Clay Art – Bark Casting – Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youths make clay casts of tree bark to record and compare bark patterns.

Items Needed:

Hardened Bark Impressions (See Bark Impression activity)
Air-Dry Clay
Rolling pin

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–40 min plus drying time):

Prepare Air-Dry Clay. (3–4 min)
- Roll out a sheet of Air-Dry Clay the same size as the impression.
Make the permanent cast. (5–7 min)
- Place the Air-Dry Clay on top of the impression. Press gently so the ridges transfer without erasing details.
- Use the rolling pin to roll the clay into the bark impression fully. Make sure the bark texture leaves a clear impression in the new cast.
Lift the cast. (2–3 min)
- Carefully lift the Air-Dry Clay to keep the molded texture intact. This is a replica of the original bark created from the negative mold.
Compare bark casts. (5–15 min)
- Repeat the steps with different trees.
- Youth look at the casts together and notice how bark textures are different.
Dry the cast. (2–3 days)
- Set it aside to dry for 2–3 days until hardened.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Alternate Instructions: Lifestyle – How Stuff Works: Tree Crafts for Kids

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met with Nature Art Projects

Info Needed for Art with Nature: Project uses nature directly in the process: through materials (like rocks, leaves, or soil), outdoor spaces, or natural forces (like sunlight or wind). The art may be built outside, designed for nature, or shaped by it.

Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Daisy badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Brownie Outdoor Art Creator badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Junior Outdoor Art Explorer badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Cadette Outdoor Art Apprentice badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Senior Outdoor Art Expert badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Ambassador Outdoor Art Master badge requirements.

Info Needed for Nature Inspired Art Projects: Project creates something that reflects nature’s colors, patterns, themes, or messages. The materials can be anything (fabric, clay, recycled items) but the idea comes from nature. It’s about expressing how nature makes them feel or what it reminds them of.