Clay Cupcakes: 

Wayne Thiebaud & Claes Oldenburg

After studying the art of Wayne Thiebaud, (YUMMY!), we set out to make clay cupcakes. This is perfect way to introduce Claes Oldenburg. 

I bought silicone cupcake liners at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Each student was given a liner, sprinkled with baby powder to keep the clay from sticking.  We made small pinch pots and then pressed and molded them into the liners. The clay that went beyond the height of the liner was trimmed using a large paper clip. The clay was easy to pop out and now you have the bottom.

Another pinch pot would become the top. A cherry was added, with reminders to score and add slip.  The cherry added to the top of the cupcake becomes the handle for our containers.

After firing, it was time to add color! Students were asked to use one color on the bottom and then use several colors to decorate the top.  We actually finished these just in time for Mother's Day.