How to Make a Clay Dragon Boat
A dragon boat's shape is similar to a canoe or rowing boat with multiple seats for racing. The front of the dragon boat is decorated with the head of a dragon. Older versions of the dragon boat have a high front and back. Make a replica of a dragon boat using salt clay, modeling clay, polyurethane clay or pottery clay. The process is the same to make a boat out of any type of clay. Salt, polyurethane and pottery clay must be baked or fired to achieve hardness.
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Things You'll Need
- 12-inch square wax paper
- Modeling clay
- Craft knife
- Toothpick
- Artist paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Cover the work area with a 12-inch square piece of wax paper. Squeeze together two sticks of modeling clay and roll a tube approximately 1 1/2-inch round and 8-inches long. Place the modeling clay on the wax paper.
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2
Cut a "V" 1-inch deep and 1-inch wide down the center of the clay tube starting approximately 1-inch from one end and stopping 1/2-inch from the other. Mold the "V" to create a rounded bottom like the inside of a canoe.
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3
Shape a dragon head on the end of the boat with the 1-inch section of clay. Cut approximately 1/2-inch of the clay from the bottom of the round end. Make the cut approximately 1-inch long cutting toward the hollowed seating area of the boat.
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4
Shape a snout from the end of the clay by rolling your forefinger and thumb around the width of the clay. Squeeze gently to help elongate the snout. Shape the eyes at the top of the snout or add two small 1/4-inch balls of clay to form the eyes.
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5
Draw an outline to the mouth and teeth of the dragon with a toothpick. Carve small C shapes next to one another to form the scales on the dragon. Make rounded indentations to form muscle lines under the jaw with the handle end of a paintbrush. Add additional features of the dragon as desired.
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6
Roll a tube of modeling clay 1/2-inch thick and 4-inches long. Press the tube with your fingers until it is approximately 1/4-inch thick. Lay the strip across the seat opening in the dragon boat. Cut five to seven seats the width of the seat opening.
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7
Roll 10 to 14 balls of modeling clay 1/4-inch round. Place two balls side-by-side under the desired seat location. Place a cut seat section on top of the two clay balls. Smooth the edges of the seat to the sides of the dragon boat.
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Carve decoration such as scroll work or flames onto the side of the dragon boat with a toothpick or the handle end of the paintbrush.
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Tips & Warnings
When using a clay type besides modeling clay, bake or fire the clay at the designated temperature or cone setting.
