How to Make Pottery Games

Pottery tic tac toe

Pottery games can be an inexpensive way to educate and entertain children. Creating games using clay allows a child to explore their tactile senses and develop their imagination even further. As the child builds their game from beginning to end, they will be able to identify shapes, colors, textures and the satisfaction of creating their own game.

Things You'll Need

• 12-inch by 12-inch piece of black sturdy cardboard
• 1 package oven-bake clay in white, red and blue
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Glue
• Plastic knife
• Pencil
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

Pottery Tic Tac Toe

1. Take the sturdy piece of black cardboard and cut out a 12-inch by 12-inch piece. Put aside and save for later.

2. Take the white clay and, using a plastic knife, cut a piece the length of the clay block. Lay this piece of clay down and begin to roll it, so that it creates a long skinny stick (pencil thick) about 10 inches long. Make eight long sticks of white clay, all 10 inches long. Using a cookie sheet underneath, assemble the sticks into a square, using four clay sticks for the outside. Then place two of the sticks horizontal inside your square about 3 inches apart. Then take the last two clay sticks and place them horizontal about 3 inches apart. When you're finished you will have a box with nine squares. Where the sticks meet, simply squish together to give a seamless look, while the clay is still moist. Set the cookie sheet aside.

3. Using the red clay, cut off about 1 inch of clay and roll it out with your fingers, using a back-and-forth motion. Once it is rolled out in a long stick, cut that stick in half. Then place one stick over the other to make an X. Repeat this process and make five Xs.

4. Take the blue clay and cut off about 1 inch of clay and roll in a ball in your hand. Then slap the clay on the table, making the bottom of it flat. Next take your pencil and use the eraser end to punch a hole in the middle of the clay circle and discard the middle. Repeat this process and make five Os.

5. Carefully place all your clay pieces, on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven. Let cool.

6. Take the piece of sturdy black cardboard and arrange the square boxes so that it is centered on the board. Glue the bottom side of the clay square to the board.

7. Once the board is dry, it is now time to play pottery tic tac toe.

Tips & Warnings

• Oven-bake clay is available at your local hobby and craft store and comes in all colors, so there is no need to paint the game pieces.

• Read package instructions for oven temperature and drying time.

• Adult supervision is required for all arts and crafts projects. Observe closely and monitor for any potential safety hazards. Scissors and plastic knifes have sharp edges and should not be used by children under the age of 4.

References

• Rebecca Gallegos; Owner of Mobile Mudpies; Keller, Texas