How to Make Claymation

Claymation---animation using clay figures or objects---was invented in the late 1800s. Animating clay was widely used in movies and early television shows where one needed special effects, such as giant creatures like King Kong, or mythical creatures like the snake-haired Medusa of "Clash of the Titans." The technique worked well in situations where a person in a suit or a puppet could not accomplish the effect.

Things You'll Need

• Clay (non-hardening) like plasticine
• 12-inch craft pipe cleaners for a frame
• Wire cutters
• Old newspapers
• Flat countertop or table
• Digital camera
• Tripod
• Movie-making software like Microsoft Movie Maker or Adobe Premier

Instructions

Body Frame

1. Cover the work surface with a layer of newspaper. Bend a pipe cleaner in half so that both ends are of equal length, creating the backbone of the figure. Cut a second pipe cleaner into four equal sections that are three inches long.

2. Insert one 3-inch section of pipe cleaner, half and inch from the bend of the first pipe cleaner so that the rod is in its center. Twist the pipe cleaner above and below the 3-inch piece so it cannot move, forming a pair of shoulders.

3. Repeat the process using a second section of 3-inch pipe cleaner at the opposite end of the stable rod, forming the hips.

4. Wrap one end of the third section of 3-inch pipe cleaner around the center of the shoulders, where it intersects the backbone. Bend the pipe cleaner into a large loop and secure the other end of the cleaner to the other shoulder, creating the head.

5. Cut two 12" pipe cleaners in half. Bend one of the 6-inch pipe cleaners in half and form a very small loop. Slide this onto the pipe cleaner that forms the shoulder. Twist the loop so it is secure to the shoulder, and twist the pipe cleaner into a braid. Repeat the process for the opposite arm.

6. Bend a 6-inch piece of pipe cleaner one inch from the end to create a foot. Bend the remaining length of pipe cleaner so the end touches what would be the heel. Slide the bent end over the hips and secure it by twisting the bend into a tight loop. Continue twisting the remaining length of pipe cleaner to form a strong leg. Repeat the process for the opposite leg, which will complete the frame for your clay body.

Apply the Modeling Clay

1. Knead the modeling clay until it is pliable.

2. Apply the clay to the wire frame to create a person. Create larger-than-life feet and thick legs to allow the figure to stand upright.

3. Apply as little clay as possible to the upper body, arms, and head. (This helps reduce the overall weight of the figure and helps keep the figure balanced.

4. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Stop Motion Photography

1. Set up your clay figure on the work surface. Set up your camera and tripod so that the figure is standing in profile to the camera (facing left or right). Take your first picture.

2. Raise the figure's left leg slightly, so it can still stand. Take the second picture.

3. Move the figure's left leg downward so it is flat on the floor, and move your figure slightly forward. Take your third picture.

4. Repeat the process with the right leg, taking a picture whenever you move the clay, until you have at least 10 pictures.

Creating the Movie

1. Open Microsoft Movie Maker.

2. Click "Import Pictures." Drag and drop each picture into the small squares at the bottom of the page.

3. Click the drop down arrow next to "Finish Movie."

4. Click "Save to my Computer," name the file and click "Next."

5. Click "Finish" and Windows Media Player will automatically play your movie.

Tips & Warnings

• Animation is a long process. To create 60 seconds of film, it will take 1,440 images. Buy clay that does not dry out and does not require continuous moisture. Clays such as these will crack and not hold up well over the duration of your film.

• After handling the figure, wash your hands thoroughly so you don't transfer any of the clay to your photography equipment.

References

• History of Claymation

Resources

• Claytoon Modeling Clay
• Pipe Cleaners