​no white spaces​, make sure and get good coverage
■ No glaze on bottom​ of tile

Grading:
Stage Points
Creativity/originality of design 20
Execution of tile creation - effectiveness and craftsmanship 25
Successful application of Crystal Glaze 5
Total: 50 points

DON’T FORGET: turn in finished tile and your 3 most successful stamps
on a green paper on the 3-D Turn-In shelf