Making a Chalice out of Clay for Kids
Children will enjoy creating and then hoisting their own homemade chalice out of clay. A chalice is a footed goblet that often has a heavy, medieval appearance. A homemade clay chalice is a good accessory for a play and also makes a great prop for a child who enjoys role playing as a medieval character, such as a knight or a princess.
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About Chalices
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Although the word chalice is often used interchangeably with goblet, it is most commonly used in reference to the large cup-like vessel in which the wine symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ is served during the Eucharist or a church communion service. The most famous chalice in history is known as the Holy Chalice or the Holy Grail, which many people believe was the vessel Jesus drank from during the Last Supper. The exterior of a chalice can be plain and simple or ornate and bejeweled.
Air-Dry Clay Chalice
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Because most children do not have easy access to a kiln, the easiest way for a kid to make a chalice is to form one out of air-dry clay. Start by taking a ball of the material and, using your thumbs, pressing in the center to form a bowl. Carefully smooth until you have created a cup-like shape. Take another piece of the air-dry clay and roll into a cylinder shape that will be wide and stout enough to hold up the cup portion of the chalice. Score both pieces, then attach the stem to the bottom of the cup portion and smooth together. Create a round base that has a slightly raised center area for your chalice. Once again, score both pieces, and attach the base to the other end of the stem and smooth in place. Allow to dry.
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Slip Clay Chalice
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A slip clay chalice is made in a similar fashion to one made from air-dry clay. Break off three chunks of clay. Because you do not want the clay to dry out, keep the pieces you are not working with under a moist towel. Form a ball with one of the chunks of clay. Use your thumbs to create a hollow center in your ball. Smooth and shape the clay until you get a cup shape. Roll out a second piece into a sturdy stem shape. Score both pieces and then press and smooth the end of the stem against the bottom of your cup. Roll out your last chunk of clay into a long rope and then coil into a base shape. Press the coils together so that the chalice will hold its shape. Score both the base and the stem and bond together.
Finishing the Chalice
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Allow children to paint air-dry clay chalices to give the simple white clay some character. They can also press in fake jewels on the sides of the chalice before the clay dries to give it a more ornate look. Chalices made from air-dry clay will not be waterproof even when dry, so they are not meant to hold liquids and should only be used as props. While products are available that claim to seal air-dry clay crafts, it may not be safe to drink from something finished with these sealants.
Chalices made from slip-clay can be glazed in pretty colors and then fired if you have access to a kiln. This process should make the chalice waterproof.
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References
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