Modelling & Mosaics

Get ready to create your next modelling or mosaic masterpiece with these marvelous ideas!

Clay Melting Clock

Use clay to make your own surreal melting clock, inspired by Salvador Dali’s painting ‘The Persistence of Memory’ (1931). 

  • Step 1Use a rolling pin to flatten 180g of clay until it is about 1cm thick. Cut out a rough oval shape from the clay using the wooden modelling tool. This will be your clock’s face, so you can make your oval asymmetrical to create a more dramatic melting appearance.
  • CleverTip: You can watch our video on How To Use Pottery Tools for helpful tips and techniques.
  • Step 2Combine the offcuts from your clay and roll them into a log with an approximately 1.5cm diameter. This needs to be long enough to wrap around the edge of your clock, so add more clay if needed.
  • Step 3Use the wooden tool to score around the edge of your clock’s face and one side of the clay log. Wrap the log around the edge of your clock, joining the scored edges together and smoothing the clay.
  • Step 4Use the needle tool to sketch your clock’s numbers and hands into the clay. Experiment with changing and stretching the shapes until you find a design you like. You can use a small amount of water on your finger to smooth over any mistakes!
  • Step 5Cover your sketched numbers and hands with clay. Roll some clay into a thin log, then cut to size and arrange it over your clock’s numbers and hands. Press down gently to secure the clay in place. You may need to use the same scoring technique as step 3 to ensure the clay pieces are secure.
  • Step 6Use the edge of a table to gently bend your clock at a 90º angle. If your clay starts to crack around the bend, you can use some water to smooth the surface before continuing. Leave your clay to fully dry for at least 24 hours.
  • Step 7Use acrylic paint to decorate your clock. Allow to dry.
  • Step 8Finally, give your clock a layer of gloss finish for a shiny, glass-like appearance before leaving it to dry completely.
  • Step 9Now you’re ready to decorate your shelf with a surreal Melting Clock!

Materials used in this activity

Product Code: 16885
EACH $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 16886
EACH $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 16888
EACH $4.94 (inc GST) $4.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Pottery Tool Kit - Pack of 8
Optional
Product Code: 17273
EACH $18.69 (inc GST) $16.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $13.08 (inc GST) $11.89 (ex GST)          
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Paint Brushes - Pack of 12
Optional
Product Code: 18227
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
10 or more $8.79 (inc GST) $7.99 (ex GST)          
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CleverPatch Air Dry Modelling Clay - White - 1kg Pack
Optional
Product Code: 18634
EACH $15.39 (inc GST) $13.99 (ex GST)
12 to 23 $13.19 (inc GST) $11.99 (ex GST) 24 or more $11.54 (inc GST) $10.49 (ex GST)
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CleverPatch Gloss Finish - 240ml
Optional
Product Code: 18797
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
6 or more $7.14 (inc GST) $6.49 (ex GST)          
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Clay Rolling Pin - Each
Optional
Product Code: 21110
EACH $5.49 (inc GST) $4.99 (ex GST)
12 or more $4.39 (inc GST) $3.99 (ex GST)          
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