Clay Loom Weaving

Fifth Grade Art
5 to 6 class periods

Clay Loom Weaving, Fifth Grade Art Lesson

Day 1:
* Take a softball size piece of clay, wedge clay ball then roll clay so it is 1/4 inch thick.  We use sticks to help us reach our desired thickness.

Rolling out clay slab.

*  Next students used various found objects to press into the clay to create a texture and design.

Creating texture.

* The pattern for the loom is then traced and cut out.

*  Holes for warp threads are placed above and below the center opening of the piece.

Cutting out pattern and creating warp thread holes.

*  Students then used a small amount of water to smooth out the edges on the loom.  Name and class code was labeled on the back of the loom.
*  Pieces were then set aside to dry before placing them into the kiln.

Day 2:
* Students reviewed the glazing process before glazing their looms.
*  Looms were then fired for a second time.

Day 3:
*  Warp the loom.

Warping the loom.

Day 4-5:
*  Weave.

Student Examples: